The Alan Parsons Project — Breakdown
Album: I RobotAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1112
Length: 3:40
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I breakdown in the middle and lose my thread
No one can understand a word that I say
When I break down just a little and lose my head
Nothing I try to do can work the same way
Any time it happened I'd get over it
With a little help from all my friends
Anybody else could see what's wrong with me
But they walk away and just pretend
When I breakdown
I breakdown in the middle and lose my thread
No one can understand a word that I say
When I break down just a little and lose my head
Nothing I try to do can work the same way
Where are all the friends who used to talk to me
All they ever told me was good news
People that I've never seen are kind to me
Is it any wonder I'm confused
When I break down, when I break down
Freedom, freedom, we will not obey
Freedom, freedom, take the wall away
Freedom, freedom, we will not obey
Freedom, freedom, take them all away
No one can understand a word that I say
When I break down just a little and lose my head
Nothing I try to do can work the same way
Any time it happened I'd get over it
With a little help from all my friends
Anybody else could see what's wrong with me
But they walk away and just pretend
When I breakdown
I breakdown in the middle and lose my thread
No one can understand a word that I say
When I break down just a little and lose my head
Nothing I try to do can work the same way
Where are all the friends who used to talk to me
All they ever told me was good news
People that I've never seen are kind to me
Is it any wonder I'm confused
When I break down, when I break down
Freedom, freedom, we will not obey
Freedom, freedom, take the wall away
Freedom, freedom, we will not obey
Freedom, freedom, take them all away
Comments (123)add comment
One of plays on RP that reminds me I have this album - I'll play it later - I do like TAPP!!
Uberkitsch, but I love it!
Stepped up a level with the addition of the opera singers. Nice.
I've enjoyed this song since I first heard it the summer before 6th grade. Solid 8 from me.
Rotterdam wrote:
I love being stupid then. I really like this song and always did. It was refreshing in its time, and still lovely now - to my ears.
I mean--he says "pretentious" like it's a bad thing...
I love being stupid then. I really like this song and always did. It was refreshing in its time, and still lovely now - to my ears.
I mean--he says "pretentious" like it's a bad thing...
Oooh I really like the little Tubular Bells synth part!
amoreena wrote:
...and Abbey Road, Let it Be and Ambrosia's classic. Bow down.
In the second it took to post my note, Bill followed this with a cut from Abbey Road. Bill knows.
Done it again Bill - 'All you need is Love'! Thanks
...and Abbey Road, Let it Be and Ambrosia's classic. Bow down.
In the second it took to post my note, Bill followed this with a cut from Abbey Road. Bill knows.
Done it again Bill - 'All you need is Love'! Thanks
Stingray wrote:
Why am I not surprised that Stingray can't spell Barclay?
Anyway, good idea; how about a little Barclay James, Bill?
And what is next...?
BARCLEY JAMES HARVEST?
Why am I not surprised that Stingray can't spell Barclay?
Anyway, good idea; how about a little Barclay James, Bill?
I call it the Alan Parsons Project.
Ducka ducka ducka....
Kitsch!
Question: are those vocals normal or engineering in a studio?
They sound too weird. Too strained. Stretched.
They sound too weird. Too strained. Stretched.
When this came out, it really got a lot of airplay -- and deservedly so! Right up there with Pink Floyd, for looking into alternate realms... Grokked the cover pic for real at DeGaulle airport; almost freaked!
PinkSo wrote:
"I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You" is a kickass song from this album.
By far not the best Alan Parsons Project album.
By far not the best Alan Parsons Project singer.
Too bad, they have produced so much wonderful stuff ! Eye In the Sky of course, but check out their first and lesser-known "Tales of Mystery and Imagination"
"I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You" is a kickass song from this album.
Fantastic song! I bought this album in high school because the predecessor "Tales of Mystery and Imagination". I still believe the albums are up there with the best of concept albums while highlighting the works of Edgar Allen Poe and Isaac Asimov.
PinkSo wrote:
Agreed, and I'd add "Turn of a Friendly Card" to the 'great album' list
... they have produced so much wonderful stuff ! Eye In the Sky of course, but check out their first and lesser-known "Tales of Mystery and Imagination"
Agreed, and I'd add "Turn of a Friendly Card" to the 'great album' list
treatment_bound wrote:
It's Allan Clarke (formerly of The Hollies) singing.
Oh I thought it was Lenny Zakatek
It's Allan Clarke (formerly of The Hollies) singing.
Oh I thought it was Lenny Zakatek
By far not the best Alan Parsons Project album.
By far not the best Alan Parsons Project singer.
Too bad, they have produced so much wonderful stuff ! Eye In the Sky of course, but check out their first and lesser-known "Tales of Mystery and Imagination"
By far not the best Alan Parsons Project singer.
Too bad, they have produced so much wonderful stuff ! Eye In the Sky of course, but check out their first and lesser-known "Tales of Mystery and Imagination"
MoM$CooKin wrote:
...and Abbey Road, Let it Be and Ambrosia's classic. Bow down.
In the second it took to post my note, Bill followed this with a cut from Abbey Road. Bill knows.
trivia time: Engineer Alan Parsons was directly responsible for some of the most notable sonic aspects of the album Dark Side of the Moon...
...and Abbey Road, Let it Be and Ambrosia's classic. Bow down.
In the second it took to post my note, Bill followed this with a cut from Abbey Road. Bill knows.
A classic fave. Love it.
Isabeau wrote:
Stupid? I think not, Sir Rotterdam. Not by a long stretch. BIG Alan Parsons fan here. Anyone who appreciates Genesis, Who, Yes, Moody Blues, ELO, any 'orchestral' rock are my tribe. Heart, Mind and Soul knows what it likes and its not a slave to musical "fashion."
Indeed!
Stupid? I think not, Sir Rotterdam. Not by a long stretch. BIG Alan Parsons fan here. Anyone who appreciates Genesis, Who, Yes, Moody Blues, ELO, any 'orchestral' rock are my tribe. Heart, Mind and Soul knows what it likes and its not a slave to musical "fashion."
Indeed!
MassivRuss wrote:
You seem to say that as it was a bad thing (??)
Nothing is more 70's than AP.
NOTHING.
NOTHING.
You seem to say that as it was a bad thing (??)
More APP Bill! All good, any time.
Rotterdam wrote:
I love being stupid then. I really like this song and always did. It was refreshing in its time, and still lovely now - to my ears.
Stupid? I think not, Sir Rotterdam. Not by a long stretch. BIG Alan Parsons fan here. Anyone who appreciates Genesis, Who, Yes, Moody Blues, ELO, any 'orchestral' rock are my tribe. Heart, Mind and Soul knows what it likes and its not a slave to musical "fashion."
I love being stupid then. I really like this song and always did. It was refreshing in its time, and still lovely now - to my ears.
Stupid? I think not, Sir Rotterdam. Not by a long stretch. BIG Alan Parsons fan here. Anyone who appreciates Genesis, Who, Yes, Moody Blues, ELO, any 'orchestral' rock are my tribe. Heart, Mind and Soul knows what it likes and its not a slave to musical "fashion."
Nothing is more 70's than AP.
NOTHING.
NOTHING.
OH Yes more please Bill :)
Saw them in concert in a small venue around Christmas. I always thought of APP as a studio band. But I was pleasantly surprised by the live sound. The guy they had playing Sax was awesome. The old hippie crowd showed up. And there was a strange odor in the air that you don't normally smell in public very often.
It was a very fine performance. Though some songs were not as spot on as the studio sound could not be exactly reproduced.
Very appreciative crowd and nice evening of music I enjoyed.
It was a very fine performance. Though some songs were not as spot on as the studio sound could not be exactly reproduced.
Very appreciative crowd and nice evening of music I enjoyed.
It's 1977 again and I'm cruising the Colonial Parkway late at night in my '70 XR-7, listening to Alan Parson's Project...
The first album Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Edgar Alan Poe is awesome!
Grew up loving Alan Parsons Project and during my US Army days, remember cross-country road trips spinning their CDs in my VW Fox.
treatment_bound wrote:
It's Allan Clarke (formerly of The Hollies) singing.
THANKS for this nugget of info! I thought I was a decent AP fan; just learning this 20 years later keeps me humble and interested in learning more.
It's Allan Clarke (formerly of The Hollies) singing.
THANKS for this nugget of info! I thought I was a decent AP fan; just learning this 20 years later keeps me humble and interested in learning more.
sleepinggypC wrote:
It's Allan Clarke (formerly of The Hollies) singing.
Loves me some Alan Parsons Project!! Cool to have prog rock in the mix. Is that Lindsay Buckingham?
It's Allan Clarke (formerly of The Hollies) singing.
Loves me some Alan Parsons Project!! Cool to have prog rock in the mix. Is that Lindsay Buckingham?
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
This is out on Double 45 speed 12 inch Mofi vinyl and SACD. Vinyl might be a must for us children of the 70s
Takes me back to the 70s! I know I had this on vinyl, I may have had the 8 track of it also!
This is out on Double 45 speed 12 inch Mofi vinyl and SACD. Vinyl might be a must for us children of the 70s
Lindsey Buckingham
Awesome! Thanks for the memory.
I remember going to a record shop to buy this, along with some Sweet and Pink Floyd records. I recall the guy at the counter telling my friend and I that AP had been involved as producer of DSOTM and we were intrigued. So much talent; such great, imaginative music!
Personally I would not be opposed to a little more APP!
Wow. Haven't heard this in years. Had multiple APP albums. Days in living room playing them on parents stereo. Seems like ages ago. Sigh.
Thank you for the APP, it makes a change from so much Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.
The APP is often overlooked but well worth exploring.
The APP is often overlooked but well worth exploring.
Good to see some Alan Parsons here
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Yep same here
Takes me back to the 70s! I know I had this on vinyl, I may have had the 8 track of it also!
Yep same here
willmcnaught wrote:
daveesh wrote:
once again, look at average rating daveesh, and you can see you are in the minority on this one. spare us your "insight"
wgsu_1978 wrote:
So what are you saying, Willie? That this piece of prog-pop drivel somehow has merit because most people here say it does? I assume you're old enough to know better.
Exactly - and is being "in the minority" in music opinions (or anything), really something one should be dismissed for?
daveesh wrote:wow. is this a joke? absolutely horrible.
once again, look at average rating daveesh, and you can see you are in the minority on this one. spare us your "insight"
wgsu_1978 wrote:
So what are you saying, Willie? That this piece of prog-pop drivel somehow has merit because most people here say it does? I assume you're old enough to know better.
Exactly - and is being "in the minority" in music opinions (or anything), really something one should be dismissed for?
Takes me back to the 70s! I know I had this on vinyl, I may have had the 8 track of it also!
willmcnaught wrote: daveesh wrote:
once again, look at average rating daveesh, and you can see you are in the minority on this one. spare us your "insight"
So what are you saying, Willie? That this piece of prog-pop drivel somehow has merit because most people here say it does? I assume you're old enough to know better.
daveesh wrote:wow. is this a joke? absolutely horrible.
once again, look at average rating daveesh, and you can see you are in the minority on this one. spare us your "insight"
So what are you saying, Willie? That this piece of prog-pop drivel somehow has merit because most people here say it does? I assume you're old enough to know better.
Of all the APP songs RP selects only the least impressive of the lot. So far this is all we've gotten from this extraordinary group:
Pipeline
Breakdown
The Raven
While Pipeline is good enough for RP, The Raven is pushing it a bit and Breakdown belongs to the most embarrassing of APP songs.
What a tragedy.
Pipeline
Breakdown
The Raven
While Pipeline is good enough for RP, The Raven is pushing it a bit and Breakdown belongs to the most embarrassing of APP songs.
What a tragedy.
daveesh wrote:wow. is this a joke? absolutely horrible.
once again, look at average rating daveesh, and you can see you are in the minority on this one. spare us your "insight"
TJS wrote:
Now that was a great album. Need to find it digitally if it exists that way.
BillG, this in not the first Alan Parson's Project album, the first was Tales of Mystery and Imagination.
Now that was a great album. Need to find it digitally if it exists that way.
Been so long since I'd heard this song I had to look up the artist! THANKS for bringing me back!
MJMJ wrote:
WHAAAAATTTT???!!!
Ohhh you know NOTHING about APP!!
Styx-y
WHAAAAATTTT???!!!
Ohhh you know NOTHING about APP!!
Stingray wrote:
Freedom! Freedom! We will not obey!
MY DEAR GOD - SHUT THIS OFF!
UNBEARABLE!
Freedom! Freedom! We will not obey!
Styx-y
I am with you on the teenage years and I too still have the vinyl copy..played it OFTEN ! Propayne wrote:
I just love this album. Had it on vinyl and 8 track.
Helped make my teenage years bearable.
Still have the vinyl actually.
Helped make my teenage years bearable.
Still have the vinyl actually.
I just love this album. Had it on vinyl and 8 track.
Helped make my teenage years bearable.
Still have the vinyl actually.
Helped make my teenage years bearable.
Still have the vinyl actually.
Wow, I haven't listened to Alan Parsons Project in years!
This 'joke' was heavily credited for the production of Dark Side of the Moon.
daveesh wrote:
daveesh wrote:
wow. is this a joke? absolutely horrible.
squidish wrote:
...does too sound like L Buckingham
Sounds like Lindsey Buckingham - needs his guitar licks.
I'm gonna blare this tonight when I get home.
Good stuff.
I'm gonna blare this tonight when I get home.
Good stuff.
...does too sound like L Buckingham
Sounds like Lindsey Buckingham - needs his guitar licks.
I'm gonna blare this tonight when I get home.
Good stuff.
I'm gonna blare this tonight when I get home.
Good stuff.
Another Great Band that I don't know where they went. THey put out a lot of great music in the late 70's and early 80's.
I had just joined the Navy, was assigned to the newest carrier at the time CVN 69 D.D. Eisnhower. This song reminded me of that time and place. Thanks Bill.
wow. is this a joke? absolutely horrible.
Hannio wrote:
Grand Funk Railroad paved the way for Jefferson airplane, which cleared the way for Jefferson starship. The stage was now set for the Alan Parsons project, which I believe was some sort of hovercraft. - Homer Simpson
excellent album. no hear long time.
pontfarrer wrote:
Indeed a nice blast from the past.
Haven't heard this one in a while ... good to hear it again :-)
Indeed a nice blast from the past.
suesblues wrote:
Are you talking through your bum?
is he singing through his nose?
Are you talking through your bum?
is he singing through his nose?
Great album! I always loved the cover illustration back in the day, and was in early 2001 surprised to discover that the cosmic escalator tube crossing was (I think, unless there's another place like it) in Charles DeGalle Airport in Paris. I also liked a lot of the Pyramid album.
Grand Funk Railroad paved the way for Jefferson airplane, which cleared the way for Jefferson starship. The stage was now set for the Alan Parsons project, which I believe was some sort of hovercraft. - Homer Simpson
TJS wrote:
Right you are. Thanks for the correction.
BillG, this in not the first Alan Parson's Project album, the first was Tales of Mystery and Imagination.
Right you are. Thanks for the correction.
BillG, this in not the first Alan Parson's Project album, the first was Tales of Mystery and Imagination.
GREAT album, however I don't think it was his 1st.
Cynaera wrote:
Miss you so much, Cynaera... love this song...
Agreed - I love Alan Parsons Project - this is Allan Clarke, from The Hollies, singing lead vocals. He did a really good album called, "I Wasn't Born Yesterday," which probably could have been a lot better, but at the time, it was very impressive. I've always loved his voice, and was surprised to hear his voice in conjunction with APP. Good song! 
Miss you so much, Cynaera... love this song...
tutakea wrote:
I love being stupid then. I really like this song and always did. It was refreshing in its time, and still lovely now - to my ears.
uaaargghhhh - a potential winner in a "most embarrasing pretentious prog-rock disasters". teeeeeeerrrrrriiiibbbble, indeed!
I love being stupid then. I really like this song and always did. It was refreshing in its time, and still lovely now - to my ears.
Haven't heard this one in a while ... good to hear it again :-)
Great stuff.
There is a track on this album called, "The Voice" featuring Steve Harley on vocals.
There is a track on this album called, "The Voice" featuring Steve Harley on vocals.
I just dug the vinyl out the other day...great album and I always found the cover to be interesting.
Instantly transported to freshman year of college.
This really is not good.
3Dave wrote:
Well as I scrolled a bit... I was going by the over all ratings and not the bile spewing shut-ins typing away their responses...
Perfect example?.... the post after mine...
Well as I scrolled a bit... I was going by the over all ratings and not the bile spewing shut-ins typing away their responses...
Perfect example?.... the post after mine...
Whether it’s incredible production values, or great collaboration of talent, or the exploration of interesting conceptual ideas, or just great plane catchy tunes that made for top selling songs..... all add up to proving they couldn’t be more wrong. 
uaaargghhhh - a potential winner in a "most embarrasing pretentious prog-rock disasters". teeeeeeerrrrrriiiibbbble, indeed!
3Dave wrote:
Sooooo glad you are so waaaaay out numbered here....
Well as I scrolled a bit... I was going by the over all ratings and not the bile spewing shut-ins typing away their responses...
Sooooo glad you are so waaaaay out numbered here....
Well as I scrolled a bit... I was going by the over all ratings and not the bile spewing shut-ins typing away their responses...
Stingray wrote:
Sooooo glad you are so waaaaay out numbered here....
HOW ENDLESSLY BAD AND KITSCHI...!
TEEEEEEERIBLE!!!!
Sooooo glad you are so waaaaay out numbered here....
MojoJojo wrote:
Yes - and the Asia poster in "40 Year Old Virgin".
Embrace the grandeur
Dr. Evil: The key to this project is the giant laser, which was invented by the noted Cambridge physicist, Dr. Parsons. So therefore, it is fitting to call it: "The Alan Parsons Project".
(Scott snickers)
Dr. Evil: What?
Scott: The Alan Parsons Project was a progressive rock band from 1982. Why don't you just name it Operation Wang Chung, ass?
(Scott snickers)
Dr. Evil: What?
Scott: The Alan Parsons Project was a progressive rock band from 1982. Why don't you just name it Operation Wang Chung, ass?
Yes - and the Asia poster in "40 Year Old Virgin".
Embrace the grandeur
Woah. Serious flashback to college, when I discovered APP. (And a good flashback, at that.) Have to see if I still have any old Alan Parsons CDs.
Dr. Evil: The key to this project is the giant laser, which was invented by the noted Cambridge physicist, Dr. Parsons. So therefore, it is fitting to call it: "The Alan Parsons Project".
(Scott snickers)
Dr. Evil: What?
Scott: The Alan Parsons Project was a progressive rock band from 1982. Why don't you just name it Operation Wang Chung, ass?
(Scott snickers)
Dr. Evil: What?
Scott: The Alan Parsons Project was a progressive rock band from 1982. Why don't you just name it Operation Wang Chung, ass?
It's an interesting (coincidence?) that The Alan Parsons Project is being played after a track from Blackfield, since it has been announced recently that Alan Parsons will be producing the next Steven Wilson solo album.
HOW ENDLESSLY BAD AND KITSCHI...!
TEEEEEEERIBLE!!!!
Grab a spliff and chill.
Damn , this takes me back to other summers a very long time ago......
We need some songs off Pyramid too. There early albums are great.
MY DEAR GOD - SHUT THIS OFF!
UNBEARABLE!
Wow this is actively terrible. It's hard to wrap my head around anyone thinking this was good enough to get produced in the first place.
And what is next...?
BARCLEY JAMES HARVEST?
MUCHO TERRIBILE!!
What a useless, boring song with insipid lyrics and melody. What is this, soft rock? bubblegum rock? easy listening? elevator music? Whatever it is, it's terrible!!!
Great but not there best, still love the Edgar Allen Poe album the best.
Just wanted to add my 2 cents. Didn't hear it played here, but love the song and APP. With the high score and the new guidelines here at RP, I think it will be. I played Alan Parsons too much back in the day and I believe am now ready to start listening to the Project again. You can't deny his production skills.
Judging by the comment dates, this doesn't get a lot of "airplay" on RP ... but when it does get an outing, the world's happiness quotient seems to be increased. 
Great to hear this song! The ending operatic singing is awesome.
Coo!. Not nearly enough classic APP played around these parts.
Another blast from the past for me too...I remember playing the Alan Parsons project almost continuously on tapes...couldn't fit vinyl into my walkman.
Propayne wrote:
Wow! It's been a long time since I've heard this. Great Album.
Oh geez, I Robot brings back such good memories!
Wow! It's been a long time since I've heard this. Great Album.
Yes.
Digging it.
Thanks.
Digging it.
Thanks.
Propayne wrote:
I remember some rock magazine voted Alan Parsons Best Vocalist one year!
I think it was the "National Inquirer.'
I remember some rock magazine voted Alan Parsons Best Vocalist one year!
I think it was the "National Inquirer.'
Wow! Is this ever a blast from the past. Haven't heard this song in years and I have the CD (and LP). Groovin' down here in the Deep South!
cogbehaviour wrote:
I remember some rock magazine voted Alan Parsons Best Vocalist one year!
Allen Clarke on vocals. Great voice. Great album.
I remember some rock magazine voted Alan Parsons Best Vocalist one year!
Oh geez, I Robot brings back such good memories!
I like virtually everything engineered by Alan Parsons... especially his first 5 or 6 projects. Also Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and the Beatles "Abby Road."
I should have saved my I Robot t-shirt for my teen daughter. Imagine the looks of incredulity she'd get from us late Boomers.
Allen Clarke on vocals. Great voice. Great album.
Haven't heard this since the days the album was playing 24/7 in my first apartment, back in, well, back then.
You could pick any number off this. I'm inspired to dig it out and call it a day
You could pick any number off this. I'm inspired to dig it out and call it a day
trivia time: Engineer Alan Parsons was directly responsible for some of the most notable sonic aspects of the album Dark Side of the Moon...
wow ! turned on RP and AP is playing. Blast from the past !
Great track from a great album.
Back during the days of Lazeriums.
Back during the days of Lazeriums.
jcasey23 wrote:
Oh Yes! Thanks! I played this so much.Really was into APP!
Great album. Thanks for the memories. 
Oh Yes! Thanks! I played this so much.Really was into APP!
Cool pick Bill! 
Great album. Thanks for the memories.
Cynaera wrote:
Ah! I can hear the Hollies.
Agreed - I love Alan Parsons Project - this is Allan Clarke, from The Hollies, singing lead vocals. He did a really good album called, "I Wasn't Born Yesterday," which probably could have been a lot better, but at the time, it was very impressive. I've always loved his voice, and was surprised to hear his voice in conjunction with APP. Good song!
Ah! I can hear the Hollies.
One of my fave albums from college! This just took me back to the day. 
Yup! Good tune! Thanks Bill.
Agreed - I love Alan Parsons Project - this is Allan Clarke, from The Hollies, singing lead vocals. He did a really good album called, "I Wasn't Born Yesterday," which probably could have been a lot better, but at the time, it was very impressive. I've always loved his voice, and was surprised to hear his voice in conjunction with APP. Good song!