Cloudbreak

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Cloudbreak," an instrumental gem by The Alan Parsons Project from their 1996 album On Air, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its atmospheric grooves. This track, composed by Alan Parsons, Ian Bairnson, and Stuart Elliott, stands out as a mellow yet intricate piece, featuring Bairnson’s lead guitar weaving through Parsons’ keyboards and Elliott’s steady drums. According to a review on ProgArchives, some fans find "Cloudbreak" a bit uninspiring, with its keyboards and rhythm guitar echoing earlier works like I Robot, but others appreciate its subtle textures and Bairnson’s emotive guitar work. The song’s understated vibe fits the album’s concept of airborne exploration, evoking the weightlessness of drifting through the skies. While no direct quotes from Parsons about "Cloudbreak" have surfaced in recent interviews, he’s noted in past discussions on his official website that On Air was a chance to break from the Project’s formula, leaning into softer, melodic sounds—a shift that "Cloudbreak" embodies with its dreamy, almost Pink Floyd-like ambiance.

Digging into the creation of "Cloudbreak," it’s worth noting that Ian Bairnson, the Project’s longtime guitarist, played a massive role in On Air, co-writing 10 of its 11 tracks, including this one. A post on The Alan Parsons Project’s Facebook page once highlighted Bairnson’s contributions, calling him the “unsung hero” of the album. Fans on the Alan Parsons Project Fan Group have echoed this, with some pointing out how "Cloudbreak" showcases his ability to blend progressive rock with pop sensibilities. The track’s lack of vocals lets the instrumentation breathe, a deliberate choice Parsons discussed in a 2016 interview on his YouTube channel, where he explained his love for instrumentals that “tell a story without words.” For Zoo Freaks, "Cloudbreak" is perfect for late-night spins, its hypnotic flow carrying listeners on a sonic journey through the ether.

Now, let’s rewind to how Alan Parsons, the mastermind behind The Alan Parsons Project, got his start. Born in London on December 20, 1948, Parsons grew up in a family steeped in entertainment—his great-grandfather was actor Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, and his parents were musicians. As a teen, he taught himself piano, flute, and guitar, playing in local blues and folk bands, as detailed on alanparsons.com. His big break came at 19 when he landed a job at EMI’s tape duplication facility. Hearing the master tape of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band there sparked his passion for recording, leading him to talk his way into Abbey Road Studios. By 1967, he was an assistant engineer on The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be, learning the craft alongside legends. His engineering work on Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon in 1973 cemented his reputation, though he later expressed frustration in a Wikipedia quote about not getting full credit due to mixing supervisor Chris Thomas’ involvement.

Parsons’ career took a creative leap in 1975 when he met Eric Woolfson at Abbey Road Studios, as noted on the official APP site. Woolfson, a songwriter with a vision for a concept album based on Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, became his creative partner. Together, they formed The Alan Parsons Project, blending progressive rock with pop and intricate production. Their debut, Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1976), was a hit, featuring innovative techniques like the vocoder in “The Raven.” The Project, known for albums like I Robot and Eye in the Sky, never performed live in its prime but left a lasting mark with its cerebral, cinematic sound. Parsons continued solo work after the Project ended in 1990, releasing albums like On Air and touring as The Alan Parsons Live Project, as shared on his Instagram.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, connect with The Alan Parsons Project’s official channels: alanparsons.com, the-alan-parsons-project.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join the Alan Parsons Project Fan Group on Facebook or check out ProgArchives for community reviews and discussions. These hubs keep the Project’s legacy alive, perfect for hippies and audiophiles alike grooving to "Cloudbreak" on THE ZOO’s airwaves.