Meaning: "The Sicilian Defense" is a phrase often used in chess to describe a strategy in which the player allows their opponent to make the first move and then counters with a defensive tactic. In the context of the quote by Alan Parsons, it refers to an album that he worked on but ultimately chose not to release.

Alan Parsons is a renowned musician, audio engineer, and record producer known for his work with the Alan Parsons Project, a progressive rock band he co-founded. "The Sicilian Defense" was an album that he worked on but decided not to release. In his quote, Parsons expresses a strong aversion to the album, stating that it was never released and never will be if he has anything to do with it. He goes on to mention that he has not heard the album since it was finished and expresses a hope that the tapes no longer exist.

There can be multiple reasons why Parsons decided not to release the album. It could be that he was not satisfied with the quality of the music, the direction it took, or it did not align with his artistic vision. As an accomplished musician and producer, it's likely that Parsons holds high standards for his work and may have felt that "The Sicilian Defense" did not meet those standards.

Parsons' strong stance against the release of the album and his hope that the tapes no longer exist indicate a deep sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction with the project. It's not uncommon for artists to have unfinished or unreleased works that they are not proud of or that do not reflect their current creative direction. In the case of "The Sicilian Defense," it seems that Parsons has chosen to distance himself from the album and does not want it to be associated with his body of work.

The quote also reveals Parsons' commitment to maintaining control over his artistic output. By stating that the album will never be released if he has anything to do with it, he asserts his authority over the decision to share his music with the public. This demonstrates a strong sense of artistic integrity and a refusal to compromise on the quality and relevance of his work.

In conclusion, Alan Parsons' quote about "The Sicilian Defense" album provides insight into his artistic standards and his willingness to take a firm stance against releasing work that does not meet his expectations. It reflects the complex and often private process of creative expression and the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in the music industry.