Alan Parsons
Try Anything Once

After the good "Gaudi" of 1987, Parsons fans shelve the work of the Project. There are confirmed reports of the breakup of the artistic partnership with Eric Woolfson, the iconic voice and co-author. Is this the end?
Thankfully no... six years later, Alan Parsons releases this "Try Anything Once", with the usual musicians. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Including Andrew Powell.
Great expectations for this work, which should partly make up for, if not replace, the likes of "Pyramid," "I Robot," "The Turn Of...".
In part, it succeeds. It all opens with "Three of Me" with a powerful intro that surprises. A track that deserves more than a few listens to be fully appreciated. Music that is not immediately accessible, a sign of the great work in the studio and during the composition phase. We find all the sharpened weapons of Parsons and his associates well-honed. Unique atmospheres with no spares in the arrangements. Yes... they are the Project.
Follows "Turn it Up"... the single from the work, far from being a hit like "Eye in the Sky". Calm tones with an intriguing synth interlude that comes and goes... akin to "Games People Play". The formulas are the same as always, it corrupts your ears and fascinates. Good piece and a beautiful solo by Bairnson, a great guitarist.
"Wine from the Water" is too long and simplistic, not noteworthy. Overshadowed by the previous pieces. A British little ballad. We are then led to the instrumental "Breakaway". Now tried and tested devices, riffs with repeated sax and a lined-up Philharmonic. Charming in '80s style. Serves as an intro to the notable "Mr. Time" sung by Jaqui Copland's seductive female voice. Quite introspective and Floydian at the start. But the over eight-minute passage flows well. Among the best tracks.
"Jigue", an instrumental in medieval style where you can hear Powell's characteristic score. It would fit well in "The Turn of a Friendly Card" as a stylistic placement. Interesting Iberian-medieval intertwinings. It's a classic Parsons theme song.
"I'm Talking To You" offers some nice moments with well-organized orchestral breaks and choruses. Played in an upbeat manner. Good piece.
Afterwards, one can sink into the sofa looking at old photos with the splendid "Siren Song". Nothing new in the catalog, but the atmosphere is beautiful and inevitably leads to "To One in Paradise". Relaxing. The following "Dreamscape" by Bairnson is another chamomile for the eardrums, we are in the Sussex countryside, where they recorded, in the new "Parsonics" studios. A good cup of hot tea looking at the mist that streaks the horizon.
"Back Against the Wall" echoes many ideas from the past like "Psychobabble". The repeated references to previous works are inevitable, considering the evidence in the listening. "Rejigue" is the reprise, in fact better, of the instrumental. Was it needed? Meh. "Oh Life" is one of the three notable tracks of the album. Very beautiful and melancholic. Follows a crescendo up to the great guitar solo. Lovely piece.

The reunion of the formation with Alan Parsons leading doesn't give special jolts to the usual admirers except for the first track, almost innovative. It seems that they don't want to risk anything and make the best use of their know-how. There's a latent certain fatigue, the magic of the early works is no longer there. The absence of Woolfson's voice is felt, the nostalgic do not forgive.
Praiseworthy and expected use of technology, excellent. Expectations are sufficiently met. The inner booklet is marvelous with a colossal photoshoot by Storm Thorgerson. It's an energetic work but at the same time lacks weight. If you have nothing by Alan Parsons, it's not a bad start, indeed. If you have it all like in my case, you listen to it, but not like "I Robot," which is truly another thing. The concept vein in this case is absent. But to this bearded gentle giant, I give a pat on the cheeks and with the other hand, I pull his earlobe. Rating three and a half stars.

Joe Cavalli