I had never listened to an Alan Parsons record - so I will be the first to admit that I cannot make grandiose statements about his work. However, I found the record at a junk store for a dollar, and placed it on my turntable when I got home. I only bought it because I am a big Poe fan, and thought a musical interpretation would be amusing.From the opening notes of "Fall of the House of Usher" I admit I was absolutely spellbound. The album: hypnotic, emotional and lush. For the time it was made, the sounds were so incredibly innovative. I found huge inspiration in writing my own music after listening to this album over and over! It is both tearfully sad, and delicately sinister. I was moved emotionally as I sat through it. Absolutely gorgeous album - I kid you not.