Sirius / Eye in the Sky

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "Sirius / Eye in the Sky" by The Alan Parsons Project, a staple for Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO. This track, from the 1982 album Eye in the Sky, kicks off with the instrumental "Sirius," which Alan Parsons crafted using a clavinet sample looped on a Fairlight CMI, creating its signature riff. Parsons revealed in a 2010 Gearspace Q&A that "Sirius" was initially in a different key but was re-recorded to seamlessly transition into "Eye in the Sky." The instrumental became a cultural phenomenon, famously adopted by the Chicago Bulls as their intro music during the Michael Jordan era, a choice sparked by radio DJ Steve Edwards who heard it in a movie theater and timed it perfectly for Jordan’s entrance, as noted in a Songfacts article. Its use continues in sports arenas and has appeared in films like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and TV shows like The Simpsons.

"Eye in the Sky," the vocal follow-up, became The Alan Parsons Project’s biggest hit, reaching No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard charts in 1982. Eric Woolfson’s lead vocals and lyrics, inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, explore themes of surveillance, which Parsons confirmed in a Genius annotation. A fan on Reddit noted the song’s “psychopathic” yet beautiful tone, tying it to the novel’s Big Brother. Interestingly, Parsons recorded a Catalan version, “Seré els teus ulls al camí,” in 2019 for a charity telethon, as mentioned on Wikipedia. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in a 2024 post by @TheOfficialAPP on X, asking fans for their favorite tracks from the album, highlighting its lasting resonance.

The Alan Parsons Project began with Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, who met in 1974 at Abbey Road Studios, as detailed on Wikipedia. Parsons, born in 1948, started as an assistant engineer at EMI, working on The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be by age 18. His engineering on Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon cemented his reputation. Woolfson, a songwriter and pianist, was crafting a concept album inspired by Edgar Allan Poe when they connected. They formed the Project in 1975, blending progressive rock with conceptual themes, using session musicians to bring their visions to life. Their collaborative songwriting and Parsons’ production prowess led to 11 studio albums, with Eye in the Sky as a pinnacle.

Fans can dive deeper into The Alan Parsons Project’s world through their official website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. For community vibes, check out the Alan Parsons Project Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits. Another fan hub is The Alan Parsons Project Fan Site, offering trivia and discography details. These platforms keep the Project’s legacy alive for new and longtime fans alike.