The Alan Parson Project - Anthology (All The Best)

This was my first introduction to The APP.
I was captured by the abstract cover design and mesmerized by the music immediately.
As I understand it came out in Italy only.
Considering how cheaply made the All The Best series seemed to have been done, I doubt these are new transfers but I was wondering if someone out there has ever compared this tracks with their album counterparts.
At least some EQ to even out the tracks mast have been applied.
Just curious.

Anyone?

Thank you

 

I tried to find this album on 7Digital Italy and iTunes Italy but I didn't succeed. I have most of the original and remastered CDs. For I Robot I also have the MoFi. I could make some quick A/B tests if you provide me short samples. It would be worth checking a couple of songs from different albums...

 

No problem, the album is already ripped and backed up.
Just place you order and you'll have your samples.

 

I Robot or I Wouldn't want to be like you are good benchmarks IMO. Also Hyper-Gamma-Spaces and Eye in the sky (it's probably easier to check differences when the tracks include vocals).
Looking forward to listening some samples!

 

Interesting. This Anthology is from the U.K. Fifteen songs.

 

AVOID this CD at all costs! I used to own it and the sound is not very good!

 

Don't know about this CD, but "The Definitive Collection" (1997 Remaster) sounds quite good. There are a couple of versions around (also available from 7Digital), with different track listing.

 

As far as an overview of their catalog, I agree "The Definitive Collection" (1997, Arista) is a good one, "song" and "sound wise"!

The Definitive Collection (Alan Parsons album) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia »

 

I have a pre-bonus track issue of "The Turn Of A Friendly Card", I love the music but the mastering leaves a lot to be desired, what would be the version to get? Specifically there seems to be a *guessing here* high shelving filter applied to the whole album on my copy.


It's this one: https://www.discogs.com/The-Alan-Parsons-Project-The-Turn-Of-A-Friendly-Card/release/8080747

 

Best sounding "Turn Of A Friendly Card" digitally for me, is the 2004 "Classic Records" HDAD (Long out of print and now VERY expensive, if you can even find one, but worth the cost and hunt, if you love that album).

https://www.discogs.com/The-Alan-Parsons-Project-The-Turn-Of-A-Friendly-Card/release/2236311

 

Thanks, that may very well end up being my Christmas gift to myself

 

Again, if you really like that album, it's a must to have. I'm sure that if you do a search on this forum and elsewhere, you'll read very high praise from others about the CLASSIC RECORDS HDAD version!

 

Would it be safe to assume their vinyl pressing is also superior?

 

A couple of threads that I found useful about that:
REVIEW - The Turn of a Friendly Card, Classic Records HDAD » (this for the HDAD)

Alan Parsons Project - remasters or originals? » (this is for originals vs. remasters)

I've never heard the HDAD unfortunately but I find the remastered version quite good, and it's easy to find! (Eye in the sky and this album are the two I like among the remastered CDs).

There is one for sale from Discogs... expensive though
https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/2236311?ev=rb

 

Same name, totally different album.
Understandable, as I believe the Italian one was just for the internal market.

Sorry for the delay, I was more out of house than not these days. Today I'll prepare the samples.

 

I agree. Only quibble is that it doesn't include any material from 'Tales...'.

 

There were lots of different 'Best of' releases for APP over the years in several EU countries. I have this double CD that, to my knowledge, was only released in Holland. I quite like the sound of it:

https://www.discogs.com/Alan-Parsons-Project-The-Ultimate-Collection/release/900859

And also this single disc:

https://www.discogs.com/Alan-Parsons-Project-Pop-Classics/release/1954792

Of course, I picked up all the individual CDs later on, even including AP solo albums and the Eric Woolfson Freudiana disc.

 

@albertop

here they are

MEGA »

I'm uploading right now

 

???
My "Definitive Collection" starts with "System Of Doctor Tarr" and "The Raven", both from "Tales"

One must remember this about The Alan Parsons Project catalog and that is that EVERY A.P.P. original album, except "Tales", were all on Arista, now owned by Sony, while "Tales" was on 20th Century, which is now owned by Universal. Any time that there is a comp of their songs, Arista would have to pay license to Universal, for any "Tales" songs to be included.

 

IIRC there are two versions around, one is missing the two tracks from Tales

 

Good to know, but I put a direct link in post #8 above, of the version of "Definitive Collection" that I own.

 

Downloaded. I'll get back to you asap.
Cheers

 

I did some A/B tests, comparing your samples to some of my CD and SACD rips:
- none of your tracks correspond to any of mine. Different versions, I suppose adjusted for the collection album
- there are two bad sounding tracks, in my opinion: "I Robot" and "I wouldn't want to be like you". Both the original Arista CD and the MoFi SACD beat your versions - more detail, more punch... your two tracks sound muffled, a lot
- Eye in the sky sounds pretty good to me, it's almost identical to my old CD (that disc has never sounded bad, neither the original nor the remaster). You could be happy with your version!
- Hyper-Gamma-Spaces doesn't sound bad, but I've heard better versions. The standard releases (especially the remaster) beat it
In summary, I believe your CD is not really the best sounding compilation of AAP... Why don't you get the Definitive Collection or a couple of studio albums you like? But be careful... some of the new remasters are very bright and not to the taste of everyone. I would avoid Tales of Mystery and I Robot in particular.

I hope this helps!

 

My "Definitive Collection" from '97 (Arista 74321 51746 2) starts with 'I Robot' and has no 'Tales...' tracks. Could there be another comp with the same title but different tracks?
I do have a 3cd 'Essential' set that does have four 'Tales...' selections btw, plus the previously unreleased (so says the sleeve) 'No Answers Only Questions'.

EDIT: I just saw the post by The_Windmill about two versions circulating... one without the 'Tales...' tracks apparently.

 

There is one with the two Tales track coming out of Russia. Call it a hunch but I believe that one isn't legit...