Some Other Time

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Some Other Time by The Alan Parsons Project! This track, from their 1977 album I Robot, is a dreamy, introspective piece that captures the band’s signature blend of progressive rock and lush production. One fascinating tidbit comes from the song’s creation process: it was co-written by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, the core duo behind the Project. In a 2019 Songfacts interview, Parsons shared that their collaborative songwriting often began with improvisational sessions, where musical ideas would spark and evolve into fully fleshed-out tracks like Some Other Time. The song’s ethereal vibe, with its layered vocals by Peter Straker and Jaki Whitren, was designed to evoke a sense of timelessness, aligning with the album’s futuristic themes inspired by Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi stories.

Another cool story about Some Other Time ties to its recording at Abbey Road Studios. Parsons, known for his meticulous production, used the studio’s cutting-edge equipment to craft the track’s intricate soundscapes. According to a post on the fan site ProgArchives, the song’s orchestral flourishes, arranged by Andrew Powell, were recorded with a full choir and strings, giving it that cinematic feel Zoo Freaks love. Fans on the Alan Parsons Project Facebook page often cite Some Other Time as a hidden gem, with one user in a 2023 thread calling it “a haunting journey that feels like floating through space.” The song’s relatively low profile compared to hits like Eye in the Sky makes it a special treat for dedicated listeners tuning into THE ZOO.

Let’s dive into how The Alan Parsons Project got started. Alan Parsons, born in 1948 in London, began his career as a teenage audio engineer at EMI, landing a gig at Abbey Road Studios in 1967. By age 18, he was working as an assistant engineer on The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be, learning the ropes from legends. His big break came engineering Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon in 1973, earning a Grammy nomination for his innovative sound work. Meanwhile, Eric Woolfson, a songwriter and pianist, was crafting material inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. The two met in 1974 at Abbey Road’s canteen, as noted in a June 2024 post by @artyshowboy on X. Woolfson, initially Parsons’ manager, pitched the idea of a producer-driven band, combining their talents to create conceptual albums.

In 1975, Parsons and Woolfson formed The Alan Parsons Project, signing with 20th Century Records. Their debut, Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1976), was a Poe-inspired masterpiece that set the tone for their career. Unlike traditional bands, the Project was a revolving collective of session musicians, with Parsons producing and Woolfson writing lyrics and melodies. Regular contributors like guitarist Ian Bairnson and bassist David Paton, from the band Pilot, helped shape their sound. The duo released ten albums by 1987, with hits like Time and Don’t Answer Me, before parting ways in 1990. Woolfson pursued musical theater, while Parsons continued solo work and touring, as detailed on his official site, alanparsons.com.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with the band’s community, check out the official Alan Parsons Project website for album details and news. Follow The Alan Parsons Project on Facebook (369K likes) for fan discussions and updates, or Alan Parsons’ personal Instagram for tour photos and studio insights. On X, Parsons occasionally shares production tips and throwbacks. For deeper fan engagement, the Alan Parsons Project Fan Group on Facebook is a lively spot for trading vinyl pics and concert stories. The fan-run ProgArchives offers detailed discographies and reviews, perfect for discovering more about tracks like Some Other Time. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!