The Cask Of Amontillado

Edgar Allan Poe's story The Cask of Amontillado is about a man sealing a rival behind a brick wall as revenge for an insult that might or might not have actually happened. He thusly buries the man alive and dooms him to a terrible death. First published in Godey's Lady's Book (which was a magazine, not a book) in 1846, the tale is considered one of Poe's best. The Alan Parsons Project's "The Cask of Amontillado" tells the same story in lyrical form. All songs on Tales of Mystery and Imagination are based on Poe stories. It's a concept album that has provoked mixed reactions since its release. It's something of a cult favorite today, with most people indifferent to its existence while a core of devoted fans keeps its legacy alive. It was one of the most experimental works in music up to that time.

English guitarist John Miles sings lead on this one. Miles (1949-2021) is best known for "Music" from his 1976 Rebel album, which Parsons produced and engineered.

Terry Sylvester of the Hollies does backing vocals on "The Cask of Amontillado." He also sings lead on the Tales of Mystery and Imagination closing track, "To One in Paradise." Primarily The Hollies' rhythm guitarist, Sylvester also took over Graham Nash's high-note vocal parts after Nash left the band to join Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968. Shortly before Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Parsons worked with Sylvester when he was sound engineer on Hollies albums Hollies (1974) and Another Night (1975).