Tales Of Mystery & Imagination: Edgar Allan Poe (half speed remastered) vinyl

An album known for its extraordinary musical interpretation of some of Poe's most iconic works, this 1976 release still fascinates listeners today. With an intricate fusion of progressive rock, orchestral arrangements and innovative studio techniques, the album takes the listener in a dark, cinematic journey through Poe's literary universe. Parsons' production expertise is evident throughout, weaving together synthesisers, guitars, glockenspiel and dramatic orchestration, while eerie sound effects and narration enhance the album's haunting atmosphere. This reissue sound terrific aided by each side being pressed at 45rpm for extra fidelity. The instrumental opener, 'A Dream Within a Dream', sets an ominous mood, which features Orson Welles' narration. 'The Raven' employs an EMI vocoder and a boys' choir, crafting an eerie, chamber-like sound. Arthur Brown's impassioned vocals on 'The Tell-Tale Heart' heighten the track's intensity, mirroring the protagonist's growing madness. 'The Cask of Amontillado' and 'The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether' showcase the album's dynamic range, moving between grand orchestration and progressive rock energy. The 20-minute instrumental epic 'The Fall of the House of Usher' is a masterclass in atmosphere-building, from the baroque horror of its 'Prelude' to the unsettling climax in 'Fall'. The closing ballad, 'To One in Paradise', softens the album's brooding intensity with melancholic beauty. A stunning fusion of literature and music, it is one of the most inventive and evocative progressive rock albums ever recorded.