Alan Parsons worked on Abby Road and then produced Dark Side of the Moon, Year of the Cat and Time Passages. Then He formed The Alan Parson Project with hits Sirius and Eye in the Sky. Another great song by Al Stewart is Road to Moscow on his first American album, Past, Present and Future.
when I was a kid, mom used to take me to a department store where they sold 45's, mom would say get a couple records that you want and meet me in the lady's department when you're done, or I'll come find you in the record section and I slowly built up my record collection, I remember i used to have to change the stylist or needle every couple months I played my record player so much, so music was a huge part of my life and still is to this day.
Hands down my favorite Al Stewart song. The first time I heard it, I would start it over as soon as it ended. What I love the most are the brilliant chord progressions (but you know I have a special place in my heart for those)! Thanks JK - haven't heard this in ages and forgot how amazing it is.
Lex…..you absolutely nailed it, growing up with this subconsciously always playing on radio’s in the background jogs great memories ❤️ of the late 70’s early 80’s
Al Stewart is a history buff and a story telling extraordinaire. Roads to Moscow is a favorite of mine where he sings of World War 2 from the perspective of a young Russian soldier. It is quite brilliant.
Al Stewart's albums Year of the Cat, Past, Present and Future, and Time Passages are all pinnacles of his career. His 1973 album, Past, Present and Future is worth looking into. I always marvel at its concluding track, "Nostradamus", because it mentions in the verses written by the famous mystic two historical events that didn't happen yet when the song was recorded.
This is my favorite Al Stewart song, but I can understand putting the other song on top. For me, the orchestration combined with the sax solos is what awes me.
@@mmattson8947 I heard The year of the cat first and I said at the time, this is my favorite song by Al Stewart then I heard this song, and I think it's part two of The year of the cat, that's why it's my second favorite Al Stewart song, lol
Did I hear that right? 11:11 AND “Year Of The Cat”. My favorite time of day and my favorite song of all time. Whenever I see 11:11 on the clock, I send a little kiss to my mom. Al’s music is the best medicine.
This song, along with Year Of The Cat, take me right back to the late 70s when I was about 7 years old listening to this on AM radio on the way to school, etc. They don't make music like this anymore and we don't listen to music like we once did when it commanded our attention and was so woven into our lives. These songs by Al Stewart are nothing short of magical with very rich, memorable arrangements that we're still reacting to it nearly 50 years later. Thanks so much for the memories and for keeping this music alive!
Definitely one of my desert island picks.That Sax! Peter White’s incredible acoustic guitar. That fantastic AP production! This album isso good makes me wanna touch yourself! Check out”DarkWater”, Listen to “Almost Lucy”, “At theEnd of the Day”. Fantastic Dan Club pick. One of the best long road trip listens!
First heard this on many lo-fi car radio AM stations. Listening now with excellent playback quality - really makes you appreciate this song so much more!
Lex, this was one of the many songs that was a part of my childhood, honestly, I had a record player, 8 track tape player and a double cassette deck and a pioneer receiver all hooked up, actually in my closet because it's where i would go to escape from my dad when he would go on a rampage on me, I was 10 going on 11 years old, mom used to tell me, go upstairs and listen to your music, out of sight out of mind, and don't come down until I come get you, I'm actually glad he took his frustrations out on me so he wouldn't hurt mom, and he never did, Thank God, it was the norm from parents back in the 70's
I read somewhere that the string and orchestra sections were actually done by The London Symphony Orchestra. Apparently, Al had big connections over there.👍🇨🇦
Al Stewart is arguably THE best storyteller in Pop/Rock of his generation. You need to listen to his lyrics. And his musical production, whether lavish or spare, is unfailingly immaculate. ❤
Especially as a teller of true (historical) stories. Nobody else has such a commitment to telling historical stories, or does it nearly as well. How ironic his four big hits (on the Hot 100) are not among the historical songs.
Such songs bring up lots of memories.... I was 15 or 16, already into Prog, but I also loved this (had the album, now my son has my whole collection, didn't have enough space anymore).
Interesting trivia: When Al was a teenager, he had a guitar teacher named Don Strike... who was also the teacher to a young Greg Lake, Robert Fripp and Andy Summers!
@@davidheiser2225 I saw him last year and he told of Fripp trying to show him obscure, bizarre jazz chords, and Al told Fripp, "I'm actually aiming at being a folk singer; do I really need this stuff?" Al's a hoot in concert. Always has lots of fun stories. Another one to see (if he's still getting around) is Donovan. He had the greatest stories from the '60s.
I'm responding to Lex's comment that there is still a lot of music to discover. I've been listening to music all my life (I'll be turning 52 next year) and I've never been stuck in one music style or era, and yet the more I know about music, the more I realise I don't know that much - the paradox of knowledge applies in music as well ;-) - Know that you two just scratched the surface. I hope you see it as something positive, I know it is for me. Enjoy the ride!
I was 21 when I firsdt heard this song. I thought it was ok, kinda like "Year of The Cat." I wasn't blown away. But this song has stayed with me over the years and has earned a place in my heart. And listening t it again with you both gave me a reason to hear the lyrics. So melancholy, so amazing! Thank you again for allowing me to sit with friends and savor some great music!
from a big metal and prog fan there are few other artists that have caught my attention. All Stewart, not my genre but one of my favorite all time artists. One of the best storyteller, all paints a picture in history. Gun runners on the spanish border or early aviators his words and music can take you anywhere
I knew,I just knew Both of you would appreciate the majesty of this wonderful composition. It's an immersive experience listening to it. So many elements and sections to admire. Al's soft, expressive, rich vocals. The Sax, the cello's, the base all combine to produce a song that you listen to again and again and get something rewarding.. Always love your positive vibes and joy at hearing great music. Which this truly is. What a shame his music is largely hidden and not discovered by so many. Particularly the young of today
I saw Al Stewart a couple of times in the Seattle area. I got hooked on his album Past, Present, Future which I highly recommend. Be sure to read the album notes on that one. It will help explain the theme of the album better. Great Reaction. The guy on the acoustic guitar was Tim Renwick.
I would have bet real money that not only did you know this song but that it was a favorite. It’s a good thing I don’t gamble. 😱💸🤑 Great production values and players. Terrific reaction and request from JK.
‘Roads’ gets my vote too, just so evocative, a painterly song. ‘Past Present and future’ , the album it comes from has some of the best lyrics of any albums I have heard in my 60 years of listening to music.
Here's the info on the cover of the album: The album cover of “Time Passages” by Al Stewart, released in September 1978, was designed by the renowned art design group Hipgnosis. The cover features a creative and surreal image of a radio being tuned on the shelf of a kitchen window, which simultaneously “tunes” the view of the landscape outside the window. This imaginative concept aligns with the album’s themes of time and change. The front cover photograph was taken at Indian Route 42 in Monument Valley, Arizona. The design is noted for its clever visual metaphor, which complements the album’s introspective and reflective nature.
How could you hear Year of the Cat and wait so many months before listening again to Al Stewart? Immaculate. Do yourselves a favor and listen to the entire Year of the Cat album
I knew this had to be JK request as soon as I saw the album cover in the thumbnail...Our musical tastes are parallel universes! I adored this album when it came out and played it until the needle came out the other side of the grooves...Everything I adore about Alan Parsons is here, along Al Stewart's inimitable compositions and renditions...
Great shout JK! It's been a while since I've heard this classic but I slipped seamlessly into the groove and the lyrics. This was just up NicknLex's street! Wonderful music.
As a 70's-er, I recall AOR taking over FM radio. Album Oriented Radio stations. And buyng albums was a widespread passion. I had built a pretty good collection by the time I moved away from my childhood home of New Orleans. But alas, my siblings didn’t take good care of it. My younger brother ended up losing track of the individual albums. This album was one that was in my collection. And in just about everyone else's, too. A fantastic lp.
Really enjoyed your reaction to this!! I have listened to this song a lot over the years. You can hear Alan Parsons influence on this. Really love the outro instrumental on this song.
I have a friend in Salt Lake City who is a virtuoso guitarist and plays in bands. He goes to concerts almost weekly. To the surprise of all of us, he said the best concert he EVER saw was Al Stewart.
1976, 1977, 1978...OMG...what great music! I graduated in '77 and had no idea how lucky I was to turn on the radio and hear all this amazing music. The Year Of The Cat and Time Passages are two wonderful albums from those years. "Song On The Radio" is another song you must get two eventually. And you need to dive deeper into The Little River Band. And "A Man I'll Never Be" off Boston's debut album. 🙂 I could go on and on....
Hi Nick & Alexia, I love your channel and I'm a long time subscriber, there are a lot of people doing this kind stuff these days so it's hard to stand out but you are one of the best. Alexia says during this vid that she wishes somebody would have told her about this track after you had reacted to 'Year Of The Cat', I commented after that vid doing just that, recommending 'Time Passages', so I am officially offended. Anyway keep up the good work, you've still got a lot more great music to react to and your vids are my favourites.
Al Stewart has never written a bad song. He has no idea how to write a bad song. He's straight up the greatest songwriter on this planet. Absolute genius.
Stew like Chris Cross was a real palate cleanser. Bright and sunny and clear. Like ee cummings once said: "I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance."
me my transistor radio an walking out in nature and time did not matter! oh the 70s and early 80s! his story telling was top notch! next thing i know it is dark outside and i gotta get home!
British Al Stewart was big in about 1977, 78, This album was great and a little blockbuster. Year of the cat or On the border were amazing too. BTW I saw him live years later in about 1988 in Saarbrücken, Germany. His fame was already fading away then. But again this album was awesome.
I love the line "Well I'm not the kind, to live in the past." That is literally ALL Al Stewart ever does in song. I love him and have all his albums. Almost all his songs, except a few of the hits (ironically enough) are set in actual history. That's his specialty! I'd love for you to hear songs off his Between the Wars CD, but I'm not going to pay you to listen to them.
This comment sounded so positive until the last statement 😢 If you don't want to pay, then don't, but please don't judge them for making money for spending their time, and getting all the equipment needed to do these videos. Most people think it's just a couple of young people sitting there listening to music, but there's unseen costs in this kind of thing.
I am pretty sure the background on the cover is "Monument Valley in Arizona. A quintessential late 70s tune with slick production and lots of instrumental contributions. I remember driving around Long Beach CA to this song during a downpour in early 1978.
I would suggest that Past, Present, and Future is Al Stewart's most important album. Less polished perhaps, than these slightly later albums. And every song is a revelation, connected by the album's theme. Maybe Terminal Eyes, followed by Roads to Moscow?
Hi nicknlex , love you're reaction to this track by Al Stewart. Music can bring out many emotions. A past we can't go back to. Please react to ' A song on the Radio ' by by Al Stewart . You'll love it 😀👍
It's no wonder so much popular music holds little appeal and makes no sense to me. This is the music I grew up on. This is the kind of instrumentation my ear has been schooled to crave and the harmony and melody my heart hums.
This was the third album that Alan Parsons produced for Al Stewart, Modern Times, Year Of The Cat and Time Passages. Alan Parsons is also responsible for getting Al Stewart to use a sax player. There is a good story about how that came together for Year Of The Cat. I have seen him three times, in 1984 for the Russians And Americans tour, a second time in 1998 and then by himself in 2000 acoustically both of those in a small venue that had maybe 200 people. Some good ones to check out Russians And Americans, On The Border, Broadway Hotel, One Stage Before, Cafe Society.
If you want to see "Year Of The Cat" performed live (with synth covering the strings), watch Al Stewart and band on the BBC's "Old Grey Whistle Test" from 1976: ruclips.net/video/tqW4xIr7nj0/видео.html
Glad you hit Al Stewart again. Trespasser has some great guitar work and who else has songs about the French Revolution, or Thomas Moore and Henry Plantagenet? You should try some others for sure.
I know that you are led by your Patrons and that is understandable but given your response to AL’s music this is clearly a situation where you should take back control and do the whole Year of the Cat, Past Present and Future and Time Passages albums so that you can then listen to them fully in your own time.
If you guys are into Vinyl, as I think I can see in the background, try and pick up a copy of Al Stewart - Live Indian Summer. It has live versions of Year of the Cat and this song as well as a few others you’ll love. Nostradamus is epic. Anyway. I grew up with Al, one of my favourite artists.
I'm off to see him next year for probably the last time. (So many of my favourites are retiring!). Try Murmansk Run/Ellis Island. Or Helen and Cassandra. Or Antarctica. Oh, so many.
OMG! Les hago caso y los sigo. Admito que no había escuchado AL STEWART, pero sí, definitivamente se siente la presencia de Alan Parsons! Es un gran tema, y el saxo siempre es una caricia en toda canción. Gracias por traerlo! ♥
Tengo "Time Passages" en vinilo y en CD... Un auténtico discazo, por donde se lo mire (y escuche)... Mi canción favorita es "Life in dark water", una obra maestra con muchas referencias al sonido de Pink Floyd (la mano de Alan Parsons tal vez?)... Por algo Tim Renwick fue, algunos años después, guitarrista en las giras de Pink Floyd.
Alan Parsons worked on Abby Road and then produced Dark Side of the Moon, Year of the Cat and Time Passages. Then He formed The Alan Parson Project with hits Sirius and Eye in the Sky. Another great song by Al Stewart is Road to Moscow on his first American album, Past, Present and Future.
when I was a kid, mom used to take me to a department store where they sold 45's, mom would say get a couple records that you want and meet me in the lady's department when you're done, or I'll come find you in the record section and I slowly built up my record collection, I remember i used to have to change the stylist or needle every couple months I played my record player so much, so music was a huge part of my life and still is to this day.
This album & "Year Of The Cat" were the two big hits for Al Stewart in America.
Both of them are masterpieces.
Try "On The Border" next.
On the Border is also a masterpiece.
On the boarder live, is much better then the studio version.
I heard Al Stewart so much on the radio back then!
Like a song on the radio....
Oh yeah I certainly grew up hearing that on the radio. Love them early years wonderful memories. Thanks
Hands down my favorite Al Stewart song. The first time I heard it, I would start it over as soon as it ended. What I love the most are the brilliant chord progressions (but you know I have a special place in my heart for those)!
Thanks JK - haven't heard this in ages and forgot how amazing it is.
This one belongs on any relaxing drive playlist one could ever attempt.
Those sax solos gives me chills even after all these years
JK again saving me money!! I love Al Stewart and another song I love is On the Border...and I did get to see Alan Parsons live...
Lex…..you absolutely nailed it, growing up with this subconsciously always playing on radio’s in the background jogs great memories ❤️ of the late 70’s early 80’s
Al Stewart is a history buff and a story telling extraordinaire. Roads to Moscow is a favorite of mine where he sings of World War 2 from the perspective of a young Russian soldier. It is quite brilliant.
Tick
Al Stewart's albums Year of the Cat, Past, Present and Future, and Time Passages are all pinnacles of his career. His 1973 album, Past, Present and Future is worth looking into. I always marvel at its concluding track, "Nostradamus", because it mentions in the verses written by the famous mystic two historical events that didn't happen yet when the song was recorded.
I'd add 24 Carrots to that list.
to me, this is the year of the cat part 2, this is my second favorite Al Stewart song
This is my favorite Al Stewart song, but I can understand putting the other song on top.
For me, the orchestration combined with the sax solos is what awes me.
@@mmattson8947 I heard The year of the cat first and I said at the time, this is my favorite song by Al Stewart then I heard this song, and I think it's part two of The year of the cat, that's why it's my second favorite Al Stewart song, lol
Did I hear that right? 11:11 AND “Year Of The Cat”. My favorite time of day and my favorite song of all time. Whenever I see 11:11 on the clock, I send a little kiss to my mom. Al’s music is the best medicine.
Whenever we see 11:11 if we’re together we give each other a kiss and say “I love you” 🥰
This song, along with Year Of The Cat, take me right back to the late 70s when I was about 7 years old listening to this on AM radio on the way to school, etc. They don't make music like this anymore and we don't listen to music like we once did when it commanded our attention and was so woven into our lives. These songs by Al Stewart are nothing short of magical with very rich, memorable arrangements that we're still reacting to it nearly 50 years later. Thanks so much for the memories and for keeping this music alive!
Definitely one of my desert island picks.That Sax! Peter White’s incredible acoustic guitar. That fantastic AP production! This album isso good makes me wanna touch yourself! Check out”DarkWater”, Listen to “Almost Lucy”, “At theEnd of the Day”. Fantastic Dan Club pick. One of the best long road trip listens!
First heard this on many lo-fi car radio AM stations. Listening now with excellent playback quality - really makes you appreciate this song so much more!
Lex, this was one of the many songs that was a part of my childhood, honestly, I had a record player, 8 track tape player and a double cassette deck and a pioneer receiver all hooked up, actually in my closet because it's where i would go to escape from my dad when he would go on a rampage on me, I was 10 going on 11 years old, mom used to tell me, go upstairs and listen to your music, out of sight out of mind, and don't come down until I come get you, I'm actually glad he took his frustrations out on me so he wouldn't hurt mom, and he never did, Thank God, it was the norm from parents back in the 70's
Thinking of my friend...
as I was the other day when I bought those albums.
I read somewhere that the string and orchestra sections were actually done by The London Symphony Orchestra. Apparently, Al had big connections over there.👍🇨🇦
Al Stewart is arguably THE best storyteller in Pop/Rock of his generation. You need to listen to his lyrics. And his musical production, whether lavish or spare, is unfailingly immaculate. ❤
Especially as a teller of true (historical) stories. Nobody else has such a commitment to telling historical stories, or does it nearly as well. How ironic his four big hits (on the Hot 100) are not among the historical songs.
Saw Al in a small club in Georgetown DC in early 80's...great talent and show.
Such songs bring up lots of memories.... I was 15 or 16, already into Prog, but I also loved this (had the album, now my son has my whole collection, didn't have enough space anymore).
Thank you, JK for your great great request, NicknLex, great reaction as usual, Love you guys, ❤
I was already voting when this came out.😁
Moved to tears...so sweet!!!
This song came out around the time my son was born! A really special tune. I have tears in my eyes!
I don’t think I have heard this song in 45 years and it sounds so good!
Interesting trivia: When Al was a teenager, he had a guitar teacher named Don Strike... who was also the teacher to a young Greg Lake, Robert Fripp and Andy Summers!
That is VERY interesting!
Saw Al last year and he told a story about buying his first guitar from the kid down the street - Andy Summers
@@davidheiser2225 I saw him last year and he told of Fripp trying to show him obscure, bizarre jazz chords, and Al told Fripp, "I'm actually aiming at being a folk singer; do I really need this stuff?"
Al's a hoot in concert. Always has lots of fun stories.
Another one to see (if he's still getting around) is Donovan. He had the greatest stories from the '60s.
Great lyrics, symphonic instrumentals, clever rhythmic passages.
This song is a soft-rock MASTERPIECE from the late '70s.
Wonder if some of AS's hits of the era are considered a good fit for... the rather nebulous concept of Yacht rock?
@@marksink1652 I'm not a music genre expert, but I would consider this particular song yacht rock.
A terrific song and a great reaction by you guys ❤✌
Glad so many enjoyed this request. It seemed long overdue!
I'm responding to Lex's comment that there is still a lot of music to discover. I've been listening to music all my life (I'll be turning 52 next year) and I've never been stuck in one music style or era, and yet the more I know about music, the more I realise I don't know that much - the paradox of knowledge applies in music as well ;-) - Know that you two just scratched the surface. I hope you see it as something positive, I know it is for me. Enjoy the ride!
Try Al's "Song on the Radio" or "On the Boarder. " Both are equal to what you've already listened to from him.
I hear this and I'm little again. so crazy. this song about time passages became an actual time passage for me.
I was 21 when I firsdt heard this song. I thought it was ok, kinda like "Year of The Cat." I wasn't blown away. But this song has stayed with me over the years and has earned a place in my heart. And listening t it again with you both gave me a reason to hear the lyrics. So melancholy, so amazing! Thank you again for allowing me to sit with friends and savor some great music!
Thank YOU for sharing these moments with us!!!
“ Years go by in the fading light.”As always, great reaction by you two…you have lots of heart and respect.
from a big metal and prog fan there are few other artists that have caught my attention. All Stewart, not my genre but one of my favorite all time artists. One of the best storyteller, all paints a picture in history. Gun runners on the spanish border or early aviators his words and music can take you anywhere
Song on the Radio. You will love it. Best sax ever.
I knew,I just knew Both of you would appreciate the majesty of this wonderful composition. It's an immersive experience listening to it. So many elements and sections to admire. Al's soft, expressive, rich vocals. The Sax, the cello's, the base all combine to produce a song that you listen to again and again and get something rewarding.. Always love your positive vibes and joy at hearing great music. Which this truly is. What a shame his music is largely hidden and not discovered by so many. Particularly the young of today
I saw Al Stewart a couple of times in the Seattle area. I got hooked on his album Past, Present, Future which I highly recommend. Be sure to read the album notes on that one. It will help explain the theme of the album better. Great Reaction. The guy on the acoustic guitar was Tim Renwick.
with not much to smile about lately, i seem to be catching myself unconsciously smiling at your guys vids - thanks
That’s so sweet 🥹! So happy we could help you crack a smile - it’s important! And it means a lot! 😊
You are absolutely correct.
The wonderful,marvelous crazy 70’s was ………….. fantastic.
I would have bet real money that not only did you know this song but that it was a favorite. It’s a good thing I don’t gamble. 😱💸🤑
Great production values and players. Terrific reaction and request from JK.
He needs to be on your radar,he's a genius,'Roads to moscow" from Al is mind blowing,get to it earlier than 2 years time,you wont be disappointed!!😊
‘Roads’ gets my vote too, just so evocative, a painterly song. ‘Past Present and future’ , the album it comes from has some of the best lyrics of any albums I have heard in my 60 years of listening to music.
@@scifimonkey3 absolutely👍😊
Here's the info on the cover of the album:
The album cover of “Time Passages” by Al Stewart, released in September 1978, was designed by the renowned art design group Hipgnosis. The cover features a creative and surreal image of a radio being tuned on the shelf of a kitchen window, which simultaneously “tunes” the view of the landscape outside the window. This imaginative concept aligns with the album’s themes of time and change.
The front cover photograph was taken at Indian Route 42 in Monument Valley, Arizona. The design is noted for its clever visual metaphor, which complements the album’s introspective and reflective nature.
How could you hear Year of the Cat and wait so many months before listening again to Al Stewart? Immaculate. Do yourselves a favor and listen to the entire Year of the Cat album
I knew this had to be JK request as soon as I saw the album cover in the thumbnail...Our musical tastes are parallel universes! I adored this album when it came out and played it until the needle came out the other side of the grooves...Everything I adore about Alan Parsons is here, along Al Stewart's inimitable compositions and renditions...
Thanks, Gary. I try to follow the listeners’ tastes when they overlap with my own.
Great shout JK! It's been a while since I've heard this classic but I slipped seamlessly into the groove and the lyrics. This was just up NicknLex's street! Wonderful music.
As a 70's-er, I recall AOR taking over FM radio.
Album Oriented Radio stations.
And buyng albums was a widespread passion.
I had built a pretty good collection by the time I moved away from my childhood home of New Orleans.
But alas, my siblings didn’t take good care of it.
My younger brother ended up losing track of the individual albums.
This album was one that was in my collection.
And in just about everyone else's, too.
A fantastic lp.
I think the cover is Monument Valley. John Wayne did several movies there.
Really enjoyed your reaction to this!! I have listened to this song a lot over the years. You can hear Alan Parsons influence on this. Really love the outro instrumental on this song.
I have a friend in Salt Lake City who is a virtuoso guitarist and plays in bands. He goes to concerts almost weekly. To the surprise of all of us, he said the best concert he EVER saw was Al Stewart.
1976, 1977, 1978...OMG...what great music! I graduated in '77 and had no idea how lucky I was to turn on the radio and hear all this amazing music. The Year Of The Cat and Time Passages are two wonderful albums from those years. "Song On The Radio" is another song you must get two eventually. And you need to dive deeper into The Little River Band. And "A Man I'll Never Be" off Boston's debut album. 🙂 I could go on and on....
Hi Nick & Alexia, I love your channel and I'm a long time subscriber, there are a lot of people doing this kind stuff these days so it's hard to stand out but you are one of the best. Alexia says during this vid that she wishes somebody would have told her about this track after you had reacted to 'Year Of The Cat', I commented after that vid doing just that, recommending 'Time Passages', so I am officially offended. Anyway keep up the good work, you've still got a lot more great music to react to and your vids are my favourites.
Al Stewart has never written a bad song. He has no idea how to write a bad song. He's straight up the greatest songwriter on this planet. Absolute genius.
Great timeless song. Peter White plays the guitar on this song. You've already heard "Year of the Cat" which is my favorite song by him.
Stew like Chris Cross was a real palate cleanser. Bright and sunny and clear.
Like ee cummings once said: "I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance."
AL ,one of the greatest story tellers, smooth as silk😅
me my transistor radio an walking out in nature and time did not matter! oh the 70s and early 80s! his story telling was top notch! next thing i know it is dark outside and i gotta get home!
One of Al Stewart's more recent songs that is really good is "Night Train To Munich" A great story song, fun lyrics.
love that song!!
British Al Stewart was big in about 1977, 78, This album was great and a little blockbuster. Year of the cat or On the border were amazing too. BTW I saw him live years later in about 1988 in Saarbrücken, Germany. His fame was already fading away then. But again this album was awesome.
Beautiful!💗
Please listen to On the Border next for Al Stewart. You will love the Spanish guitar!
I love the line "Well I'm not the kind, to live in the past." That is literally ALL Al Stewart ever does in song. I love him and have all his albums. Almost all his songs, except a few of the hits (ironically enough) are set in actual history. That's his specialty! I'd love for you to hear songs off his Between the Wars CD, but I'm not going to pay you to listen to them.
This comment sounded so positive until the last statement 😢
If you don't want to pay, then don't, but please don't judge them for making money for spending their time, and getting all the equipment needed to do these videos. Most people think it's just a couple of young people sitting there listening to music, but there's unseen costs in this kind of thing.
A few more great songs from the Time Passages album:
Life In Dark Water
A Man For All Seasons
The Palace of Versailles
Timeless Skies
The Album cover is Monument Valley.
Where John Ford, the OG Hollywood Western director, filmed so many of his movies.
Al Stewart Live album from 1981 recorded at The Roxy Lo Angeles, has all the tracks you need to listen to.
Number 1 on my list of "Headphone-Rock"....
Al is worth a deep dive. Ive been a fan since 1976. He has announced his retirement tour, a shame, he wont be coming to Australia.
Lovely album. This song is a fave of mine. Production by Alan Parsons.
The "Year of the Cat" album is amazing. Not a bad song on it. "On the Border" and "Flying Sorcery" recommended.
Al is a master story teller who can write in almost any genre. He's still touring today in his late 70s.
I am pretty sure the background on the cover is "Monument Valley in Arizona. A quintessential late 70s tune with slick production and lots of instrumental contributions. I remember driving around Long Beach CA to this song during a downpour in early 1978.
I think the picture of a National Park in Arizona. You see it a lot in western movies.
I would suggest that Past, Present, and Future is Al Stewart's most important album. Less polished perhaps, than these slightly later albums. And every song is a revelation, connected by the album's theme. Maybe Terminal Eyes, followed by Roads to Moscow?
Hi nicknlex , love you're reaction to this track by Al Stewart. Music can bring out many emotions. A past we can't go back to. Please react to ' A song on the Radio ' by by Al Stewart . You'll love it 😀👍
It's no wonder so much popular music holds little appeal and makes no sense to me. This is the music I grew up on. This is the kind of instrumentation my ear has been schooled to crave and the harmony and melody my heart hums.
The other not-to-miss banger from this album is "Song on the Radio"
"Song on the Radio" is another great! - The last three minutes will astound you.
Check out song on the radio
You’re a lucky guy to have a woman who loves music as much as you do.
Trust me,it’s unusual.
This was the third album that Alan Parsons produced for Al Stewart, Modern Times, Year Of The Cat and Time Passages.
Alan Parsons is also responsible for getting Al Stewart to use a sax player. There is a good story about how that came together for Year Of The Cat.
I have seen him three times, in 1984 for the Russians And Americans tour, a second time in 1998 and then by himself in 2000 acoustically both of those in a small venue that had maybe 200 people.
Some good ones to check out Russians And Americans, On The Border, Broadway Hotel, One Stage Before, Cafe Society.
Anything from this album is worth a listen.
If you want to see "Year Of The Cat" performed live (with synth covering the strings), watch Al Stewart and band on the BBC's "Old Grey Whistle Test" from 1976: ruclips.net/video/tqW4xIr7nj0/видео.html
Glad you hit Al Stewart again. Trespasser has some great guitar work and who else has songs about the French Revolution, or Thomas Moore and Henry Plantagenet? You should try some others for sure.
"Song on the Radio" is also a great one.
It's a great song.
Great reaction.Song on the Radio should be next.
"Almost Lucy" and "Timeless Skies" from this album both really get to me.
Hola!!! Lo conozco por un tema que aquí sonó por un tiempo: "El año del gato"; un escocés con un folk relajante. Saludos desde Temperley, BsAs.
This is a great album, in my opinion just as good as "Year of the Cat". "Palace of Versailles" and "Man For All Seasons" are two of his best songs.
I know that you are led by your Patrons and that is understandable but given your response to AL’s music this is clearly a situation where you should take back control and do the whole Year of the Cat, Past Present and Future and Time Passages albums so that you can then listen to them fully in your own time.
If you guys are into Vinyl, as I think I can see in the background, try and pick up a copy of Al Stewart - Live Indian Summer. It has live versions of Year of the Cat and this song as well as a few others you’ll love. Nostradamus is epic. Anyway. I grew up with Al, one of my favourite artists.
Phil Kenzie on the sax and on Song On The Radio too.
Like Gerry Rafferty, true musicianship. Outstanding tracks saturated with magical instrument breaks.
I'm off to see him next year for probably the last time. (So many of my favourites are retiring!). Try Murmansk Run/Ellis Island. Or Helen and Cassandra. Or Antarctica. Oh, so many.
"Roads To Moscow" is an unforgettable epic.
OMG! Les hago caso y los sigo. Admito que no había escuchado AL STEWART, pero sí, definitivamente se siente la presencia de Alan Parsons! Es un gran tema, y el saxo siempre es una caricia en toda canción. Gracias por traerlo! ♥
Tengo "Time Passages" en vinilo y en CD... Un auténtico discazo, por donde se lo mire (y escuche)... Mi canción favorita es "Life in dark water", una obra maestra con muchas referencias al sonido de Pink Floyd (la mano de Alan Parsons tal vez?)... Por algo Tim Renwick fue, algunos años después, guitarrista en las giras de Pink Floyd.