Tales of Mystery and Imagination - Edgar Allan Poe (1976)
‘Tales of Mystery and Imagination’ is a true concept record based on the memorable works of Edgar Allan Poe. The album features a variety of songs, each inspired by one of Poe's stories or poems, and it is rightfully widely regarded as a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of progressive rock. Unlike most records from the last few decades, this record is meant to be played from start to finish as one complete story. Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson delivered us one of the greatest, thematically tight concept records in the history of popular music, and due to this … it has reached NSA status.
Each song on the record is meticulously crafted with layers upon layers of complex instrumentation and haunting melodies that perfectly capture the essence of Poe's stories. The use of synthesizers and various sound effects further enhances the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the record. Make sure that you add it to your Halloween playlist if you want to look super cool and impress the crowd. Also, don’t be surprised if people slip you their phone number as well.
The album begins with “A Dream Within a Dream” which sets the tone for the album with its eerie atmosphere, featuring a spoken-word introduction delivered by Orson Welles. The instrumentation is minimal, with a focus on backing vocals, synthesizers and percussion. The most popular Poe story, “The Raven” follows right after. Emotive vocals, backed by a complex arrangement of keyboards, guitars, and strings. The chorus is epic and powerful, with the repeating phrase "Nevermore" - adding to its strong and haunting feel. Released as a single at the time, this track is still one of The Alan Parsons Project’s most popular songs almost never being skipped at a live show.
“The Tell-Tale Heart” is rock oriented and intense with thumping bass guitar and howling vocals. “The Cask of Amontillado” builds and builds into an all time epic, with masterfully strong bass lines and horn sections that are nothing short of iconic.
The second half of this album does not shy away. “(The System Of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether” takes you into a mental institution overrun by its patients. Just like “The Raven”, this track has become one of the bands most popular songs also almost never being missed out on at a live show. “The Fall of the House of Usher” is a 5-part almost classical like entry to the album. By far the most complex part of the album in terms of composition. The songs shifts in tempo and dynamics mirror the original story's dramatic twists and turns.
Overall, this is an all time great record that showcases the immense talent of The Alan Parsons Project. Each track is meticulously crafted and it perfectly captures the essence of Poe's stories and poems, making it a No Skip Album and a must-listen for fans of both rock music and literature.
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Highlight Songs:
The Raven
The Cask of Amontillado
(The System Of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Feather
The Tell-Tale Heart
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Own it. It is as simple as that. ‘Tales of Mystery and Imagination’ is not only a remarkable concept album, but a remarkable achievement in and of itself. This record is progressive rock at its most brilliant.
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Overall Rating
4 Stars
