It's the year 2023 and for the first time I hear this album. I'm an old fan of the 70's had all his albums in my vinyl collection. Al sounds as fresh like back then. and song #5 "Somewhere in England 1915" blows me away Al Stewart is unique in the music history.
Always a favorite --- And he doesn't sound one iota different or older than he did on Time Passages. I usually prefer a harder sound such as the Stones, Zeppelin, AC/DC, Boston, etc. But even with a softer sound, Al Stewart is one of those singers and musicians who comes across just as edgy. And while he takes you back to a time you never knew, he still makes you feel like you were nonetheless there. Truly super.
I've been a fan of Al's music for decades.The first time I saw him was on the Year of the Cat tour.Always had great guitarists.He is also a brilliant historian,self taught.He could easily teach a college course on military history.And we all know what a great wordsmith Al is.
Al Stewart -A Beach Full Of Shells-From Wikipedia--A Beach Full of Shells is the fifteenth studio album by Al Stewart, released in 2005. Like most of Stewart's later works, much of the content of the CD alludes to people or moments in history.- - - - - - - - -Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Programmed By [Programming], Arranged By [String Arrangements], Percussion - Laurence Juber Backing Vocals - Robin Kirmsee*, Steve Lively Bass Guitar - Domenic Genova* Cello - Richard Dodd (2) Piano, Electric Organ [B3] - Jim Cox Strings [Strings By] - The Section String Quartet* Viola - Leah Katz Violin - Daphne Chen, Eric Gorfain Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards - Al Stewart
I discovered Al when everyone has to have a favorite song,and I would hear him on the radio with year of cat then find out he is British and he is a fantastic writer and love his music he chooses to his lyrics very awesome intelligent person thanks for your music
Was lucky enough to spend a few hours with Al twice after two shows a few years apart. Funny, down to earth, and even gave me his number said to call him if ever near his home and we’d go out for dinner.
First heard Al in the early 1970's when "Past, Present, and Future" was released, his music was heard on underground rock FM radio stations before he made the top 40 charts and then was heard on pop radio stations. During the 1970's Al Stewart became my favorite male recording artist. I have bought most of his recordings except this one, for some reason never got a chance to hear this one. I live in the city of the "House of Guitars" where I purchased most of his recordings in the past, never seen this one in the store, probably due to not being a popular recording. Gratitude for a chance to hear this one for the first time.
[crosses fingers that formatting isn't totally wack when I post] Immelman Turn: 0:00 Mr Lear: 4:38 Royal Courtship 7:39 Rain Barrel 11:49 Somewhere in England 1915 15:50 Katherine of Oregon 22:46 Mona Lisa Talking 25:53 Class of ’58 30:19 Out in the Snow 34:30 My Egyptian Couch 37:22 Gina in the King’s Road 39:40 Beacon St 43:30 Anniversary 45:50
I watched Al Stewart perform in Park City, Utah about 3 years ago. His personality is outstanding, and his songs and storytelling encourage audience participation. I thoroughly enjoyed his concert. Stewart's music and lyrics are enlightening.
@@steed099 I have listened to Famous Last Words many times! I told him after a concert one time that Famous Last Words was every bit as good as Year of the Cat and Time Passages. He was surprised that I put it in that category, but also appreciative of course. I consider all four of them World Class albums, but A Beach Full of Shells is just "that much" better.
This album in my humble opinion Might just beat out Year of the cat. Which I did not think was possible. I'm ready for anothe super group like the T. Wilburys. Imagine this- Al Stewart, David Gilmoure, Jeff Lyne produced by Alan Parsons
as I always say, Ive seen him since the late 60s and like most artists, things get less good as time goes on, though the musical climate since the 70s has affected the best of performers. however, there are some good tracks on this, especially 'katherine of oregon', which is a return to his old free flowing style. the immelman turn I think refers to a 1st world war pilot suddenly reversing the odds on an attacker., and has become a somewhat obscure metaphor in itself.
puddypuss I think that Al's music since 1990 has been every bit as good as his early stuff. Unfortunately, he has recorded nothing new since 2009. Here's hoping against hope that new material is forthcoming. He has written many new great songs, but very few have heard them. A pity.
puddypuss Some of my faves, most of which I think are from 1980+ (apologies; no idea which are from which albums): Night Train to Munich Joe the Georgian League of Notions Fields of France Where Are They Now Hanno the Navigator Cafe Society Gethsemane Again Helen and Cassandra
smartalek180 Some of my faves from the post 1980 era include 1915, Lord Salisbury, Shah of Shahs, Rumours of War, Antarctica, Sergio, Like William McKinley and virtually everything from Between the Wars. Al is my drug of choice, actually. P.S. I don't know when he wrote it, but I agree that Gethsemane Again! is amazing.
That apparently was Al playing the piano at the beginning of Class of '58. That was wonderful. He should have given up the guitar and played piano instead.
Loved AS in the early/mid seventies. For some reason, recently returned to that stuff - which hasn't diminished with time. Giving this a listen (to block out hoovering in the background) - time passages indeed :) Listened to it all now - some decent stories, but nothing extraordinary.
I have been following and listening to Al Stewart since Past, Present and Future in the 70's, and I love his music, but as time goes by his music has become less inspiring and kind of blah. I do love Immelman Turn, ( brilliant, listen at 2:30 ) it has a beat and some music in it. I just want to know what happened? Were his early albums more cooperative efforts and the other musicians are not there to add to his music or what? I don't know but one great song should be good enough on an album I suppose, but the latest really has nothing. The albums straight after P,P&F were all great songs through all the albums ... thank you so much for so many great songs and memories.
I would guess he's doing more "period music" now either because he feels it fits the material better or because only Alan Parsons seemed capable of fully realizing those late-70s type songs. (Though Al can play them live solo and make you hear the full instrumentation and production in your soul somehow!)
It's the year 2023 and for the first time I hear this album.
I'm an old fan of the 70's had all his albums in my vinyl collection.
Al sounds as fresh like back then.
and song #5 "Somewhere in England 1915" blows me away
Al Stewart is unique in the music history.
1915 is my favorite Al song EVER. And I love virtually every Al tune. 😊
Al Stewart is the best story teller of history's mysteries through his music and has lasted 40+ years..
Great song
Along with Gordon Lightfoot
Always a favorite --- And he doesn't sound one iota different or older than he did on Time Passages. I usually prefer a harder sound such as the Stones, Zeppelin, AC/DC, Boston, etc. But even with a softer sound, Al Stewart is one of those singers and musicians who comes across just as edgy. And while he takes you back to a time you never knew, he still makes you feel like you were nonetheless there. Truly super.
I've been a fan of Al's music for decades.The first time I saw him was on the Year of the Cat tour.Always had great guitarists.He is also a brilliant historian,self taught.He could easily teach a college course on military history.And we all know what a great wordsmith Al is.
Thanks for posting this excellent album. ✔
An outstanding CD. Al is my favorite singer storyteller of all time.
Al Stewart -A Beach Full Of Shells-From Wikipedia--A Beach Full of Shells is the fifteenth studio album by Al Stewart, released in 2005. Like most of Stewart's later works, much of the content of the CD alludes to people or moments in history.- - - - - - - - -Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Programmed By [Programming], Arranged By [String Arrangements], Percussion - Laurence Juber
Backing Vocals - Robin Kirmsee*, Steve Lively
Bass Guitar - Domenic Genova*
Cello - Richard Dodd (2)
Piano, Electric Organ [B3] - Jim Cox
Strings [Strings By] - The Section String Quartet*
Viola - Leah Katz
Violin - Daphne Chen, Eric Gorfain
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards - Al Stewart
He is THE Bard Al! His music taught me wold history with the most beautiful music!
he is seriously a musical genius
I discovered Al when everyone has to have a favorite song,and I would hear him on the radio with year of cat then find out he is British and he is a fantastic writer and love his music he chooses to his lyrics very awesome intelligent person thanks for your music
as a musician of many years Al never fails to surprise and impress me.
Same here.
Was lucky enough to spend a few hours with Al twice after two shows a few years apart. Funny, down to earth, and even gave me his number said to call him if ever near his home and we’d go out for dinner.
First heard Al in the early 1970's when "Past, Present, and Future" was released, his music was heard on underground rock FM radio stations before he made the top 40 charts and then was heard on pop radio stations. During the 1970's Al Stewart became my favorite male recording artist. I have bought most of his recordings except this one, for some reason never got a chance to hear this one. I live in the city of the "House of Guitars" where I purchased most of his recordings in the past, never seen this one in the store, probably due to not being a popular recording. Gratitude for a chance to hear this one for the first time.
[crosses fingers that formatting isn't totally wack when I post]
Immelman Turn: 0:00
Mr Lear: 4:38
Royal Courtship 7:39
Rain Barrel 11:49
Somewhere in England 1915 15:50
Katherine of Oregon 22:46
Mona Lisa Talking 25:53
Class of ’58 30:19
Out in the Snow 34:30
My Egyptian Couch 37:22
Gina in the King’s Road 39:40
Beacon St 43:30
Anniversary 45:50
smartalek180 Thanks!
Thank you.
I watched Al Stewart perform in Park City, Utah about 3 years ago. His personality is outstanding, and his songs and storytelling encourage audience participation. I thoroughly enjoyed his concert. Stewart's music and lyrics are enlightening.
Great Memories , another legend ahead of his time!
I love Al Stewart..anything...!!!!!!
La música de Al Stewart es lo máximo !! Al Stewart Music is the Best !!
He has a lot of great tunes.
Han har mange flotte låter.
Tiene muchas melodías geniales.
Er hat viele tolle Melodien.
Thanks for posting this. Loved his stuff since his first records and have grown young with his songs. First time I've heard this one :)
What a great album!
Al never wrote a bad song. Amazing!
@Billy Borgan Hey, I LIKE Hanno the Navigator. But the main point is true and he would be the first to admit it.
Al has the highest percentage of catalog that I love of any artist. And that includes his material that never became album cuts. 😊
amazing Al...thanks from Algeria
Love his music.
Thanks for this upload.
Brilliant album.
"One day they'll make TV shows about aging rock'n'rollers"
Has already happened . . .
A Beach Full of Shells is the best album. By anyone. Ever.
Trolliest troll.
listen to 'Famous Last Words' by Al
@@steed099 I have listened to Famous Last Words many times! I told him after a concert one time that Famous Last Words was every bit as good as Year of the Cat and Time Passages. He was surprised that I put it in that category, but also appreciative of course. I consider all four of them World Class albums, but A Beach Full of Shells is just "that much" better.
It's a pretty good album but I wouldn't rate or compare to the others. Each album of Al Stewart is great in its own way.
Wonderful!
❤thank you for sharing❤
puddypuss, absolutely. Al is a man for all seasons, every year.
Always evolving
I like Lawrence Juber production, the have a wonderful feeling!
Thank you 🙏🏻
Anyone with a several-decades gap in AS listening: Start with this one, then Famous Last Words. And Down in the Cellars is great too.
Start with Past, Present and Future ... what kind of crank are you?
Yeah. All of them are great.
Is that Richard Thompson on guitar on the first track. Reminds me of early Fairport
That's exactly what I thought, I don't know, he appeared on some of AS early albums .
This album in my humble opinion Might just beat out Year of the cat. Which I did not think was possible. I'm ready for anothe super group like the T. Wilburys.
Imagine this- Al Stewart, David Gilmoure, Jeff Lyne produced by Alan Parsons
A korábbi számai nem érik el a Year of the cat (1976) színvonalát.
Al just got Married early sept 2020 so he and bride looked very happy.Check it out.
Modern sea shanties. 👍🇬🇧🎼🎵🎶🎤🎸🙏
Ahoy, me hearty!
as I always say, Ive seen him since the late 60s and like most artists, things get less good as time goes on, though the musical climate since the 70s has affected the best of performers. however, there are some good tracks on this, especially 'katherine of oregon', which is a return to his old free flowing style. the immelman turn I think refers to a 1st world war pilot suddenly reversing the odds on an attacker., and has become a somewhat obscure metaphor in itself.
puddypuss I think that Al's music since 1990 has been every bit as good as his early stuff. Unfortunately, he has recorded nothing new since 2009. Here's hoping against hope that new material is forthcoming. He has written many new great songs, but very few have heard them. A pity.
rac717 Dave Nachmanof, his tiny guitar buddy, regularly posts both his stuff plus bits gigs with Al.
Damocles Loraine I love Dave, and he is great in his own right, and he enriches Al's shows as well. What a serendipitous find for Al!
puddypuss
Some of my faves, most of which I think are from 1980+ (apologies; no idea which are from which albums):
Night Train to Munich
Joe the Georgian
League of Notions
Fields of France
Where Are They Now
Hanno the Navigator
Cafe Society
Gethsemane Again
Helen and Cassandra
smartalek180
Some of my faves from the post 1980 era include 1915, Lord Salisbury, Shah of Shahs, Rumours of War, Antarctica, Sergio, Like William McKinley and virtually everything from Between the Wars. Al is my drug of choice, actually.
P.S. I don't know when he wrote it, but I agree that Gethsemane Again! is amazing.
What year was this album released? I’m only familiar with his 70’s work
Nice.
Love it
That apparently was Al playing the piano at the beginning of Class of '58. That was wonderful. He should have given up the guitar and played piano instead.
Thanks for posting the full album. Ever think about posting a playlist of individual songs, like for Katherine of Oregon?
Yes it's a good song. I was surprised no one had posted it earlier.
Loved AS in the early/mid seventies. For some reason, recently returned to that stuff - which hasn't diminished with time. Giving this a listen (to block out hoovering in the background) - time passages indeed :) Listened to it all now - some decent stories, but nothing extraordinary.
Great album, but it;s hard to rate, because it's among many other Albums from Al Stewart.
genial!
I have been following and listening to Al Stewart since Past, Present and Future in the 70's, and I love his music, but as time goes by his music has become less inspiring and kind of blah. I do love Immelman Turn, ( brilliant, listen at 2:30 ) it has a beat and some music in it. I just want to know what happened? Were his early albums more cooperative efforts and the other musicians are not there to add to his music or what? I don't know but one great song should be good enough on an album I suppose, but the latest really has nothing. The albums straight after P,P&F were all great songs through all the albums ... thank you so much for so many great songs and memories.
I would guess he's doing more "period music" now either because he feels it fits the material better or because only Alan Parsons seemed capable of fully realizing those late-70s type songs. (Though Al can play them live solo and make you hear the full instrumentation and production in your soul somehow!)
🥰😊
good album for al stewart i shearch the album indian summers live pour mes amis francais je suis a la recherche de l'album indian summers live