@@popsmcgee9775 I'm fond of the opening lyrics as well: "On a morning from a Bogart movie In a country where they turn back time You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre Contemplating a crime."
Hi Tom , you need to listen to Barclay James Harvest , 'Back to Earth' there's a video to this song that's dedicated to a cat. Enjoy a great band from the 70s & 80s
For some time after the song was recorded, Al Stewart was not a fan of the saxophone portion of the song. He did not envision the song that way, however Parsons was able to convince him. Alan called a studio musician who was watching a movie at the time. He came in and did one take. Then the saxophonist was able to return home to finish the same movie. Great, great tune.
Well i and many others might feel the same way, but it's just so hard to believe that such RUclips reactors/music afficionados could have never heard this song before? I mean the first time i heard it was by accident, because that is usually how it goes with INTERNATIONAL pop music hits/masterpieces...yet we are to somehow believe these guys haven't heard of this yet...ok whatever?!?
@@CaptWalker then please explain how Kanye West thought he had “discovered” Paul McCartney. Most people are in their own little space, paying little attention to the greater world around them.
The piano and sax are as rich as lobster with drawn butter. The strings in verse 3 always bring tears to my eyes. One of the best songs ever written and performed.
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorrrie. You would feel taking advantage or taken and yet you were seduced. And everyone secretly wants it
This song is a prime example of 70s. Lush and layered musical arrangements with solos from piano to guitar to violins and sax, as well as a highly lyrical story.
When you put the brilliance of Al Stewart's lyrics together with the genius of Alan Parson's production, you have something so unique, it's incomparable and timeless.
Al Stewart is a great Scottish singer-songwriter & folk-rock musician. He was big in the 70's. I had his album "Year Of The Cat" & "Time Passages". All the songs on both are great. "Year Of The Cat" is one of my favorites songs. Love the sax solo.
I am a metal head and played metal and rock for over 20 years. That said, this is still my all time favorite song. It contains key elements of my musical journey. First lead solo I ever learned. First Sax solo I ever learned. My first real endeavor into singing having done this song in an 8th grade talent show. I even recorded my own version of this song with myself playing all the instruments in the local studio. I still have that old 45 vinyl of it to this day and the master is still digitally kept in the studio library. This song launched my own career in so many ways. I will always be grateful to Al Stewart for writing this. Peace and be well J and Amber.
YEAR OF THE CAT peaked at Number One for two weeks in March 1977, but in my heart it's the best song altogether from 1977. Jordan you're a blessed man. Your woman feels every note. God bless you folks!
BILLBAORD OF USA DESPISED AL STEWART'S TALENT BY PLACING OTHER SONGS OF LOWER QUALITY THAN "THE YEAR THE CAT" ON THE #1 LISTS, IT IS SAD THAT AL IS UNDERESTIMATED. SO TRUE IS THIS THAT AFTER 45 YEARS, THE MUSICAL CREDITS GO TO AL STEWART!!!
"Year of the Cat" peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached #3 on the Canadian charts. It may have been #1 in your heart, but not in the record stores or on the radio. Let's stick with facts.
Sone of the most amazing lyrics in music... "On a morning from a Bogart movie, in a country where they turn back time, You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime, She comes out of the sun in.a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain. Don't bother asking for explanations, she'll just tell you that she came, From the Year of the Cat."
one day in the 70s , Al stewart was at his girlfriends home and noticed she had a vietnemese astrology book open to the page "year of the cat". He had already had some music put together but couldn't find a title for his song and "the year of the cat " gave him an idea . That coupled with his love for the past and old movies and actors , he wrote the song which became his biggest hit to date which he says still pays the bills.
I thought Stewart said in an interview Casablanca or some other Bogart/ Lorre movie was on when he noticed his gf looking at the Vietnamese astrology book , thus why he mentions them in the song.
That's so great to learn something of the songwriters writing of this wonderfully composed time piece, that will soon be vanished from our memories sadly to say.
I love the transitions in this song. Acoustical guitar fades into electric guitar which melts into that kick ass sax solo. I think this song is just a masterpiece
Al Stewart is a true wordsmith. His lyrics are sheer poetry, his allusions and metaphors out of this world. Once you've listened to half a dozen of his songs you are hooked and a fan for life.
@@sourisvoleur4854 AGREED! Sorry for shouting. Al lived in Northern California for a while and I got to see him in many different venues. Recently, he opened for Don McLean, and after acknowledging the crowd's applause at the end of the set, he started to turn to walk off the stage. As the crowd got to our feet, he stopped and seemed stunned. His lead guitarist Dave Nachmanoff, gave him a few pats on his back that brought him back to his senses. It was so sweet to see him appreciated by someone else's audience.
@@teemusid Dave is such a sweetheart. I've met him several times, even worked the merch table for him once, just because I was there and he needed to go somewhere. I was honored that he trusted me. His song "When I See You Again" will rip your heart apart.
One of the many things I'm proud of in my life is that I was born into this era of music. I was definitely blessed to be a part of the best time in music history.
Cats are lovely, sublime, and mysterious, though they are also Nature's perfect Predators. It's that frightening dynamic that draws us to them. Love you guys.
Wow, I reloaded the page and the magical Al Stewart popped up! I nearly jumped out of my chair for joy. Can’t believe I got the first like. Masterpiece of a song.
Al is a Top 10 all time story-teller. I've met him a bunch of times. Just a super funny / cool guy. His next mainstream hit on your list would probably be "Time Passages". I'm also friends with everyone in his current band. I just texted the guitarist that you just did this reaction :)
Yes, he's very entertaining. He tells a lot of funny stories between the songs. I've seen him on the last few Moody Blues cruises, and the backing band is fantastic. One of the best stories he tells is how his record company wanted a hit along the lines of "Baby, I love you, don't leave me," a popular theme in pop songs. And here he was writing about the genocide of the Basque separatists.... But he did write "Sand in your shoes," a lovely song, and it was a hit. In South Africa. I remembered that song from when my sister used to play his records back in the day.
I'm here because one of my best friends died last week. He introduced me to Al Stewart around 1983, we were both teenagers who loved music. We would go to the local library to borrow music cassettes, take them home and record them, ( we didn't have the money to buy them) but we both loved music so much. And Al Stewart has always made me think of my friend Jason, I'm so sad he's gone, I feel guilty for not being there for him in the last few years, he had his demons, i had my life with wife and kids, and life just took over. I'm sorry i let you down Jay. Rip my friend.
"She comes out in the sun in a silk dress running like a water color in the rain"-- One of (possibly the) my favorite verbal descriptions. Listen to the whole album-- it's all gold if I am remembering right.
I've heard this song many many times over the years, but this was the first time I REALLY listened to it. I love the way the first half of the song is all about the beautiful pounding piano with shades of Elton John in it and then the strings start coming in more and more and it becomes a string driven song with the piano fading back deep in the mix. Then the guitar and sax take over and drive the song till the end layered over the strings and you have completely forgotten about the driving piano from the beginning. What a great song.
The year of the cat is from the Vietnamese zodiac. His girlfriend at the time had a book opened to the year of the cat. It's set in Morocco with reference to Humphry Bogart in the movie Casablanca.
The way Amber is so gone to another place and space in time.... it's mesmerizing. She's a fan favorite. So expressive and he sees it in her too. My favorite couple on this platform... hands down.
The lyrics provide a great story and pop culture references like “strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime” Peter Lorre was an actor that played bad guys. From Wikipedia: Co-written by Peter Wood, "Year of the Cat" is a narrative song written in the second person whose protagonist, a tourist, is visiting an exotic market when a mysterious silk-clad woman appears and takes him away for a gauzy romantic adventure. On waking the next day beside her, the tourist notes that his tour bus has left without him, and decides to stay where he is for the time being.
The 70's and 80's were my favorite times, especially musically. I feel so privileged to have lived during those times when a lot of the songs you have been reacting to were actually on the radio as new releases. Keep up the awesome reviews!!
Al Stewart composed one of the most beautiful songs ever. His voice is captivating and the string arrangement, the saxophone solos, and acoustic guitar. Simply perfection.
This beautiful song and "Roads to Moscow" (a song based on the Alexander Solzhenistyn's book "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich") are easily my two favorite Al Stewart songs. If you ever get the itch, "Roads to Moscow" is an exquisite song with a very dark topic. World War 2 on the Eastern Front and the aftermath for the singer after surviving 4 years of pure he**. There is "On the Border", "Running Man", "Song on the Radio" just to name a couple more. I know have left off a few, my eyes are drooping after my afternoon meds... Dreamland for me...
Al Stewart can be quite the rabbit hole to travel down. He is a Scottish folk singer with an anazing ability to compose songs that mix historical figures and storytelling. Alan Parsons executive produced this album and helped get Al exposed to a wider audience.
Alan Parsons is someone they haven't tried yet. He was an audio engineer that helped a number of people with their albums (Beatles' Abbey Road, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, etc...) But he also had a music career with his Alan Parsons Project. Some of my favorites are "Games People Play", "Eye In The Sky", and "Time".
Year of the Cat: The post-orgasmic alto sax - both figuratively AND literally (in the context of the lyrics) is beyond superb and elevates the song to an '11' on a scale of 1-to-10
This song was produced by Alan Parsons, who engineered Dark Side of the Moon and some other Pink Floyd albums. You should listen to songs by The Alan Parsons Project-- Time, Sirius/Eye in the Sky, Games People Play, I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You, and others.
The imagery in his lyrics is masterful! You can absolutely visualize that silk dress. Another great song off the same album is "On the Border". He is truly a musical genius.
I started listening to popular music around 1980 or so, and really got into specific artists starting a few years later. I don't think I had ever heard this song until just now. For whatever reason, it seems that "Year of the Cat" didn't make the transition into either classic rock or classic '70s lite playlists once the mainstream scene shifted from disco into New Wave, etc. Which sucks, because I love cats and would have enjoyed knowing about this song all these years! :)
@@tonialoconte Enerything in this song relates to women or cats for me. You can hear a cat Meeow Meeow in rhe closing @ 8:03 BTW; Year of the cat is forecast to be a stress free year.
I never noticed the similarity, but Stewart's vocal reminds me of the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant. This song came out around the same time as Jerry Rafferty's Baker Street and when I think of one, I think of the other. They are both such great songs!
Literally my absolute favorite piece of written art is “she comes out of the sun in a silk dress/running like a watercolor in the rain.” Welcome to the club. You’ll never want to leave his voice
Did you know. This track was produced by the same person who produced Steve Harley ( Make me smile) as well as Pink Floyd- Dark side of the Moon. One Mr Alan Parsons
The reason the sound jumps out of the speakers is because it's Engineer is the amazing Alan Parsons. You'll see his name of the back of alot of great sounding albums including Dark Side of the Moon.
Peter Lorre (mentioned in the lyrics) was an actor in "Casablanca" which is part of the inspiration for this song ("a Bogart movie"). One of the things I really like about this song is the poetic lyrics that are delivered with interesting accents on the consonants and vowels. Another is the guitar and sax solos, which are iconic.
Peter Lorre was a classic bad guy. When the phrase "through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime" makes me think of the crowd scene from M where he plays a serial killer of children
"Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages" were constantly played on the Adult Contemporary radio in the late 70's. Didn't appreciate his lyricism when I was younger...as I got older I did! ❤
This song stirs my emotions to this day. Love his voice and that piano!! Similar songs to suggest: Poco "Crazy Love" - Neil Diamond "Morningside" - Bob Welsh "Sentimental Lady" - Jim Croce "Operator" - Alan Parsons Project "Sirius/Eye In The Sky" - Johnny Nash "I Can See Clearly Now" - Carole King "It's Too Late" - James Taylor "Copperline" and so many others. Keep smiling! 🎵😍🎵
This song was a staple on my radio show back in the 70s, so I'm watching Rob intently as I know the saxophone is about to appear for the first time and his reaction didn't disappoint.
Thanks - I love this.. the melody reminds me a bit of "Baker Street" - another Scot - Gerry Rafferty.. and the sax solo... these Scotsmen got some beautiful stuff!
My favorite song ever. I was born in the 70s and this song carried me throughout my life. It just has given me so much joy, hope, happiness, and just peace. And that that line she comes out of the Sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain pure lyrical genius
The background music is not just beautiful but also incredibly complex and lush. I have always thought of this song as intellectual, as of a higher order, especially with that album cover. There's a hint of layers of meaning and poetry in the lyrics, but everything is subtle. "Year of the Cat" is in my top 10 of all-time favorite rock songs.
When checking out high-end stereo systems out back in the late 70’s, the salesmen would take you to a sound room where you would sit directly in the middle, pick out the amplifier and speakers you wanted to hear, and Year of the Cat was one of two or three songs they would always play to give you a the full spectrum of sounds from all the instruments. A truly hallowed song of the 70’s, and then to date!
@@oldeskoolnana7543 I was dreaming back then, however, in 1998 I purchased the same speakers I listened to in 1979! They are big (40” tall) Polk speakers, sub-woofer, rear, etc. and a nice Harman Kardon amp. Still old school surround sound, as most of the newer generations go for smaller sound bars and headphones, which sound great, but they do not move the air nearly as much, so you can’t feel the music sound waves through your body on the small systems, only hear! Live video concerts are awesome, Steely Dan, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, etc.
Dude! Only 40"? Mine are 51,7/8H x 31.25W. Size matters! Lol Ahh, just joshing with ya. I listened to my speakers in a Showroom exactly like you described in 1977. 3 months later at the proud age of 19, I became the owner of those Klipschorns which I'm still listening to today, 45 years later.
@@robadob50 Well, they weren’t the biggest and baddest they made but they really sound great! You have some great speakers also, as I’ve listened to them in the store and at friends houses! Music is much better when you can feel the air move! As much as I love the clarity of earphones, they are no match to the vibes of the room you’re in (or house)!
Please check out Time Passages by Al Stewart. These 2 songs are so connected to my youth. I had a new 76 Camaro and a wonderful girlfriend when these songs were the bomb. When I hear either song I am transported back to the best times of my life. Listening to Al on the 8 track with my girl by my side as we cruised the strip on Saturday night. Time Passages will be played at my service when I pass. I feel wonderful knowing that! Keep on keeping on with the reactions! We appreciate you!
The '70s. Such a great time for music and a great time to be alive. This song is a masterpiece of production with it's subtle genius. No digital. Recorded on 2-in tape.
I remember this song when I was in high school. Absolutely gorgeous. Picture yourself with the girl of your dreams and both of you are listening to this song. Both of you are in France and it's 8pm the fog has rolled in and you and your girl are on a bridge that crosses the river Saeine. You both stop to admire the beauty as you listen to this song. That's "The Year of the Cat."
I follow this song to all the reactors and I’m never disappointed! It’s one of my all-time favorites because it’s a perfect blend of lyrics, music and mood. Oh my, J!! Gotta love that sax! I always will. Thanks for reviewing it!
One of my top 3 favorite songs of all time. Back in the day you would go into a stereo store and enter the listening room to test out speakers. This was one of the songs you would listen to! This and Steely Dan's "Aja".
Can someone please tell me how these 70s artists made such incredible, timeless songs??? This song sounds fresh and new to me every time I play it on Spotify In my humble opinion, the 70s was the best decade for music😎👍
Lol, if I could tell you how such songs were made, I'd be stinking rich by now, I do KNOW though, that the best songs were the simplest tunes and Lyrics, 👍
@@finbar1485 You're absolutely right! By reading your comment reminds me of poetry, especially Robert Frost . Keeping it simple & honest speaks to so many people.👍👍😎
@@christineobrien7707 I was born to love music, I haver never enjoyed TV. Imagine, John lennon, the simplest song ever. These days, my very favourite group ever, The Fureys, the best group with the best songs. Listen to, " I remember you singing this song ma, by Finbar Furey. 🎶
This song is absolutely stellar, one of the best songs to come out of the greatest decade of music, the 70's. The piano part on this song is one of my all-time favorites and I think it's completely timeless.
Ethereal. The song still stands out as a most excellent composition. I remember blaring this song out from my car stereo when I was around 16 or so. Still loving it 47 years later.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain. Lyrical genius and musical perfection.
Too true and well said.
Yup
My favourite lyric from this Masterpiece
Yup. Along with "And the drumbeats strain of the night remain, in the rhythm of a new born day". ❤
@@popsmcgee9775 I'm fond of the opening lyrics as well:
"On a morning from a Bogart movie
In a country where they turn back time
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre
Contemplating a crime."
I would like to dedicate this song to my cat Jim Jim who passed away 4 years ago
Hi Tom , you need to listen to Barclay James Harvest , 'Back to Earth' there's a video to this song that's dedicated to a cat. Enjoy a great band from the 70s & 80s
I know how it feels. So sorry
Probably one of the best produced and engineered songs ever recorded , that's the genius of Alan Parsons.
That reminds me they have to get around to the Alan Parsons Project!
@@bertisjordan1085 They will love "I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You", "Games People Play" and "Eye In The Sky"
@@surlechapeau "Time" is definitely one that they will love!
For some time after the song was recorded, Al Stewart was not a fan of the saxophone portion of the song. He did not envision the song that way, however Parsons was able to convince him. Alan called a studio musician who was watching a movie at the time. He came in and did one take. Then the saxophonist was able to return home to finish the same movie. Great, great tune.
Did not know Parsons is involved in this tune 😁
I HAVE HEARD THIS SONG 200 TIMES AND IT NEVER GETS OLD
2,000 and it’s still not old just better❤❤❤❤
476 times here 😂
Still listening..2024
It simply can't
the same for me
I'm right back in 1976... I just want to cry...
8th grade dances
Homesick for a time that's gone forever 😢
@RedtheCat2014 me too 😢
@@bonniethompson2019 I try to stay upbeat these days, but constantly surrounded by hate and divisiveness is taking it's toll 😞
This is my favorite song. Love the whole experience.
This is music AL Stewart you still give me chills ❤
😮ckcdkfj
I love how Jay's eyes opened wide when the sax solo started, just to see Amber's reaction. You two are great.
Make sure you listen to the one with Jim Messina not Kenny solo.
Well i and many others might feel the same way, but it's just so hard to believe that such RUclips reactors/music afficionados could have never heard this song before? I mean the first time i heard it was by accident, because that is usually how it goes with INTERNATIONAL pop music hits/masterpieces...yet we are to somehow believe these guys haven't heard of this yet...ok whatever?!?
@@CaptWalker you're not required to watch these.
@@CaptWalker then please explain how Kanye West thought he had “discovered” Paul McCartney. Most people are in their own little space, paying little attention to the greater world around them.
@@CaptWalker So sorry that someone pissed in your cornflakes. If you don't appreciate or doubt the veracity of the reactions, why are you here anyway?
I've heard this song well over 200 times, and that sax kicking in STILL GETS ME. Masterpiece is an understatement.
♥️
The funny part is I had heard Al didn't like it or want it. Sounds fantastic.
If you like the sax instrumental, then definitely check out Stewart's "Song on the Radio".
Every time.
I've heard it well over 250 times and it's starting to grow on me
" You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre, contemplating a crime. " Genius from Al Stewart.
That’s a reference to the film Casablanca.
Al was always a name dropper in his songs just like Dylan.
@@richardsteiner1729Could also be "The Maltese Falcon"
👏👏👏
Peter Lorre appeard in booth.
The 70's was the best era of music ever.
@scottyh8494 - A big fat gazillion %. The greatest groups of all time emerged from the late sixties to the very early eighties.
SURE!!! SURE!! SURE!! NOT 80, NOT 90, NOT 60 & 50, ONLY 70S FOREVER SONGS.YOU ARE RIGHT!!! I AM AGREE!!!
@@JeanPaillard-to1hx YES!!! NEVER MORE HAD BETTER MUSICA HITS THAN 70S!!!
It really was. The most soulful imo.
90s had their own thing similar in terms of emotion but different still
And it’s not even close.
The piano and sax are as rich as lobster with drawn butter. The strings in verse 3 always bring tears to my eyes. One of the best songs ever written and performed.
That album is art.
Masterpiece!
Great analogy
With a Cold Beer or a glass of wine
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorrrie. You would feel taking advantage or taken and yet you were seduced. And everyone secretly wants it
As someone who remembers the song from when it first arrived, I can honestly say it sounds as fresh, new, and amazing as it did back then.
One of the best songs from my teenage years..
Melody never goes out of style.
Absolutely
Absolutely agree.
❤ agree😊
This song is a prime example of 70s. Lush and layered musical arrangements with solos from piano to guitar to violins and sax, as well as a highly lyrical story.
Lush.
Good adjective for this song!
Al Stewarts Masterpiece
Along with Palace of Versailles and A Man For All Seasons . .
@@ochjim and another 5 or 6 songs
When you put the brilliance of Al Stewart's lyrics together with the genius of Alan Parson's production, you have something so unique, it's incomparable and timeless.
Alan worked at Abbey Road studios, learned from George Martin?
Al Stewart is a great Scottish singer-songwriter & folk-rock musician. He was big in the 70's. I had his album "Year Of The Cat" & "Time Passages". All the songs on both are great. "Year Of The Cat" is one of my favorites songs. Love the sax solo.
I agree about the sax solo! It gives me the chills! Beautiful song!😊
The sax solo in Time Passages is my #1 favorite of all time 🎷
@Diva369 Mine too! TimePassage's sax solo is so great.
“Silk dress runnin’ like a water color in the rain……..”. One of those lines every songwriter alive wishes they’d thought up first.
Facts.
Another great track from this album is "On The Border" - The Spanish guitar is sublime in it :))
Yes
"On The Border" is magnificent. I was gonna say "sublime", but you beat me to it.
That guitar is played by the guy who usually plays piano !
Very true. 👍
Good call
I am a metal head and played metal and rock for over 20 years. That said, this is still my all time favorite song. It contains key elements of my musical journey. First lead solo I ever learned. First Sax solo I ever learned. My first real endeavor into singing having done this song in an 8th grade talent show. I even recorded my own version of this song with myself playing all the instruments in the local studio. I still have that old 45 vinyl of it to this day and the master is still digitally kept in the studio library. This song launched my own career in so many ways. I will always be grateful to Al Stewart for writing this. Peace and be well J and Amber.
Sometimes all is takes is one great song...........
wonderful memories
That's awesome
Você tem um bom gosto, parabéns; essa é a música da minha vida também 😍grande AL STEWART 👏👏👏
I think Time Passages is as brilliant as Year of the cat.
YEAR OF THE CAT peaked at Number One for two weeks in March 1977, but in my heart it's the best song altogether from 1977.
Jordan you're a blessed man. Your woman feels every note. God bless you folks!
Nope...it did not reach #1.
BILLBAORD OF USA DESPISED AL STEWART'S TALENT BY PLACING OTHER SONGS OF LOWER QUALITY THAN "THE YEAR THE CAT" ON THE #1 LISTS, IT IS SAD THAT AL IS UNDERESTIMATED. SO TRUE IS THIS THAT AFTER 45 YEARS, THE MUSICAL CREDITS GO TO AL STEWART!!!
"Year of the Cat" peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached #3 on the Canadian charts. It may have been #1 in your heart, but not in the record stores or on the radio. Let's stick with facts.
Sone of the most amazing lyrics in music...
"On a morning from a Bogart movie, in a country where they turn back time,
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime,
She comes out of the sun in.a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain.
Don't bother asking for explanations, she'll just tell you that she came,
From the Year of the Cat."
And you’ve lost your choice of Lobster/Chicken
one day in the 70s , Al stewart was at his girlfriends home and noticed she had a vietnemese astrology book open to the page "year of the cat". He had already had some music put together but couldn't find a title for his song and "the year of the cat " gave him an idea . That coupled with his love for the past and old movies and actors , he wrote the song which became his biggest hit to date which he says still pays the bills.
I thought Stewart said in an interview Casablanca or some other Bogart/ Lorre movie was on when he noticed his gf looking at the Vietnamese astrology book , thus why he mentions them in the song.
@@rkenseth RUclips his interview
That's so great to learn something of the songwriters writing of this wonderfully composed time piece, that will soon be vanished from our memories sadly to say.
@@christopherwurtz6752 what are you talking about soon be vanished from our memories?
I love the transitions in this song. Acoustical guitar fades into electric guitar which melts into that kick ass sax solo. I think this song is just a masterpiece
I'v learned that Peter White was on the acoustic guitar, and Mel Collins was on the sax, is that true?
I love everything about it.
So, so beautiful, I thank providence for allowing me to witness this…
Contender for the best song ever made.
How about Janis Ian, "At Seventeen"?
Absolutely LOVE this song. It’s so different.
Al Stewart is a true wordsmith. His lyrics are sheer poetry, his allusions and metaphors out of this world. Once you've listened to half a dozen of his songs you are hooked and a fan for life.
For me it only took one song to make me a fan for life: RTM.
He’s a lover of history as well.
@@sourisvoleur4854 AGREED!
Sorry for shouting. Al lived in Northern California for a while and I got to see him in many different venues. Recently, he opened for Don McLean, and after acknowledging the crowd's applause at the end of the set, he started to turn to walk off the stage. As the crowd got to our feet, he stopped and seemed stunned. His lead guitarist Dave Nachmanoff, gave him a few pats on his back that brought him back to his senses. It was so sweet to see him appreciated by someone else's audience.
@@teemusid Dave is such a sweetheart. I've met him several times, even worked the merch table for him once, just because I was there and he needed to go somewhere. I was honored that he trusted me. His song "When I See You Again" will rip your heart apart.
I am!
I love everything about this song. Strings, piano, horns, poetic lyrics - everything! ❤️
I've loved this song for decades. I love how it has such a wide range of instruments, beautiful. The 70s was a great time to be alive for music!
One of the many things I'm proud of in my life is that I was born into this era of music. I was definitely blessed to be a part of the best time in music history.
Cats are lovely, sublime, and mysterious, though they are also Nature's perfect Predators. It's that frightening dynamic that draws us to them. Love you guys.
The sax gets them all… this song is an all time masterpiece and one of my favorites since I first heard in 1976.
Wow, I reloaded the page and the magical Al Stewart popped up! I nearly jumped out of my chair for joy. Can’t believe I got the first like.
Masterpiece of a song.
Al is a Top 10 all time story-teller. I've met him a bunch of times. Just a super funny / cool guy. His next mainstream hit on your list would probably be "Time Passages". I'm also friends with everyone in his current band. I just texted the guitarist that you just did this reaction :)
So fortunate! He is a true craftsman of both words and music.
You are very fortunate sir. I am quite young admittedly[24]. “On the Border” has to be one of my favorites of all time!
That's very cool. I love "On the Border", probably one of my favourites. Year of the Cat is sublime though. I'm a 62 year old fangirl lol
The story telling in "Roads to Moscow".....!!!
Yes, he's very entertaining. He tells a lot of funny stories between the songs. I've seen him on the last few Moody Blues cruises, and the backing band is fantastic. One of the best stories he tells is how his record company wanted a hit along the lines of "Baby, I love you, don't leave me," a popular theme in pop songs. And here he was writing about the genocide of the Basque separatists.... But he did write "Sand in your shoes," a lovely song, and it was a hit. In South Africa. I remembered that song from when my sister used to play his records back in the day.
The lyrics alone are stunning. Great songwriter, who was briefly roommates with Paul Simon.
I guess Kanye West would ask who Paul Simon is 🤔
I'm here because one of my best friends died last week. He introduced me to Al Stewart around 1983, we were both teenagers who loved music. We would go to the local library to borrow music cassettes, take them home and record them, ( we didn't have the money to buy them) but we both loved music so much. And Al Stewart has always made me think of my friend Jason, I'm so sad he's gone, I feel guilty for not being there for him in the last few years, he had his demons, i had my life with wife and kids, and life just took over. I'm sorry i let you down Jay. Rip my friend.
"She comes out in the sun in a silk dress running like a water color in the rain"-- One of (possibly the) my favorite verbal descriptions.
Listen to the whole album-- it's all gold if I am remembering right.
You remember right, friend - that whole album will take you on a trip around the world, no passport required!
I've heard this song many many times over the years, but this was the first time I REALLY listened to it. I love the way the first half of the song is all about the beautiful pounding piano with shades of Elton John in it and then the strings start coming in more and more and it becomes a string driven song with the piano fading back deep in the mix. Then the guitar and sax take over and drive the song till the end layered over the strings and you have completely forgotten about the driving piano from the beginning. What a great song.
I'd say this tune is nothing short of a masterpiece, the execution is perfection! Thank you Amber and Jay
I think it's epic & timeless which in my opinion it is a masterpiece.✌️🌼🌸
The year of the cat is from the Vietnamese zodiac. His girlfriend at the time had a book opened to the year of the cat. It's set in Morocco with reference to Humphry Bogart in the movie Casablanca.
The way both of their expressions completely changed when the sax kicked in!! 😎
That piano riff is one of the most iconic ever. And all of those solos that bleed into one another...awesome!
Next you'll have to do Time Passages by Al Stewart, it was another hit of his
The way Amber is so gone to another place and space in time.... it's mesmerizing. She's a fan favorite. So expressive and he sees it in her too. My favorite couple on this platform... hands down.
The lyrics provide a great story and pop culture references like “strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime” Peter Lorre was an actor that played bad guys. From Wikipedia: Co-written by Peter Wood, "Year of the Cat" is a narrative song written in the second person whose protagonist, a tourist, is visiting an exotic market when a mysterious silk-clad woman appears and takes him away for a gauzy romantic adventure. On waking the next day beside her, the tourist notes that his tour bus has left without him, and decides to stay where he is for the time being.
thanks, Lebron.. I love learning more...
@@GinMae I enjoy watching you two get into the music of my youth.
Al Stewart paints with lyrics, and the canvas is your imagination.
Such a beautiful artist.
The 70's and 80's were my favorite times, especially musically. I feel so privileged to have lived during those times when a lot of the songs you have been reacting to were actually on the radio as new releases. Keep up the awesome reviews!!
This song is a smorgasbord for the ears. So many melodic layers that you have to listen to the song several times to catch. Masterpiece.
Consider the lyrics and the mystical melody, this is almost sypernatural, so exotic and mysterious. This song has a quality all its own.
J & Amber, his "Time Passages" is also fantastic!!
Time Passages definitely
Yes!!
As well as “Song on the Radio.”
Al Stewart composed one of the most beautiful songs ever. His voice is captivating and the string arrangement, the saxophone solos, and acoustic guitar. Simply perfection.
Wow, I thought I was going to cry...
So many memories...
That saxophone always gets me...
This beautiful song and "Roads to Moscow" (a song based on the Alexander Solzhenistyn's book "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich") are easily my two favorite Al Stewart songs. If you ever get the itch, "Roads to Moscow" is an exquisite song with a very dark topic. World War 2 on the Eastern Front and the aftermath for the singer after surviving 4 years of pure he**. There is "On the Border", "Running Man", "Song on the Radio" just to name a couple more. I know have left off a few, my eyes are drooping after my afternoon meds... Dreamland for me...
"Roads to Moscow" was my first exposure to Al Stewart, years before this came out. I was hooked.
Absolutely incredible song....!
"Roads...." is brilliant & has a couple of lines in it where you have to listen again to get the full impact (of how evocative they are).
Pure class - I would also recommend "Time Passages". Once heard, never forgotten.
You're not wrong. Time Passages is a great song. Also Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street.
Let's add "On the Border" with the Spanish guitar.
Definitely a must!👌😎👍
Time Passages definitely
Yesss... Beautiful song.
Al Stewart can be quite the rabbit hole to travel down. He is a Scottish folk singer with an anazing ability to compose songs that mix historical figures and storytelling. Alan Parsons executive produced this album and helped get Al exposed to a wider audience.
Alan Parsons is someone they haven't tried yet. He was an audio engineer that helped a number of people with their albums (Beatles' Abbey Road, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, etc...) But he also had a music career with his Alan Parsons Project. Some of my favorites are "Games People Play", "Eye In The Sky", and "Time".
You are listening to the greatest music ever made. All mono no fake stuff. Real vocals.
It's in stereo...
Year of the Cat: The post-orgasmic alto sax - both figuratively AND literally (in the context of the lyrics) is beyond superb and elevates the song to an '11' on a scale of 1-to-10
A hauntingly beautiful song. I’ve always loved it. Time Passages is another good one by Al Stewart.
If loved this one, then you must hear " Time Passages".
This song was produced by Alan Parsons, who engineered Dark Side of the Moon and some other Pink Floyd albums. You should listen to songs by The Alan Parsons Project-- Time, Sirius/Eye in the Sky, Games People Play, I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You, and others.
Tales of Mystery and Imagination, The Tales of Edgar Allen Poe, my introduction to Poe, caused me to read every book on the album
And the Beatles’ Abbey Road!!!
Quite possibly the greatest song I've ever heard.A testament to the combined genius of Al Stewart and Alan Parsons.
The imagery in his lyrics is masterful! You can absolutely visualize that silk dress. Another great song off the same album is "On the Border". He is truly a musical genius.
I love on the border!
And also One Stage Before
Seems like this song was on the radio constantly back in the 70s, yet it's rarely played today. It's truly one of the better songs of its era.
I started listening to popular music around 1980 or so, and really got into specific artists starting a few years later. I don't think I had ever heard this song until just now. For whatever reason, it seems that "Year of the Cat" didn't make the transition into either classic rock or classic '70s lite playlists once the mainstream scene shifted from disco into New Wave, etc. Which sucks, because I love cats and would have enjoyed knowing about this song all these years! :)
Around what yr was this played
@@angelagarutti6118 76-77
@@tonialoconte Enerything in this song relates to women or cats for me. You can hear a cat Meeow Meeow in rhe closing @ 8:03 BTW; Year of the cat is forecast to be a stress free year.
I never noticed the similarity, but Stewart's vocal reminds me of the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant. This song came out around the same time as Jerry Rafferty's Baker Street and when I think of one, I think of the other. They are both such great songs!
Literally my absolute favorite piece of written art is “she comes out of the sun in a silk dress/running like a watercolor in the rain.” Welcome to the club. You’ll never want to leave his voice
Did you know. This track was produced by the same person who produced Steve Harley ( Make me smile) as well as Pink Floyd- Dark side of the Moon. One Mr Alan Parsons
... who just so happened to produce the "Alan Parsons Project" records.
The reason the sound jumps out of the speakers is because it's Engineer is the amazing Alan Parsons. You'll see his name of the back of alot of great sounding albums including Dark Side of the Moon.
Peter Lorre (mentioned in the lyrics) was an actor in "Casablanca" which is part of the inspiration for this song ("a Bogart movie").
One of the things I really like about this song is the poetic lyrics that are delivered with interesting accents on the consonants and vowels. Another is the guitar and sax solos, which are iconic.
Lorre was also in the Maltese Falcon
Also "The blue tiled walls near the market stalls" has to be a Casablanca reference, the place if not the film
Peter Lorre was a classic bad guy. When the phrase "through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime" makes me think of the crowd scene from M where he plays a serial killer of children
If you liked the piano and sax, you'll love this great live version with extended instrumental play: ruclips.net/video/LjA6RsJL82Q/видео.html
"Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages" were constantly played on the Adult Contemporary radio in the late 70's. Didn't appreciate his lyricism when I was younger...as I got older I did!
❤
This is my favorite Al Stewart song. As soon as I hear the piano intro I stop whatever I'm doing and just listen...It has one of the best outros ever.
"Just like a river running through", perfection.
Year of the Cat was one of my regular road trip tapes. With this playing I would serenely glide over the miles.
This song stirs my emotions to this day. Love his voice and that piano!! Similar songs to suggest: Poco "Crazy Love" - Neil Diamond "Morningside" - Bob Welsh "Sentimental Lady" - Jim Croce "Operator" - Alan Parsons Project "Sirius/Eye In The Sky" - Johnny Nash "I Can See Clearly Now" - Carole King "It's Too Late" - James Taylor "Copperline" and so many others. Keep smiling! 🎵😍🎵
Great suggestions...How about Todd Rundgren, "Hello, It's Me"?
@@jonathanlocke6404, Hello It's Me and Can We Still Be Friends are great songs by Todd!
Great list Mike. Not a dud on it. Im a Croce fan and Operator is one of my faves. Roller Derby Queen is up there also.
Also reminds me of gilbert O'Sullivan. Alone again ( naturally).
Have they reacted to Sailing by Christopher Cross yet?
This song never gets old. Each time I listen to it it's like the first time.
The masterpieces hit that way, I'm a Gen X kid and this song is so beautiful I could cry
I'm with you. 63 years old and the song always sounds fresh.
The piano carries you softly throughout the song like an inner tube on the river. The greatest song of the 20th century.
Very well said.
A proper classic. Fantastic. Great sound. Even now. All these years later. Pop music perfection.
This song was a staple on my radio show back in the 70s, so I'm watching Rob intently as I know the saxophone is about to appear for the first time and his reaction didn't disappoint.
And Amber simply melts during the gorgeous sax solo
Thanks - I love this.. the melody reminds me a bit of "Baker Street" - another Scot - Gerry Rafferty.. and the sax solo... these Scotsmen got some beautiful stuff!
My favorite song ever. I was born in the 70s and this song carried me throughout my life. It just has given me so much joy, hope, happiness, and just peace. And that that line she comes out of the Sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain pure lyrical genius
The background music is not just beautiful but also incredibly complex and lush. I have always thought of this song as intellectual, as of a higher order, especially with that album cover. There's a hint of layers of meaning and poetry in the lyrics, but everything is subtle. "Year of the Cat" is in my top 10 of all-time favorite rock songs.
Al's lyrics paint a story and he tells it so well. Thanks for doing this song, it brings me back to my 16 year old self.
This song oozes 70's musical perfection. It's one of those songs you just get lost in.
When checking out high-end stereo systems out back in the late 70’s, the salesmen would take you to a sound room where you would sit directly in the middle, pick out the amplifier and speakers you wanted to hear, and Year of the Cat was one of two or three songs they would always play to give you a the full spectrum of sounds from all the instruments. A truly hallowed song of the 70’s, and then to date!
I miss my stereo. Of course the speakers were enourmous.LOL✌️🌹🌼
@@oldeskoolnana7543 I was dreaming back then, however, in 1998 I purchased the same speakers I listened to in 1979! They are big (40” tall) Polk speakers, sub-woofer, rear, etc. and a nice Harman Kardon amp. Still old school surround sound, as most of the newer generations go for smaller sound bars and headphones, which sound great, but they do not move the air nearly as much, so you can’t feel the music sound waves through your body on the small systems, only hear! Live video concerts are awesome, Steely Dan, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, etc.
Dude! Only 40"? Mine are 51,7/8H x 31.25W. Size matters! Lol
Ahh, just joshing with ya. I listened to my speakers in a Showroom exactly like you described in 1977. 3 months later at the proud age of 19, I became the owner of those Klipschorns which I'm still listening to today, 45 years later.
@@robadob50 Well, they weren’t the biggest and baddest they made but they really sound great! You have some great speakers also, as I’ve listened to them in the store and at friends houses! Music is much better when you can feel the air move! As much as I love the clarity of earphones, they are no match to the vibes of the room you’re in (or house)!
This is the song I use for my "first play" with any "sound system" I buy today.
Please check out Time Passages by Al Stewart. These 2 songs are so connected to my youth. I had a new 76 Camaro and a wonderful girlfriend when these songs were the bomb. When I hear either song I am transported back to the best times of my life. Listening to Al on the 8 track with my girl by my side as we cruised the strip on Saturday night. Time Passages will be played at my service when I pass. I feel wonderful knowing that! Keep on keeping on with the reactions! We appreciate you!
The '70s. Such a great time for music and a great time to be alive. This song is a masterpiece of production with it's subtle genius. No digital. Recorded on 2-in tape.
He was listening to it and enjoying it. She was channelng it and dancing with it.
I remember this song when I was in high school. Absolutely gorgeous. Picture yourself with the girl of your dreams and both of you are listening to this song. Both of you are in France and it's 8pm the fog has rolled in and you and your girl are on a bridge that crosses the river Saeine. You both stop to admire the beauty as you listen to this song. That's "The Year of the Cat."
One of my favorites. His other great hit in my opinion is "Time Passages".
I follow this song to all the reactors and I’m never disappointed! It’s one of my all-time favorites because it’s a perfect blend of lyrics, music and mood. Oh my, J!! Gotta love that sax! I always will. Thanks for reviewing it!
Reactors gonna react! If you're going to have a favorite song of all time, this one is a very good choice.
One of my top 3 favorite songs of all time. Back in the day you would go into a stereo store and enter the listening room to test out speakers. This was one of the songs you would listen to! This and Steely Dan's "Aja".
Timeless classics never get old. Today's music 🎶, well there's no comparison from the 70s.
Probably one the best musical geniuses of all time, how privileged I was to grow up with this music.
The best song of 1976 !! Although it's probably about Morocco, it will always remind me of travelling around Thailand
"On a morning from a Bogart movie in a country where they turned back time" Remarkable how the tone is set. Like Casablanca but in color.
Can someone please tell me how these 70s artists made such incredible, timeless songs??? This song sounds fresh and new to me every time I play it on Spotify In my humble opinion, the 70s was the best decade for music😎👍
Lol, if I could tell you how such songs were made, I'd be stinking rich by now, I do KNOW though, that the best songs were the simplest tunes and Lyrics, 👍
@@finbar1485 You're absolutely right! By reading your comment reminds me of poetry, especially Robert Frost . Keeping it simple & honest speaks to so many people.👍👍😎
@@christineobrien7707 I was born to love music, I haver never enjoyed TV. Imagine, John lennon, the simplest song ever. These days, my very favourite group ever, The Fureys, the best group with the best songs. Listen to, " I remember you singing this song ma, by Finbar Furey. 🎶
They didn't go by any rules, they played what they feel.
Just a Goldilocks zone for modern music
Its a symphonic journey of multiple eargasms.
One of those rare songs that doesn't age a bit and I never tire of. Perfect!
This song is absolutely stellar, one of the best songs to come out of the greatest decade of music, the 70's. The piano part on this song is one of my all-time favorites and I think it's completely timeless.
Love Amber’s (knowing) smile at the line “ incense and patchouli “. The power of the flower is strong in this one, it is.
One of the most beautiful 🤩 songs ever recorded.
Thanks guys for reacting, keep it going 😊
Ethereal. The song still stands out as a most excellent composition. I remember blaring this song out from my car stereo when I was around 16 or so. Still loving it 47 years later.
This is one of the most underrated pop/rock songs ever written.
i agree its amazing