I Robot (Legacy Edition

As usual for these classic rock reviews, I don't want to comment on the album proper. If you're new to Alan Parsons Project (APP) hop on over to Youtube and have a listen. These comments are solely about the double-disc Legacy Edition released in 2013.Firstly I have been a fan of APP since the initial releases of this music. I've owned "I Robot" on vinyl, and prior to this two times on CD. The last version I bought was the single disc "Remastered 30th Anniversary Edition" from 2007 (which was part of a complete reissue of the Parsons/Woolfson catalog.)So what of this new release, now with two discs? What of the sound? What of the package itself?Firstly you should know that this is not another remaster. The album proper (as released on vinyl) has not been reworked again - this is the exact same release as the 2007 disc. Those thinking they may have been getting something new will, therefore, be disappointed. On the other hand, the 2007 remaster is excellent, showing none of the tell-tale signs of the "loudness wars". It really does sound terrific.So for anything new we must look at the second disc, and the package itself.The second disc is an assortment of things, some new, some not. The 2007 release included five bonus tracks which were tucked on the end of the original running order. Personally speaking I much prefer this new edition, which has the album proper on one disc, and the extra's on a separate one. All five extra tracks from the earlier release are duplicated here, along with 9 new additions.The bonus tracks on all of the APP reissues have been very hit and miss, imo. Some are embarrassingly bad and smack of barrel scraping, while others have been fascinating. Of the 9 new additions, 4 are spoken word (US Radio Commercial, Extract 1, Extract 2, and Extract 3). The Extracts are essentially press release type snippets of conversation. Along with these, 2 are incomplete items. For example, track 3 is a snippet of vocal from Hilary Western (operatic voice) with dialog between her and Parsons. Track 10 is the choral track (alone) from Breakdown. Track 11 is a rough take of "Don't Let it Show" with Wollfson singing some vocal, and filling in with "la la la" for missing lines.What does this amount to? Well, if you have the 2007 disc already, you'll know what to expect. Do you want more of the same kind of thing or not? Nothing here is "essential". In fact, this isn't the kind of disc you're going to play very often - it's too fragmented, and bitty. At the same time though, if you're interested in the foundations upon which this excellent album was made, if you want know all the nuts and bolts, then it's quite interesting. One thing for sure - it's much more acceptable here than the 2007 release, since it's a separate disc. Don't want to hear all this - you don't have to. A perfect solution.Total time of disc 2 is around 39 minutes (10 minutes of which is "Naked Robot", which was included in the earlier release.) You're getting approximately 15 minutes of "new" extras here.That really leaves only the packaging. The 2007 release came in a standard jewel case. The booklet was relatively thin, at only 8 pages. The main draw was a three page article from Jerry Ewing of Classic Rock magazine. The new edition has improved things immeasurably. We now have a 20 page booklet. The liner notes were written by Alan Parsons, and run for five pages of text. He gives a bit of insight into the individual tracks of the album proper - it's a good read. Along with that we get the full lyrics this time, which is nice to have. And of course - there are lots of pictures which expand on the 2007 booklet. The only loss is a) The text from the gatefold of the original album is now missing (it was in the centre of the 2007 booklet); b) The Woolfson notes. Of the latter - the 2007 booklet article had several quotes from Woolfson which are now missing. The new booklet is very much Parson's view on the album.Last, but not least, this is a three panel digipack with new artwork. The original front cover artwork is included beneath the disc trays. The booklet is tucked inside a pocket in the centre panel, and was very difficult to get out (do they test any of this stuff?!?Only you can say if this new set is worth the price or not. Sonically, if you have the 2007 version, you gain nothing. The package here is nice though, and having the album proper on its own disc is far better than the earlier release (but those into MP3's won't benefit from that). Personally I'm happy - but then any excuse to listen to this album is always welcome.The album proper is a classic, imo. Worthy of a five. So these comments reflect that. Just know what you're getting. Enjoy!

Love this, always on my turntable. Recommended. 5*.

I'm guessing you'll know the music - if not, do yourself a favour and buy this Music on Vinyl pressing! One of the best sounding records I've heard in a long time, MoV have never put out a bad pressing as far as I'm concerned.

As usual this MOV album is of great quality. No background noise. Music as it should be heard

Nowadays I find that modern vinyl pressings are of an inferior quality, often having imperfections which are audibly very obvious.This pressing however is the exception. It truly is superb and the benchmark for what all pressings should be like. I look forward to trying others produced by this manufacturer.With regards to the content, classic Alan Parsons Project! A must for all lovers of Prog Rock!

35 years on, the re-mastered edition of I Robot is a stunning version of a ground breaking Album.Back in 1977 it blew me away and now this has reminded me of why I was so amazedThe production is faultless and every note resonates with tonal perfectionThe second disc of extras/demos/interviews was very enlightening and shone light on the outstanding contributions from all the performers.After hearing I Robot in "77", I immediately went out to buy the first Parsons album, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, and I have been an avid fan ever sinceThis is a must have CD and have rated it accordingly-

How does one of my all time favourite 35 year old albums get better? By adding another CD of rare and wonderful sounds and packaging it in a striking format. Some of the included tracks and info are truly startling.Buy it, listen to it, love it all over again!!!!How about the same for Tales of Mystery & Imagination???

The first thing that hit me when I first listened to this remaster was the superb sound quality. Hard to believe it was recorded 40 odd years ago.