An 'I Robot' for the eighties?

Review Score: (10/10)
Stereotomy (1985), the Alan Parsons Project's last 'pop/rock' album, has proved to be one of their most enduring releases. From the percussive synth-pop sounds of the opening to the hard-rock ending (interestingly both are differing takes on the title track which serves to bookend the album) the overall effect of this album is one of experimentation with contemporary production techniques making this album a sort of 'I Robot' for the eighties. The songs are there, from the driving force of the title track to the more delicate 'Light of the World', perhaps the most successful track on the album. 'In the Real World' is the track most likely to get your feet tapping whereas 'Limelight' is more standard Parsons fare dealing with similar issues to the superior 'Shadow of a Lonely Man' from the immaculate 'Pyramid' album. Songs aside, however, it is the quirky and atmospheric instrumental tracks that really give Stereotomy it's moody character. Both 'Urbania' and 'Where's the Walrus' shine out like their 'I, Robot' counterparts ('Nucleus' and 'I, Robot' respectively). The release of this album was brilliantly timed, coming as it did hot on the heels of it's easy-listening/inoffensive predecessor 'Vulture Culture'. Any listeners fearing that the band might have lost their edge must have had a pleasantly shocked reaction to 'Stereotomy'. As for the cover, I'm sorry but I really don't have a clue what it is. The walrus perhaps. So, the last 'great' Project album? I think so.

More Reviews:

• The Project Get Tougher
• An OK CD
• Another great APP piece of work.
• Descending into Paranoia
• CD cover pale shadow of original vinyl version
• Lots of depth for repeated listening
• Definitely worth a listen
• Obscure but delightful
• "I Robot"-like