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The Alan Parsons Project's 1980 album, The Turn of a Friendly Card (Arista Records AL-9518), is a pivotal release for the group and is often cited by fans as one of their very best. It's a classic concept album that explores the themes of gambling and addiction, a topic inspired by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson's fascination with Las Vegas culture.

Musical Style and Content

• A Melodic and Accessible Concept Album: While the album is a thematic piece, it's also more melodic and accessible than some of the Project's earlier, more overtly progressive rock albums. It balances their signature prog-pop sound with hit singles that brought them widespread commercial success.

  
  

• The A-Side and the Suite: The album is notable for its structure. The first half features several standalone tracks, including two of the band's most enduring hits:

  • "Games People Play": A catchy, radio-friendly track with lead vocals by Lenny Zakatek, which became a significant hit.

  • "Time": A beautiful and lush ballad featuring Eric Woolfson's first lead vocal for the Project. This track became a major hit and is a fan favorite.

• The "Friendly Card" Suite: Side two of the original vinyl LP is dedicated to a single, 16-minute suite broken into five parts. This ambitious piece is a progressive rock masterpiece, with movements like "Snake Eyes" and "The Ace of Swords" that showcase the band's intricate arrangements and sophisticated production.

• Masterful Production: As with all Alan Parsons Project albums, the production is impeccable. Parsons, a legendary engineer known for his work on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, brings a level of sonic detail that makes the album an audiophile's delight. The use of multiple vocalists, the blend of orchestral arrangements and rock instrumentation, and the pristine sound quality are all hallmarks of his work.

Legacy and Collectibility

• Commercial and Critical Success: The Turn of a Friendly Card was a huge success for the band, reaching multi-platinum status and solidifying their place in rock history. While some critics found the concept a bit "egotistical," many others praised the quality of the songwriting, the production, and the album's thematic coherence.

• A Fan Favorite: Many fans consider this album to be the most consistent in the band's discography, with every song being a strong entry. It's often praised for its eclectic nature, where each track is distinct yet connected by recurring musical motifs and the overarching theme.

• Vinyl Pressing: The original Arista AL-9518 LP is a sought-after item for collectors. While earlier Project albums were known for their elaborate gatefold sleeves, budgetary constraints led this album to be a single-sleeve package. The artwork, with its depiction of gambling and destiny, is an iconic and a great visual representation of the album's concept.

 

LISTEN "Games People Play"

  

• 1980 LP Released on Arista Records / CRC # AL-9518 (Stereo). Club Edition
  
  
• This is a Sealed Album and will Perform with the Ultimate Sound Possible from this Recording. Slightly rounded corners. No cut out marks.

 

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