One of the most interesting aspects about the Alan Parsons Project is the band's ability to forge a main theme with each of its songs, while at the same time sounding extremely sharp and polished. Much of this formula is used in Ammonia Avenue, only this time the songs rise above Parsons' overall message due to the sheer beauty of the lyrics partnered with the luster of the instruments. The album touches upon how the lines of communication between people are diminishing, and how we as a society grow more spiritually isolated and antisocial. But aside from the philosophical concepts prevalent in the lyrics, it is the music on this album that comes to the forefront. The enchanting saxophone of Mel Collins on "Don't Answer Me" adds to its lonely atmosphere, while the briskness of Eric Woolfson's wording throughout "Prime Time" makes it one of the Project's best singles. On "You Don't Believe," the seriousness of the lyrics works well with the song's energetic pace. The subtlety of the ballad comes to life on the elegant "Since the Last Goodbye," which focuses on a failed attempt at a relationship. With Ammonia Avenue, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole product, which can't be said for all of the Alan Parsons Project's albums. Vocalists Eric Woolfson, Chris Rainbow, Lenny Zakatek, and Colin Blunstone equally shine, placing their talents above and beyond the album's main idea.

Almost three years after his successful album "Between my Home's Walls" this is another outfir from the talented ethnic-rock International artist Idan Raichel. This 3 CD set conclude rare tracks recorded during the years, previously never been released before, Live versions for huge tracks like from The Depth, and few more new songs, More than 40 musicians are participating in this must album for any Idan raichel's fan.

Four years after the release of his wildly successful album "Within My Walls," Idan Raichel is back with his latest celebration of musical genuis and mulit-cultural collaboration with his latest album, "Quarter to Six." Divided into two parts, eight songs each, it is another deeply moving production from Raichel, a beautiful array of soulful melodies, creative poetry, stunning vocal performances and complex arrangements. With the already popular singles "Now Close" and "Night" it is easy to see why "Quarter to Six" is already the leading candidate for the Foreign and World category's best album of the year.

The Manhattan Transfer is back! Cheryl Bentyne, Alan Paul and Janis Siegel are making music again and gearing up for their first new album in nearly a decade with the March 30 release of The Junction — and PEOPLE has an exclusive premiere of the first single, “The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul.”

The Rasmus are undeniably catchy on Dark Matters, which is, in truth, anything but dark. There is dancing and electronic beats, hip-shaking and heroes. Undeniably melodic, a wet dream for radio, these Finns create a delirious blend of infectious sounds that will prance its dance shoes across your heart. From melancholia to nothingness, sadistic thrills to heroic heights, Dark Matters is heavy on all things modern, addictive, and fabulous.

A box set like this is something I'd been wanting for some time, as I'd never owned all of the Project's work, so it was quite exciting when this was announced some months back. The Alan Parsons Project is one of those bands that charted - and charted numerous times - back in the late 70s and the 80s, but here in the States their music today seems all but forgotten except by those in the know. This is an absorbing, fascinating progression of albums, and I spent much of yesterday and last night sifting through it. If I had to pick the high points I'd choose "I Robot," "Ammonia Avenue," and "Pyramid." Of course, there isn't really a bad album in the bunch.