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A Valid Path
A Valid Path
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A Valid Path
Studio album by
Released24 August 2004
GenreRock
Length
  • 49:16
  • 52:05 (5.1 mix)
LabelArtemis
ProducerAlan Parsons
Alan Parsons chronology
The Time Machine
(1999)
A Valid Path
(2004)
The Secret
(2019)
Singles from A Valid Path
  1. "More Lost Without You"
    Released: 2004 (UK only)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[1]
NOW TorontoStarStar[2]
Sea Of TranquilityStarStarStarHalf star[3]

A Valid Path is the fourth solo album by English rock musician Alan Parsons. The record was released on 24 August 2004 via Artemis label.

Background

[edit]

The gap between this and his previous album, The Time Machine, was the third greatest period between two consecutive albums, after the time between the split of The Alan Parsons Project and Parsons' first solo work (not counting Freudiana) and the time between this album and The Secret. In addition to contributors such as David Gilmour, another noteworthy musical credit on the album is Parsons' son Jeremy; his debut appearance on his father's albums.

A Valid Path was released on Audio CD and DualDisc, with the DualDisc containing the album recorded in 5.1 Surround in both DTS and Dolby Digital formats. Other features of the DualDisc include a track commentary by the artist and interviews with Alan Parsons and the main collaborators on the release including David Gilmour and the Crystal Method.

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "Return to Tunguska" – (Alan Parsons, Simon Posford) instrumental, featuring Shpongle & David Gilmour – 8:48
  2. "More Lost Without You" – (Parsons, Olsson) lead vocal P.J. Olsson – 3:20
  3. "Mammagamma 04" – (Parsons, Eric Woolfson) instrumental; remix of "Mammagamma", featuring Jeremy Parsons – 5:06
  4. "We Play the Game" – (Parsons, Ken Jordan, Scott Kirkland) lead vocal Alan Parsons, featuring the Crystal Method – 5:33
  5. "Tijuaniac" – (Parsons, Mogt, Ruiz, Mendoza, Amezcua, Beas) instrumental featuring Nortec Collective – 5:21
  6. "L'Arc En Ciel" dedicated to Anson Grossfeld 1957–2004 – (Parsons, Wiles) instrumental featuring Überzone – 5:26
  7. "A Recurring Dream Within a Dream" a composite of "A Dream Within a Dream" and "The Raven" – (both compositions by Parsons, Woolfson) lead vocal Alan Parsons featuring Jeremy Parsons and narration by Orson Welles – 4:06
  8. "You Can Run" – (Parsons, Pack) lead vocal David Pack – 3:51
  9. "Chomolungma" – (Parsons, Parsons, Olsson) instrumental featuring Jeremy Parsons and P.J. Olsson with added concluding narration by John Cleese – 6:35

Personnel

[edit]
  • Alan Parsons – vocals, processed vocals, guitar, slide guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, vocoder
  • Scott Kirkland – keyboards, programming
  • Simon Posford – programming, sequencer
  • Ken Jordan – programming, sequencer
  • Jeremy Parsons – guitar, programming, sequencer
  • David Pack – guitar, keyboards, vocals
  • David Gilmour – lap steel guitar on "Return to Tunguska"
  • Alastair Greene – guitar
  • P. J. Olsson – vocals, programming
  • Michele Adamson, Lisa Parsons – vocals
  • John Cleese – narration on "Chomolungma"
  • Orson Welles – narration on "A Recurring Dream Within a Dream"

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for A Valid Path
Chart (2004) Peak
position
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[4] 72
Italian Albums (FIMI)[5] 62

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A Valid Path is the fourth solo studio album by English musician, composer, and record producer , released on August 24, 2004, by . The album marks Parsons' exploration into electronic music following the dissolution of his long-running collaborative project, , and represents his first release in five years after in 1999. Produced primarily by Parsons himself at his personal studio in , using Steinberg's Nuendo software for a "mix-as-you-go" approach that integrated virtual instruments with traditional outboard gear, the recording process emphasized algorithmic and computer-generated elements alongside acoustic components. This allowed for extensive , minimizing reliance on a traditional mixing console, and resulted in a 49-minute collection of nine tracks that blend polyrhythmic drum patterns, dance loops, processed vocals, and unusual chord progressions. The album features prominent collaborations with contemporary electronic and rock artists, including on guitar for the opening track "Return to Tunguska" alongside , on "We Play the Game," Uberzone on "Tijuanaic," The Nortec Collective on "Chomolungma," P.J. Olsson providing vocals on "More Lost Without You," and Parsons' son Jeremy on "Mammagamma 04," a reworking of a classic from . Other contributors include Alastair Greene and Tim Wiles on "L'Arc en Ciel," contributing to a fusion of electronic, pop, and influences. Critically, A Valid Path received mixed to positive reviews for its innovative shift toward and elements, though some noted it might challenge fans accustomed to Parsons' earlier sound, praising tracks like "A Recurring Dream Within a Dream" for retaining his signature style amid the experimentation. It holds an average user rating of 2.60 out of 5 on Progarchives and 7.6 out of 10 on , reflecting appreciation for its bold production and guest features despite its departure from tradition.

Background and development

Conception and inspiration

Following the dissolution of after the release of Gaudi in 1987, transitioned to a solo career, releasing his debut solo Try Anything Once in 1993. This marked the beginning of a series of individual efforts distinct from the collaborative concept-driven works of the Project, with A Valid Path serving as his fourth solo studio , succeeding in 1999. The five-year interval between The Time Machine and A Valid Path was Parsons' longest gap in his solo career, during which he focused on personal endeavors such as leading the tribute tour A Walk Down Abbey Road from 2001 onward, alongside a deliberate intent to integrate contemporary production techniques. This hiatus allowed Parsons to explore digital tools and virtual instrumentation, reflecting a shift driven by his interest in evolving beyond traditional analog methods. Parsons drew inspiration for A Valid Path from the electronic music landscape of the early , while preserving his progressive rock foundations. Described as an experimental venture into , the album featured collaborations with acts like and , blending polyrhythmic beats and synth-driven textures with Parsons' signature melodic structures. This fusion aimed to revitalize his sound amid the rise of computer-based music production. A notable familial dimension emerged with the debut collaboration of Parsons' son, Jeremy Parsons, who contributed programming on tracks such as "Mammagamma 04," "," and "Chomolungma." From the project's inception, Parsons envisioned A Valid Path as a showcase for technology, with the entire album mixed in 5.1 format under his supervision to leverage immersive audio capabilities. This emphasis on spatial audio aligned with his longstanding engineering expertise and the era's advancements in multichannel formats.

Pre-production

During pre-production for A Valid Path, focused on assembling a diverse team of collaborators to infuse the album with contemporary electronic elements while drawing on his established network. High-profile guests were recruited, including , who contributed guitar to "Return to Tunguska." Other notable participants included electronic acts like , (Simon Posford), Uberzone, and The Nortec Collective, alongside vocalists P.J. Olsson and Parsons' son Jeremy Parsons, who added keyboards and programming to several songs. These partnerships were selected to bridge Parsons' heritage with modern dance and influences. The songwriting process centered on Parsons collaborating with co-writers to develop material that incorporated electronic production techniques, such as programming, sampling, and polyrhythmic drum patterns. Tracks like "Return to Tunguska" (co-written with Simon Posford) and "More Lost Without You" (with P.J. Olsson and Jeremy Parsons) emerged from this approach, emphasizing layered synths and digital effects alongside Parsons' signature melodic structures. Initial demos and arrangement sketches were crafted for all nine tracks using hard disk recording systems, marking Parsons' first full embrace of computer-based workflows, reflected in evocative titles like "Tijuanaic" and "Chomolungma" (referring to ). Logistical planning involved selecting recording facilities in the United States for operational flexibility, including Tunnel Studios in Santa Barbara, California, and The Bomb Shelter in Glendale, California, to accommodate remote contributions from international collaborators via digital file transfers. A key challenge during this phase was balancing Parsons' classic sound—rooted in orchestral arrangements and rock instrumentation—with modern electronic influences, as the project aimed to appeal to younger audiences but risked alienating longtime fans accustomed to The Alan Parsons Project's style; Parsons later noted the difficulty in navigating this shift without compromising his production ethos.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for A Valid Path took place primarily at Tunnel Studios in Santa Barbara, California, with additional work at The Bomb Shelter in Glendale, California. These sessions, which marked Parsons' first extensive use of hard disk recording technology, spanned two years and were characterized by an iterative approach to layering instruments and sounds to blend electronic elements with rock influences. The timeline began following a five-year hiatus since Parsons' previous album The Time Machine in 1999, with production extending into 2004 ahead of the August release. Breaks were frequent due to scheduling conflicts with guest artists, allowing time for remote contributions and refinements to achieve a unified electronic-rock aesthetic. Parsons emphasized meticulous backups to TASCAM DA-88 tapes during the layering process, reflecting his initial apprehension about digital reliability while building complex sonic textures. Key events included David Gilmour's guitar contributions to the opening track "Return to Tunguska," where he added soaring solos over the electronic foundation laid by collaborators Shpongle; Parsons noted his excitement when Gilmour agreed to participate, highlighting the track's role in bridging prog-rock heritage with modern electronica. Vocal sessions featured P.J. Olsson on lead and backing vocals across multiple tracks, including "Chomolungma," where he collaborated with Parsons' son Jeremy on arrangements. A notable highlight was John Cleese's narration for "Chomolungma," providing a whimsical spoken-word element that enhanced the album's narrative depth.

Technical aspects

The production of A Valid Path emphasized high-fidelity recording techniques, culminating in 5.1 surround sound mixes available in both DTS and Dolby Digital formats on the album's 2006 DualDisc edition, alongside PCM stereo versions. This approach allowed for an immersive listening experience, with spatial audio design enhancing the electronic and orchestral elements through careful placement of sounds across multiple channels. Alan Parsons, serving as the primary engineer, drew on principles from his work on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, such as meticulous layering and dynamic range control, to adapt classic production values to contemporary digital workflows. Recording integrated digital audio workstations, marking Parsons' first full use of hard disk systems without traditional tape machines for primary capture, while incorporating analog equipment for electronic components like synthesizers and loops. Multi-tracking was employed extensively for orchestral parts to build depth, with sessions utilizing plug-ins alongside hardware such as the D19 microphone preamp, Aphex processors, and a UTA UnFairchild 670M II , before final mixing on a Designs 5088 console. Backups to DA-88 digital tapes ensured reliability amid concerns over computer instability. The format presented production challenges, including ensuring compatibility for the hybrid CD/DVD structure and integrating bonus content like track-by-track commentaries by Parsons, video interviews with guests, and isolated tracks on the DVD side. These features required additional mastering passes in tools like WaveLab for surround optimization, reflecting Parsons' commitment to innovative audio delivery despite the format's technical hurdles, such as thickness-related playback issues in some devices. Overall, the process highlighted a blend of digital efficiency and analog warmth, prioritizing sonic clarity in an context.

Musical content

Overview and style

A Valid Path is classified as progressive electronic music incorporating elements of , , , and . This blend marks a significant evolution in ' solo output, emphasizing electronic textures and rhythms over the orchestral prog rock arrangements typical of his earlier collaborative work with . The work shifts toward more intimate, electronic-driven compositions, diverging from the conceptual, multi-vocalist approach of prior projects to highlight Parsons' vision in a contemporary context. Clocking in at 49:19 on the standard edition, the album features a structured flow across nine tracks that balances atmospheric builds with rhythmic propulsion. A mix extends the immersive experience on the release. Drawing on 2000s electronic trends like and , Parsons integrates modern production techniques while preserving his signature meticulous audio engineering.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Duration
1"Return to Tunguska", Simon Posford8:48
2"More Lost Without You", P.J. Olsson3:20
3"Mammagamma 04", 5:06
4"We Play the Game", Ken Jordan, Scott Kirkland5:33
5"Tijuaniac", Pedro Gabriel Beas, et al.5:22
6"L'Arc en Ciel", Tim Wiles5:26
7"A Recurring Dream Within a Dream", 4:07
8"You Can Run", 3:52
9"Chomolungma", P.J. Olsson, Jeremy Parsons7:45
The album has a total running time of 49:19. A promotional single edit of "More Lost Without You" was released in the UK. The album was also issued in a DualDisc edition featuring 5.1 surround sound mixes of the tracks.

Release and promotion

Formats and release

A Valid Path was released on August 24, 2004, in the United States by the independent label Artemis Records, which handled distribution through Koch Entertainment. The album marked Alan Parsons' return to solo recording after a five-year hiatus, initially targeting physical media markets amid a shifting industry landscape toward digital formats. The was issued in standard jewel case format as the primary edition, containing nine tracks in stereo. A special edition followed in 2006, featuring the audio on one side and a DVD side with the full in (in both DTS and ), track-by-track commentaries by Parsons, interviews with collaborators, and promotional videos. Digital streaming and download versions became available later through platforms like and , expanding accessibility beyond physical releases. Packaging for the standard included a 12-page booklet with detailing production insights, photographs of recording sessions, full credits, and acknowledgments to contributors such as guest artists. The cover artwork, designed by , Peter Curzon, and Dan Abbott, featured abstract electronic motifs. It was created under challenging circumstances as Thorgerson recovered from a in 2003. Internationally, the album rolled out through Eagle Records in and the , with variations including a digipak edition in via CD-Maximum. Brazilian and Australian releases were handled by ST2 Records/Eagle and Eagle Records, respectively, featuring identical track listings but localized catalog numbers and minor packaging differences to suit regional markets. These editions ensured broader global distribution while maintaining the core artistic presentation.

Singles and marketing

The from A Valid Path, "More Lost Without You", was released in the in 2004 exclusively as a promotional by Eagle Records, receiving radio but no commercial physical formats. Marketing efforts for the album highlighted high-profile guest appearances, particularly David Gilmour's guitar work on "Return to Tunguska", which Parsons noted provided significant promotional value through media discussions of the collaboration. The campaign also tied into demonstrations of advanced audio technology, with the album's edition—featuring —earning a Grammy nomination for Best Surround Sound Album in 2007, positioning it as a showcase for immersive listening formats. To support the launch, Parsons conducted interviews focusing on the album's blend of heritage and electronic elements, while the 2004-2006 world tour by The Alan Parsons Live Project incorporated several tracks from A Valid Path, including live renditions of "More Lost Without You" and "We Play the Game". Promotional strategies targeted both enthusiasts, via coverage in specialized outlets like Electronic Musician, and electronic music audiences, leveraging collaborations with artists such as and to broaden appeal.

Personnel

Musicians

The album A Valid Path features as the central figure, contributing keyboards across multiple tracks including "Mammagamma 04," "," "A Within A Dream," "You Can Run," and "Chomolungma," as well as vocals and processed vocals on "Return to Tunguska" and "We Play the Game," and bass on select pieces. P.J. Olsson serves as the primary on "More Lost Without You," where he also provides backing vocals, and contributes additional programming and Miyo Lungsangma chants on "Chomolungma." Jeremy Parsons, Alan's son, handles Nuendo programming and sequencing on "Mammagamma 04," "A Within A Dream," and "Chomolungma." Guest artists enrich the album's electronic and rock elements, with providing guitar on the opening track "Return to Tunguska." On "We Play the Game," —comprising Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland—contribute programming, sequencing, and keyboards, marking a key collaboration in the album's direction. Alastair Greene delivers on "We Play the Game" and guitar on "." The Nortec Collective handles programming and sequencing on "Tijuaniac." Vocal and narrative contributions include David Pack's lead vocals, keyboards, and guitar and Deep E (featured) on "You Can Run." provides narration on "A Recurring Dream Within A Dream," evoking the album's thematic ties to earlier works. appears in a special guest role with dialogue on "Chomolungma." Additional processed vocals on "Return to Tunguska" come from Michele Adamson and Lisa Parsons, enhancing the track's atmospheric ensemble. Simon Posford of adds programming, sequencing, and processed vocals to the same track, while Tim Wiles and Uberzone contribute programming on "."

Production staff

Alan Parsons served as the primary producer and recording engineer for A Valid Path, overseeing the project's creative and technical direction at Tunnel Studios in Santa Barbara, California. P.J. Olsson contributed as co-engineer on recordings and handled mixing duties for all tracks, ensuring a polished electronic sound. Programming elements were provided by a team including Simon Posford (on Logic for track 1), P.J. Olsson (Nuendo on multiple tracks), Jeremy Parsons (Nuendo on tracks 3, 7, 8, and 9), Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland (Digital Performer on track 4), and Tim Wiles (Nuendo on track 6). The album was mastered by Stephen Marcussen at Marcussen Mastering in Hollywood, , enhancing its for both and surround formats. Art direction and cover design were credited to , Peter Curzon, and Dan Abbott, continuing Thorgerson's signature visual style associated with Parsons' work. Photography was handled by Rupert Truman and Chris Jelly, capturing thematic imagery for the packaging. Todd Roberts acted as for the release on , coordinating the project's label support and distribution.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Upon its release in 2004, A Valid Path received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious production and electronic experimentation while critiquing its departure from Parsons' traditional sound. awarded the 3.75 out of 5 stars, commending the polished and guest appearances but noting that the electronic shifts sometimes overshadowed the songwriting, resulting in an uneven collection that lacked the innovation of Parsons' earlier works like I Robot. Similarly, Sea of Tranquility described it as a "bold statement" blending with familiar Parsons elements such as soaring guitar work, though it acknowledged the risk of alienating longtime fans accustomed to the Alan Parsons Project's orchestral prog style. User-driven platforms echoed this ambivalence, with Prog Archives aggregating an average rating of 2.6 out of 5 from 101 reviews, where enthusiasts highlighted the album's electronic evolution and atmospheric soundscapes as a refreshing update, but many lamented the diluted melodies and vocal choices that strayed too far from Parsons' narrative-driven past. Guest contributions, particularly David Gilmour's guitar solo on the opening track "Return to Tunguska," were frequently singled out as highlights, with reviewers noting how his emotive playing elevated the otherwise synth-heavy opener and provided a bridge to Parsons' Pink Floyd engineering roots. In retrospective assessments, the album is often viewed as a daring but flawed pivot, contrasting sharply with Parsons' more cohesive and output. A Ultimate Classic Rock analysis portrayed A Valid Path as a "voyage into spongey and arty ," appreciating its guest-star allure—including Gilmour and —but critiquing it as a decided stylistic rupture that prioritized texture over memorable composition. Overall, consensus positions the album's strengths in innovative production against shortcomings in lyrical and melodic cohesion, marking it as a bold rather than a pinnacle in Parsons' discography.

Commercial performance

A Valid Path achieved modest commercial success upon its release in 2004, primarily charting in select European markets. In , the album peaked at number 72 on the Official German Charts (ODK) in September 2004, remaining on the chart for three weeks. In , it reached number 62 on the FIMI Albums Chart for one week that same year. The release did not enter the US or the , underscoring its limited mainstream appeal outside . Global sales figures for the album remain undisclosed, but its performance aligned with the niche and audience, falling short of broader commercial expectations. Parsons reflected on the release as an experimental venture that "didn't really set the world alight," highlighting its subdued amid a crowded 2004 landscape dominated by major pop and rock acts. No certifications were awarded by industry bodies such as the RIAA or BPI. The promotional single "More Lost Without You," issued in the UK, contributed to minor visibility but did not translate into significant chart gains.

Reissues and later recognition

In 2025, A Valid Path received its first vinyl pressing with a LP edition in , released through independent labels and marking a significant update for collectors seeking analog formats of the 2004 electronic album. The album has been made available in digital remastered formats on major streaming platforms, including and , ensuring accessibility for modern listeners while preserving its original production qualities. Following its initial release, A Valid Path gained later recognition through live performances by the Live Project, which toured extensively from 2005 to 2007, incorporating tracks like "Return to Tunguska" into sets that bridged Parsons' roots with contemporary electronic elements. In communities, the has been reevaluated as a transitional work in Parsons' discography, praised for blending analog prog traditions with electronic production and guest contributions from artists like and , contributing to its enduring appreciation amid post-2010s revivals of synth-driven music.

References

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