Alan Parsons Project - The Turn of a Friendly Card

nostalgic CD

I was talking with a co-worker about the Alan Parson's Project the other day and this album title came up. I remember as a teen loving this album for some reason (I think it had to do with the use of stereophonic sounds that were interesting to me at the time). I actually 'pirated' this album off of the radio as a teen when KMEL in San Francisco was an awesome rock station. Of course there were some commercials I tried to edit, but it still sounded great on the Ampex cassette tape I put it on. I wore it out, then moved to England and didn't replace the album until now. I still enjoy it, but some of the music does seem dated for today. Oh, well, guilty pleasures.... July 10, 2008

A sure bet

The Turn of a Friendly Card, by The Alan Parsons Project, is an album with no weak spots. It's made of six unique compositions, the last of which is a five-part suite that takes the name of the album. This album's style is very well chosen, mixing elements from progressive rock, pop, slow ballads and symphonic rock, all with the great arrangements from Mr Parsons. It deals with the concept of gambling and taking risks, and how a man can lose all he has.
The album starts with "May Be a Price to Pay", a nice track, sung in a sort of hard tone. It's followed by "Games People Play", one of the Project's most known songs and well sung by Lenny Zakatek. Listening to this song's catchy tune is one of the most memorable moments from all the Parson's discography. Following this one, the piano in "Time" begins playing. What a delicious ballad, beautifully sung by Eric Woolfson... You'll feel like you're in heaven. It then segues into "I Don't Wanna Go Home", in my opinion the weakest song in the album (not that it's bad, but it's not at the level of the other compositions). Perhaps the best part of this one is the instrumental section halfway through the song. The next song is called "The Gold Bug". It's an instrumental only, and it reprises the beginning of "May Be a Price to Pay", with the difference that this time it's made by whistles. This track isn't either very good or bad, it starts fine but then it goes down a little when the backing vocals start. The final composition, divided in five parts, is the spectacular "Turn of a Friendly Card" suite. It's both started and ended with a version of "The Turn of a Friendly Card", the first one being more melodic. Chris Rainbow shows that he's a great singer. He also sings the following song, "Snake Eyes". This two songs summarise very well the whole concept of the album, and fit very well together. After a short silence, the instrumental "The Ace of Swords" begins, one of the Project's best instrumentals. It segues into "Nothing Left to Lose", with Eric Woolfson in vocals. This song, along with his other contribution to the album, is a very nice melodic song, and it features a reprise of "Snake Eyes" near the end of the song, in an instrumental way. When it's over, the final track, "The Turn of a Friendly Card, Part 2", will begin, with slightly different lyrics than the ones from "Part 1". This version is more instrumental, and provides a great ending to the album.
All of the songs here are worth the money, and this album is a must-have if you're a fan of the Project - or if you like progressive rock! April 24, 2008

where the balance is right for everyone

I think there is one reason why this album is so popular. I know people who find 'I robot' inaccessible, since some of the songs are not so 'pop' orientated, indeed a couple of instrumentals are very hard to like. I also know many more who consider latter albums, like 'vulture cultrue' to be too pop and soft rock.
This album is the transition of both styles, it continues in the prog rock vein, keeping the original fans happy, but is all welcoming to a new audience in its melodic accessibility.
I find side 2 to be a near perfect musical suite, far far better than the often raged about 'abbey road'. This really is a beautifully crafted suite of ideas, starting with the lush and beautiful title track, where Chris Rainbow shows why he is one of the best vocalists of our time. The track continues with Chris on lead for the more rocking and also strong 'snakes eyes', which shows diversity, while still being appealing. The medieval instrumental is nothing short of brilliant, it is so atmospheric. 'Nothing left to lose' is Eric Woolfson at his best. This is an atypical Eric lead song. It is so melodic and gorgeous. Snake eyes is reprised with a nice rock solo, then the record closes out with a reprise of the first track of side 2. It is a musical masterpiece.
The first side of the record couldn't possibly be as good, but it does contain excellent tracks, most noteably Eric's other and simply sublime lead vocal, 'time'. He sings like an angel on that one. April 18, 2008

This is the best

I first owned this album on vinyl! The entire second side was The Gold Bug through Turn of a Friendly Card 2. It is more than just music tracks. The album's second side tells a story. And having been to Las Vegas I can tell you that they hit the nail squarely on the head. I think The Alan Parsons Project is a great group and, for me, this is the best album they ever recorded ("Eve" is a close second). February 24, 2008

Among the VERY best of APP

"Turn of a Friendly Card" was The Alan Parson Project's 5th album. It came out in 1980, and remains one of my all-time favorite APP discs. This concept album focuses on the attraction and despair associated with gambling.

Overall, this album has the same general force and feel as "I Robot", thus departing from pop efforts on "Pyramid" and "Eve". This album, therefore, sees APP going back to its earlier harder driving progressive rock sounds of "Mystery and Imagination" and "I Robot." And, there is still something for just about everyone on this disc.

As for the individual tracks...
- "May Be A Price to Pay" is reminiscent of "The Raven" in its general overall feel...good stuff!
- "Games People Play", "I Don't Wanna Go Home", and "Snake Eyes" have upbeat tempos and a solid progressive rock sound. They have great techno-support and, at least to me, epitomize the definitive APP progressive rock sound.
- "Time" is one of APP's top all time hits. It is a calmer, reflective piece, somewhat like "To One In Paradise" from "Tales of Mystery...", and is one of my all-time favorite mellow APP offerings.
- "Ace of Swords" and "The Gold Bug" are both strong tracks. I always looked forward to seeing what APP was going to do for an instrumental track or two on each of their albums. These did not disappoint.
- "Nothing Left to Lose" - This is the most mellow, and reflective track on the disc. It suggests the hopelessness that gambling sometimes sdaly produces.
- Finally, the title track "Turn of a Friendly Card" is included in two parts, and they tie the album together. It's a great sound.

"Turn of a Friendly Card" is, in my opinion, hands down, one of the absolute best APP albums ever produced. If you are thinking about seeing what APP music is all about, this is one of the albums you should definitely investigate.

5 stars all the way!!!!!

-- a 30+ year APP listener February 12, 2008

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