Standing On Higher Ground by The Alan Parsons Project

Album: Gaudi (1987)

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Songfacts®:

The celebrated progressive rock band strikes again, although the music here has more of a pop sound than most of their songs. The song seems to be about enlightenment, both its advantages and pitfalls. However, the LP is a tribute to celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí, so perhaps it refers to him and his work. The song, fronted by Geoff Barradale, is also notable for being the group's last major hit before breaking up. >>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Santa Barbara, CA

Comments: 5

Mainecoon from Dallas SouthTo me this song is a recognition that one person can have very little to no impact on all the things wrong with the world. People are running in the "rat race" because they can't see it for what it is. They can't be persuaded to give it up. But the speaker is standing outside of it all as if (s)he were the proverbial Martian, or perhaps a human sociologist/anthropologist. It is well to remember that the people who cause the most problems in this world are those who are strongly passionate and can rile up others to their cause. More thoughtful minds are less susceptible to acting rashly and have the courage NOT to be running in the "rat race" competing with others for benefits that, on deeper reflection, are not so beneficial. There is a lot to be said for, as it said, "keeping one's own counsel" and not allowing oneself to become upset about things that one cannot change. The speaker is something of a Stoic.
Stuart from UkRE: Anton from Earth - it's a common musical trope (maybe more common in the '80s) for bands to move the melody line to the off beat and then back again - just to mix it up and get your brain working! It's always something I've enjoyed but can be overdone sometimes. I think it works well here though :-)
Thom from Boise Id.That is called "Ghost Noting" in the percussion world. The rythom carries you through a corridor of audible beats that sets your inner metronome leaving the listener to fill in subconsciously where the "unheard" beats, or (notes) should be. A delightful drumming trick, but be careful, not every note you're hearing is actually a kick drum or (bass) drum. Some of what you're hearing is actually coming from a bass guitar, which technically isn't a guitar. It's just a bass. I know, tricky huh!? Love this song!
Anton from EarthAlways have been moved by this song, but am too ignorant of music to know what it is they do to the rhythm, at several spots, particularly in the intro, it's like they push or pull the beat a half step off. What is that? A mistake in production? An intentional offset designed to catch listeners by surprise? Does this manipulation have a name? Note this is not a criticism, but a request for information.
Lisa from Milwaukee, Wi, WiI first heard this song while vacationing in San Juan back in May of 1987. Loved it then, LOVE it now! APP has got to be one of the most underrated, underappreciated bands of our time!
I'm gonna go listen to I robot now!

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