Sooner or Later

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Sooner or Later" by The Alan Parsons Project from the 1985 album Vulture Culture. This track, penned by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, is a catchy, upbeat number that Parsons himself described as the "third attempt to try to get another hit like 'Eye in the Sky,'" following their earlier single "Prime Time" from Ammonia Avenue. The song's lyrics delve into themes of moving on from a strained relationship, with lines like "Sooner or later I’ll be free / To leave the past behind," reflecting a personal struggle that some fans speculate mirrors tensions between Parsons and Woolfson during this period. The track’s polished production and driving rhythm make it a standout, though it didn’t achieve the chart success of its predecessors.

Digging into the trivia, Vulture Culture was originally planned as the second disc of a double album alongside Ammonia Avenue, but the two were released separately. "Sooner or Later" showcases the band’s shift toward a more commercial, synth-heavy sound in the mid-'80s, a move that divided fans but kept their European audience hooked. The album’s concept, inspired by Eric Woolfson’s encounters with opportunistic folks in Las Vegas, critiques consumerism and human greed—a theme that resonates in the song’s narrative of breaking free from toxic ties. Some fans on The Alan Parsons Project Fan Club on Facebook have noted the song’s “sitcom vibe,” likening its energy to the quirky optimism of '80s TV themes.

The Alan Parsons Project began in 1974 when Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson met at Abbey Road Studios. Parsons, fresh off engineering Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, was a sought-after producer, working with acts like The Hollies and Al Stewart. Woolfson, a session pianist and songwriter, had been crafting a concept album based on Edgar Allan Poe’s works. Over lunch, they hatched the idea for a studio-based project where Parsons could focus on production without the constraints of a traditional band. Woolfson proposed calling it "The Alan Parsons Project," a name that stuck when they pitched it to 20th Century Records. Their debut, Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1976), blended progressive rock with cinematic storytelling, setting the stage for a string of concept albums.

Unlike typical bands, The Alan Parsons Project never toured, relying on a rotating cast of session musicians like Ian Bairnson and Stuart Elliot, with vocalists such as Chris Rainbow and Colin Blunstone. Woolfson handled most of the songwriting, while Parsons helmed the studio wizardry, creating lush, meticulously crafted records. Their unique approach—focusing on albums as cohesive narratives—earned them a cult following, especially in Europe and Australia. You can dive deeper into their world on their official site, the-alan-parsons-project.com, or follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For Zoo Freaks craving more, check out fan communities like The Alan Parsons Project Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share rare photos and debate the band’s discography. Another gem is alanparsonsproject.com, a fan site packed with discographies and trivia. The Zoo Crew knows "Sooner or Later" is a perfect vibe for shaking off the past and embracing the groove—crank it up and let the music take you there!