Technically, The Year of the Cat, refers to the Vietnamise calender, where they replace the Year of the Rabbit with the Year of the Cat. The song was written in 1976, which was the Year of the Cat. It's about a tourist who runs into an Exotic woman who takes him on an adventure while he's traveling. He spends the night with her, wakes up, and realizes the tour bus has left without him, so he just decides to stay with her.
This is a very good summarization, except the song is like all the places in those Universal horror movies, not contemporary and not in the past. There are two references. Bogart movies is the first and Peter Lorre contemplating a crime is a direct reference to Fritz Langs "M." 1931.
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 More likely a reference to Casablanca 1942 which was set in Morocco. Peter Lorre commits a crime in that too and all the references sound like Morocco.
I agree completely. As a teenager when this came out, I didn't pay a lot of attention to it. Now that I'm in my 60's I have come to appreciate it musically and lyrically. It has become one of my favourites.
"The saxophone is like deep frying it" lol Lex you are bar none the most creative in describing how some songs affect you in a very honest way. You are so funny, and yet spot on with your interpretations on an emotional level. Which ultimately, music is supposed to affect.
And it also gives you insight into the differences between the two of them -- Lex gets immersed in the music while Brad stares there at the screen trying to dig into the meaning. She feels the music, and Brad has no clue about the impact of a good melody.
There are so many things about this song I love. The lyrics are picturesque,and the arrangement is spot on,but what I really love is how the string section blends into to acoustic guitar solo,which blends into the electric guitar solo which passes the torch to the saxophone solo. This song still gives me chills even now years later
A cello solo, a acoustic guitar solo, a piano solo, a saxophone solo, all energizing the mood. Just like meeting and exploring a person you've met for the first time.
This song is on my list of all time pop music favs! Fun fact is the guitarist/pianist Peter White has gone on to a long productive career as a smooth jazz legend but this song was his beginning!
A North African Love Song attached to a Far Eastern Zodiac Year with the backdrop of Casablanca, the famous Humphrey Bogart film. Al is a Poet and an incredible musical Historian: "Roads To Moscow" "Time Passages" " On The Border" "Lord Grenville" etc and is one of the greatest songwriters of the last Century. A musical and lyrical geniys and this is in My Top 10 of all time and I bought my first record in London in 1960 just the odd 62 years ago:)
Peter White only played on one track on this album. He played Spanish guitar on "On The Border." Peter Wood wrote the piano introduction, and he is playing it on the recording.
Lush, and atmospheric, is the best way for me to describe this gem, and much of Al Stewart's music. He has a knack for creating songs that evoke a feeling, and creates a connection for the listener. Nice choice. 🤟😊
To truly understand this song you have to know the references to Casablanca. And Moroccan culture especially tourist culture. 1975 was the Year of the Cat which was probably when he wrote the song considering it was recorded in January of '76
The time of the Hippy trails and overlanding in old buses and trucks to Afghanistan and the far east... Through India and through Morocco to Timbuktu, Tunisia the Lebanon and lots of far flung places now cut of by religious and political conflicts.
@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 Yes, this definitely refers to the Hippie Trail of the 60s and 70s, but probably when it became overly commercialized later on. I know Dragoman wasn't operating than, but I get that kind of tour vibe from the song.
Arguably one of the most complete songs to hit the charts ever. The music and arrangement are superb on their own, but the lyrics are poetry. You can literally close your eyes and ride along.
An odd coincidence, I’m going to see/hear Al Stewart in concert for the first time this evening in Saratoga, CA. He’s opening for Don McLean. Looking forward to Time Passages and On the Border, as well. Always loved his smooth style and the wonderful composition and production of is recordings. The Mountain Winery is a great venue here in Silicon Valley, and I’ll be experiencing it with a couple high-school friends who, by another coincidence, all happened to be born in 1963 - also the Year of The Cat 🐈🎵
I saw Al Stewart on his Year of the Cat tour in 76 or 77. Half the reason was the sax lick halfway through YOTC. In concert he stretched that bit for 5-6 minutes and riffed all over it. The venue was Music Hall in Cincinnati, where the symphony orchestra usually plays. Incredible acoustics and that sax solo, in that hall..... I can still hear it. Priceless.
What a great reaction you two and I am so proud that you really like this song as it’s incredible music and one of my all-time favorite, and Al’s got many more! This song was used in the late 70’s and early 80’s in several high-end stereo stores, where you would sit in the middle of the room with your favorite amplifier picked out and start choosing speakers to switch back and forth so as to make a decision of what you might want to buy. This song brought out the most of the whole acoustic range from bass, guitar, horns, singing, etc.
loved this my whole adult life . . . sounds and makes me feel same way it did first time I heard it almost 50 year ago.... he was still performing not that long ago....
Al Stewart loves history. His song Roads to Moscow is an absolute masterpiece and draws you into WWII from the perspective of a German soldier involved in the march to Russia. From Al Stewart I first learned about the French seer of the Middle Ages - Nostradamus. Please consider Roads to Moscow -- there are only 2 reactions to this song on TH-cam that I can see.
Wonderful song, but it's through the lens of a Russian soldier first fighting off the German advance, and follows the story as the Russians fight the Germans back all the way to Germany, where the protagonist had been detained as a P.O.W., and continues to follow the protagonist until he is happily returned to Russia after being freed only to fall under the thumb of the paranoid Stalin regime.
@@michaelsangster2354 No doubt, he isn't regular Soviet army, he's a Soviet partisan. But still onside with the Soviets. But under Stalin any reason for distrust was enough reason to remove the person.
I've been a radio DJ most of my life.. Year of the cat was an absolute masterpiece and is still being played across the airwaves today.... Also the remark you made about roads to Moscow I believe is absolutely true and if you look at that video it kind of just to me looks like what's going on now between Russia and Ukraine only years later... And finally Nostradamus, whoever thought that you could take the predictions of Nostradamus and apply them in a song but hey Al Stewart did it and he did it great man have a good day...
If you were Russian and captured by the Germans, they sent you to Siberia because they might have turned you against your country. You weren’t to be trusted. Transit camps…They also sent German POW’s there as well and were treated as slave labor.
The true genius of this song is how the instrumentation, especially towards the end, completely evokes the feeling of a cat slinking around in the background. To incorporate that into the song was brilliant.
sooo glad you decided to react to this wonderfully made song by Al Stewart.....a timeless classic for all generations to enjoy! Thanks for sharing!🎵🎶🎤🎷🎸🎹🥁
It is it's a love song I love watching you young people get into the tunes that I grew up on I am 63 years old I just turned 63 yesterday and I still listen to all this I still love all the old music from the 60s 70s and 80s are just there hasn't been a better time I love seeing people enjoy it and get off on it
Lex - check out the gorgeous album cover for Year Of The Cat if you want to see how many ways female things get associated with cats... Al Stewart is an absolute gold-mine of wonderful songs: check out Nostradamus, Roads To Moscow, Modern TImes or just about anything really. He's one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters, and one of the most under-appreciated in the whole of popular music. I was introduced to him by my late girlfreind, who wandered into the wrong room at Lancaster University one night in the early '70s and found him playing. He played a beautiful guitar piece ('The Small Fruit Song') that went on and on, and on, and eventually he just stopped and said, "I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, but I'm lost: I'll have to start again..." and that was it, she was _gone..._ a lifelong fan. I think me liking Al Stewart was a critical test I passed when I met her. Funnily enough, many years later, I took a friend who's a singer-songwriter, who was just starting out at the time and terribly nervous about performing, to see Al playing in Ashton-Under-Lyne, and he made a mistake there too. He launched into a long, complicated song (League of Notions) that he hadn't rehearsed and promptly forgot the words. The front three rows of the audience were rabid Al Stewart fans, so he just laughed and asked them to help him out with prompts, and between him and about a dozen of them, they got through the song and got a rousing cheer at the end. My friend was gobsmacked: she had no idea that you could be forgiven for screwing up on stage if you handled it with humility, good grace and humour. It gave her MUCH more confidence in performing after that. When we were getting signed merch afterwards, I told him about my girlfriend's introduction to him being him screwing up 20-odd years earlier, and he laughed and said, "well at least I'm consistent...". Quality Guy. 👍
So glad you got here at last! The most famous and best-produced song from my favorite artist. Al's been singing and playing since 1958 and is still touring. He's a real songwriter's songwriter and his story songs are so cinematic, like this one. He is legendary for his songs about historical topics.
I've heard this song hundreds of times during the past 46 years and I never get tired of it. It is so unique and one of a kind. Al Stewart is looking very old now but still does a great job performing this tune.
I was born in 1959 which every music lover knows was the perfect year to be born. We had no expectations vis music. Whatever came on the radio, we were open to and the creators were unbelievably creative.
Wonderfully crafted lyrics and 6 different instrument solos (piano, cello, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, saxophone, and synth) plus violin in the background. This and "On the Border" are my favorites by Al Stewart.
This was played over and over on AM Radio when it came out…it was one of the songs at the time that got me to put aside some “paper route” money to buy my first stereo…in the 70’s you needed a kick ass stereo…bought my first car at 16 for $250 and immediately put in a $450 stereo…Pioneer lol…respect…
This songs always take me right back to a certain time in my life. So nostalgic. So many memories came to me listening to this. It definitely is a vibe. Awesome reaction.
Such a touching and moving song that creeps-up on you when you least expect it. And shatters your heart and mind. Painting pictures of an era I thought I forgot.
I've always LOVED this song, from the very first time I heard it. This excels at creating the mood he was going for - that mysterious romance inspired by the Humphrey Bogart classic movies 'Casablanca'(1942) and 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941). The solo is as incredible as it is unique: it starts with the cello, then acoustic guitar, then electric guitar, then finally that soaring alto sax solo! Genius! Thanks for this. Peace from SF
Oh man, after months and months of requesting this in the chat, I actually missed the reaction during the livestream!!!! Grrrrr!!! I especially wanted to see Lex's reaction to the guitar solo flowing into the sax solo! You did not disappoint, Lex! This is one of my all-time favorite songs of the 70s!
This song is a masterpiece. I loved watching your reactions during the instrumental break, when the acoustic guitar solo is followed by the short but brilliant electric guitar solo - and then the sax comes in. The first time you hear it you're not expecting the sax, and it just pushes the song over the top from merely a great song, to something on a different level
This song is a love story that takes place in North Africa (a la Casa Blanco) in 1975. 1975 is the year of the cat in Vietnamese astrology. I was born in 1964. That was the year of the wood dragon. This year (2022) is the year of the tiger.
Lex, great interpretation of going through the transition between instruments and Brad has a point, too. It's an individual expression and connection that touches us. Thanks for picking up on that.
Great to see your reaction to what I've loved since I was 17. There are many subtle delights in this song. Al Stewart has described it as a good pension. It's beautiful and timeless.
A genuine master at work, usually I listen to 60's/70's soul music, but Al Stewart is definite go to artist. His songs are works of art, lyrically astounding and melodies to die for, I listen to his music a lot and each time I come away with something different. This song is simply one of the greatest Pop/Rock songs ever recorded.
Hey guys what's up! Greetings from South florida! One of the older guys I work with loves Al Stewart. I showed him you guys doing the video. He says he's going to start watching you guys now. You guys rock! God bless you! Peace!
"I would love to have your brain scanned to see how it works" This is why I love you two..... that was HELLAFUNNY! The song is a banger, no doubt about it. Loved the reaction, thanks.
The one thing you get from Al Stewart is the prodding from his songs to go out and find out about the subject he writes about, for me I did not know what eastern mysticism was , or their rotating animal calendars? amazing music and reaction. KWIM ;) ps i did not know what the letters on your cap meant, until now!!
It is a masterpiece beyond the extraordinary. A classic of the 70s and one of the first groups to use the first synthesizer keyboards (which gives it the orchestral sound in the background). It's definitely an anthem for me and always will be. Thank you guys for the review.
Great reaction! This is such a great tune!, very creative!. One of my favorite sunset tunes, ( tunes I listen to while viewing a sunset 🌇) Al Stewart's masterpiece. Another great 70's tune is Tower of Power's "Your still a young man". 🎺🎷🎶 Thank you! Peace! ☮
Thank you for reintroducing me to so many songs I grew up with but never really thought about at the time, didn't know the words of and have largely forgotten about since. There are many reaction vids out there but you don't interrupt them much and actually give intelligent and thoughtful responses to what you hear and read. Together, you two are the best at this genre.
A North African Love Song attached to a Far Eastern Zodiac Year with the backdrop of Casablanca, the famous Humphrey Bogart film. Al is a Poet and an incredible musical Historian: "Roads To Moscow" "Time Passages" " On The Border" "Lord Grenville" etc and is one of the greatest songwriters of the last Century. A musical and lyrical geniys and this is in My Top 10 of all time and I bought my first record in London in 1960 just the odd 62 years ago:)
"Out of the sun in a silk dress runnin' like a watercolor in the rain". What a line!
Songs like this are the reason that the '70's and '80's tunes are so good to listen to. Soothing and uplifting music.
Technically, The Year of the Cat, refers to the Vietnamise calender, where they replace the Year of the Rabbit with the Year of the Cat. The song was written in 1976, which was the Year of the Cat. It's about a tourist who runs into an Exotic woman who takes him on an adventure while he's traveling. He spends the night with her, wakes up, and realizes the tour bus has left without him, so he just decides to stay with her.
This is a very good summarization, except the song is like all the places in those Universal horror movies, not contemporary and not in the past. There are two references. Bogart movies is the first and Peter Lorre contemplating a crime is a direct reference to Fritz Langs "M." 1931.
I was about to explain the song but you did it so succinctly that I will let it speak on it’s on. You nailed it!
@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 More likely a reference to Casablanca 1942 which was set in Morocco. Peter Lorre commits a crime in that too and all the references sound like Morocco.
Actually, in Vietnamese Astrology, the year of the cat was 1975 - occurs every 12 years - great summary, though.
@@heliotropezzz333 it is Morocco
This is as near as you can to a perfect song. The arrangement is impeccable.
I agree completely. As a teenager when this came out, I didn't pay a lot of attention to it. Now that I'm in my 60's I have come to appreciate it musically and lyrically. It has become one of my favourites.
Produced by Alan Parsons
This seems to me an odd remix of this song. Nothing like the radio version I remember. Mandela effect?
Love this song! Amazed when I heard my 25 year old daughter cranking this one day. She has it on her play list.
@@sidviscous5959 there’s probably just a radio edit
"The saxophone is like deep frying it" lol Lex you are bar none the most creative in describing how some songs affect you in a very honest way. You are so funny, and yet spot on with your interpretations on an emotional level. Which ultimately, music is supposed to affect.
💯
And it also gives you insight into the differences between the two of them -- Lex gets immersed in the music while Brad stares there at the screen trying to dig into the meaning. She feels the music, and Brad has no clue about the impact of a good melody.
The tension reached its peak with the electric guitar, and then the sax resolved all the tension.
Also, the instrumental started with a cello.
An absolute winner, the vocals. Instrumentals, especially the sax an you got a masterpiece from 1976 followed by his next hit TIME PASSAGES in 1978.
1942 was also the year of the cat, and the refereces to Bogart and Peter Lorre refer to that year's movie, "Casablanca."
Brilliant piece of music. The lyrics are written like a novel, the musicianship is incredible, and the production and arrangement are perfect.
All of his songs are, "Roads to Moscow" is easily his BEST song, though the others are easily only one step behind it...
Agreed. All Al's songs are like a novel.
@@Wolverines77 second RTM
Production and arrangement by Allan Parsons !!!!!!!!!!!!
If you listen closely you can hear that it was produced by Alan Parsons. Those clean transitions between the different instruments is just his style.
Enough said.
The musical equivalent to Armando Iannucci in Comedy.
Gold guaranteed..
Alan Parsons is an engineering genius. Dark Side of the Moon still stands out as his crowning achievement, IMHO.
There's no possible way I'd hear that however closely I listened, but it's a good observation.
Thanks, Benno! I did not know (but should have!) -- Alan Parsons is genius!
@@brentbeardsley655 From a sales point true, but his own "I Robot" album is I believe his personal crowning achievement.
She comes out of the Sun, her silk dress run like a watercolor in the rain is one of the best song lyrics! Musically stunning song also.
It's a very evocative line, you can see the fabric of the dress pooling like paint.
Love that line!!!!
Brilliant track....dominated the airwaves for a time. Still fits perfectly like a glove all these decades later.
Like a velvet glove...😊
If the glove fits, you must acquit.
TRUE !!😄
One of the greatest instrumental breaks in rock history.
She comes out in the sun in a silk dress running like a water color in the rain. Best line ever written.
Glad you got around to this song. The more you listen the more you will realize what a work of art it truly is
There are so many things about this song I love. The lyrics are picturesque,and the arrangement is spot on,but what I really love is how the string section blends into to acoustic guitar solo,which blends into the electric guitar solo which passes the torch to the saxophone solo. This song still gives me chills even now years later
A cello solo, a acoustic guitar solo, a piano solo, a saxophone solo, all energizing the mood. Just like meeting and exploring a person you've met for the first time.
This song is on my list of all time pop music favs! Fun fact is the guitarist/pianist Peter White has gone on to a long productive career as a smooth jazz legend but this song was his beginning!
A North African Love Song attached to a Far Eastern Zodiac Year with the backdrop of Casablanca, the famous Humphrey Bogart film.
Al is a Poet and an incredible musical Historian: "Roads To Moscow" "Time Passages" " On The Border" "Lord Grenville" etc and is one of the greatest songwriters of the last Century.
A musical and lyrical geniys and this is in My Top 10 of all time and I bought my first record in London in 1960 just the odd 62 years ago:)
also reminds me a bit of Gerry Raffery, Baker Street - both Scots...
Love Peter White plays on the Border and other Peter White when plays what does it take to win your love the Junior Walker and the All stars song
Is Peter White still alive? I doubt it....
Peter White only played on one track on this album. He played Spanish guitar on "On The Border." Peter Wood wrote the piano introduction, and he is playing it on the recording.
Lush, and atmospheric, is the best way for me to describe this gem, and much of Al Stewart's music. He has a knack for creating songs that evoke a feeling, and creates a connection for the listener. Nice choice. 🤟😊
absolutely incredible song, Brilliant in every way
To truly understand this song you have to know the references to Casablanca.
And Moroccan culture especially tourist culture.
1975 was the Year of the Cat which was probably when he wrote the song considering it was recorded in January of '76
The time of the Hippy trails and overlanding in old buses and trucks to Afghanistan and the far east... Through India and through Morocco to Timbuktu, Tunisia the Lebanon and lots of far flung places now cut of by religious and political conflicts.
@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 Yes, this definitely refers to the Hippie Trail of the 60s and 70s, but probably when it became overly commercialized later on. I know Dragoman wasn't operating than, but I get that kind of tour vibe from the song.
Arguably one of the most complete songs to hit the charts ever. The music and arrangement are superb on their own, but the lyrics are poetry. You can literally close your eyes and ride along.
Fun fact, the sound engineer on this song was Alan Parsons who also engineered Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.
Those sound like interesting projects for Alan Parsons.
Brad & Lex, you may want to check out some songs from the Alan Parson's Project.
Alan Parsons project, i Robot album, "I wouldn't want to be like you". A human compared to a computer.
@@scottstewart5784 hmmm,you’re on to something,the Alan parsons project has a nice ring to it😁
Alan Parsons was actually the producer on this LP
A perfect song in any decade. The solos just keep coming at you, melded together perfectly and delivered effortlessly.
Love this song so much. One of the best songs ever made. so beatiful and unique. top 10 greatest songs. You nailed the song mostly. Great job.
Al is still playing. Check out him playing this live at Daryl’s house. Dude still has the beautiful voice
An odd coincidence, I’m going to see/hear Al Stewart in concert for the first time this evening in Saratoga, CA. He’s opening for Don McLean. Looking forward to Time Passages and On the Border, as well. Always loved his smooth style and the wonderful composition and production of is recordings. The Mountain Winery is a great venue here in Silicon Valley, and I’ll be experiencing it with a couple high-school friends who, by another coincidence, all happened to be born in 1963 - also the Year of The Cat 🐈🎵
@@deand9792 dude. That’s beautiful. Enjoy.
He's playing in my town next month. Thinking about going.
The instrumentation is superb and the lyrics are pure poetry. One of the greatest songs ever.
This is about as close to perfect that you can get. Awesome arrangement, exceptional descriptive lines in the verses. Timeless song.
I saw Al Stewart on his Year of the Cat tour in 76 or 77. Half the reason was the sax lick halfway through YOTC. In concert he stretched that bit for 5-6 minutes and riffed all over it. The venue was Music Hall in Cincinnati, where the symphony orchestra usually plays. Incredible acoustics and that sax solo, in that hall..... I can still hear it. Priceless.
What a great reaction you two and I am so proud that you really like this song as it’s incredible music and one of my all-time favorite, and Al’s got many more!
This song was used in the late 70’s and early 80’s in several high-end stereo stores, where you would sit in the middle of the room with your favorite amplifier picked out and start choosing speakers to switch back and forth so as to make a decision of what you might want to buy. This song brought out the most of the whole acoustic range from bass, guitar, horns, singing, etc.
This track is a true work of art, it's great to see you folks enjoying it for the first time over 40 years later.
Brad.... Lex is a KEEPER! She GETS IT! Feels the music and can explain what she feels FROM the music... ! Well done!
on first hearing too
The arrangement is absolute perfection.
loved this my whole adult life . . . sounds and makes me feel same way it did first time I heard it almost 50 year ago.... he was still performing not that long ago....
One of the best songs ever recorded.
Saw him live back in the day at a small venue. Great show.
Two of my other favorites are On the Border and Time Passages.
Hauntingly beautiful.
Not having the technical vocabulary of music in no way stops Lex from perfectly describing how a song sounds. It is amazing.
Genius. Amazing noir references (Bogart, Peter Lorre) and metaphors, “tears fell down like rain” but the music arrangement. Killer.
Any song with Peter Lorre has my ear,I still get a laugh out of The Raven.
if you like metaphors try a small fruit song...brilliant
Al Stewart loves history. His song Roads to Moscow is an absolute masterpiece and draws you into WWII from the perspective of a German soldier involved in the march to Russia. From Al Stewart I first learned about the French seer of the Middle Ages - Nostradamus. Please consider Roads to Moscow -- there are only 2 reactions to this song on TH-cam that I can see.
Wonderful song, but it's through the lens of a Russian soldier first fighting off the German advance, and follows the story as the Russians fight the Germans back all the way to Germany, where the protagonist had been detained as a P.O.W., and continues to follow the protagonist until he is happily returned to Russia after being freed only to fall under the thumb of the paranoid Stalin regime.
@@davelayne6857 I believe that he is a partisan which is why he is mistrusted after mentioning that the Germans had captured him and let him go.
@@michaelsangster2354 No doubt, he isn't regular Soviet army, he's a Soviet partisan. But still onside with the Soviets. But under Stalin any reason for distrust was enough reason to remove the person.
I've been a radio DJ most of my life.. Year of the cat was an absolute masterpiece and is still being played across the airwaves today.... Also the remark you made about roads to Moscow I believe is absolutely true and if you look at that video it kind of just to me looks like what's going on now between Russia and Ukraine only years later... And finally Nostradamus, whoever thought that you could take the predictions of Nostradamus and apply them in a song but hey Al Stewart did it and he did it great man have a good day...
If you were Russian and captured by the Germans, they sent you to Siberia because they might have turned you against your country. You weren’t to be trusted. Transit camps…They also sent German POW’s there as well and were treated as slave labor.
The true genius of this song is how the instrumentation, especially towards the end, completely evokes the feeling of a cat slinking around in the background. To incorporate that into the song was brilliant.
Wow, they are not enough superlatives to bestow upon a genius of the musical arrangement and lyrics.
Al Stewart wasn't sure about the sax solo in this song but if he'd seen Lex's reaction when it starts, his uncertainty would have disappeared.
Yeah,baby, the sax is unreal!
So underrated...great song along with "Time Passages"
Another song you'll love is "We Just Disagree" by Dave Mason....
Yup, Time Passages is another great one.
We just disagree is a great song. Haven’t thought of that one in a while.
Yes, to more Dave Mason, Let it Flow, So High, Mystic Traveler, Takin the Time to Find, Spend Your Life with Me
Good choice.
"Time passages", it makes me cry. His voice is so pure and pleasant.
one of my all time favorite songs, Love it
Beautiful song, great reaction guys. I do like my sax deep fried too! Lol
Those sax solo's just makes your heart ACHE...
sooo glad you decided to react to this wonderfully made song by Al Stewart.....a timeless classic for all generations to enjoy! Thanks for sharing!🎵🎶🎤🎷🎸🎹🥁
It is it's a love song I love watching you young people get into the tunes that I grew up on I am 63 years old I just turned 63 yesterday and I still listen to all this I still love all the old music from the 60s 70s and 80s are just there hasn't been a better time I love seeing people enjoy it and get off on it
For once, Lex made perfect sense to me. Al Stewart was a British folk singer who had a brilliant album in 1973 called Past Present and Future.
Lex - check out the gorgeous album cover for Year Of The Cat if you want to see how many ways female things get associated with cats...
Al Stewart is an absolute gold-mine of wonderful songs: check out Nostradamus, Roads To Moscow, Modern TImes or just about anything really. He's one of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters, and one of the most under-appreciated in the whole of popular music.
I was introduced to him by my late girlfreind, who wandered into the wrong room at Lancaster University one night in the early '70s and found him playing. He played a beautiful guitar piece ('The Small Fruit Song') that went on and on, and on, and eventually he just stopped and said, "I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, but I'm lost: I'll have to start again..." and that was it, she was _gone..._ a lifelong fan. I think me liking Al Stewart was a critical test I passed when I met her.
Funnily enough, many years later, I took a friend who's a singer-songwriter, who was just starting out at the time and terribly nervous about performing, to see Al playing in Ashton-Under-Lyne, and he made a mistake there too. He launched into a long, complicated song (League of Notions) that he hadn't rehearsed and promptly forgot the words. The front three rows of the audience were rabid Al Stewart fans, so he just laughed and asked them to help him out with prompts, and between him and about a dozen of them, they got through the song and got a rousing cheer at the end. My friend was gobsmacked: she had no idea that you could be forgiven for screwing up on stage if you handled it with humility, good grace and humour. It gave her MUCH more confidence in performing after that. When we were getting signed merch afterwards, I told him about my girlfriend's introduction to him being him screwing up 20-odd years earlier, and he laughed and said, "well at least I'm consistent...". Quality Guy. 👍
The 70's just reeked of talent. Singers, musicians, song writers and composers. Many masters of their art back then.
So glad you got here at last! The most famous and best-produced song from my favorite artist. Al's been singing and playing since 1958 and is still touring. He's a real songwriter's songwriter and his story songs are so cinematic, like this one. He is legendary for his songs about historical topics.
I've heard this song hundreds of times during the past 46 years and I never get tired of it. It is so unique and one of a kind. Al Stewart is looking very old now but still does a great job performing this tune.
I was born in 1959 which every music lover knows was the perfect year to be born. We had no expectations vis music. Whatever came on the radio, we were open to and the creators were unbelievably creative.
This is one of the songs that changed my life as a kid
There are live versions that are as perfectly executed as this studio sound. A true artist in all respects. Amazing.
When you put the brilliance of Al Stewart lyrics together with the Production of Alan Parsons, you have perfection.
Wonderfully crafted lyrics and 6 different instrument solos (piano, cello, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, saxophone, and synth) plus violin in the background. This and "On the Border" are my favorites by Al Stewart.
This was played over and over on AM Radio when it came out…it was one of the songs at the time that got me to put aside some “paper route” money to buy my first stereo…in the 70’s you needed a kick ass stereo…bought my first car at 16 for $250 and immediately put in a $450 stereo…Pioneer lol…respect…
The production values of this song are off the charts.
This songs always take me right back to a certain time in my life. So nostalgic. So many memories came to me listening to this. It definitely is a vibe. Awesome reaction.
Such a touching and moving song that creeps-up on you when you least expect it. And shatters your heart and mind. Painting pictures of an era I thought I forgot.
So great song that even my easy piano cover sounds good!! 🎹🎹💥💥
Thanks!
Great job chat room.... you found a classic.......
I've always LOVED this song, from the very first time I heard it. This excels at creating the mood he was going for - that mysterious romance inspired by the Humphrey Bogart classic movies 'Casablanca'(1942) and 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941). The solo is as incredible as it is unique: it starts with the cello, then acoustic guitar, then electric guitar, then finally that soaring alto sax solo! Genius! Thanks for this.
Peace from SF
Wife here..Loved this Song as a very small child..For some reason it gave me a slight eerie feeling...Al Stewart's voice is quiet distinguasdable...
I know Brad likes songs with great lyrical content - should definitely check out 'Roads To Moscow' or 'Nostradamus' by Al Stewart.
actually, the whole Past, Present, Future album would be worth a listen/reaction. al stewart is a great songwriter.
@Thomas Grych I agree. Specially the live version on the Indian Summer album. It's brilliant!!!
Roads to Moscow is an underrated all time song!
"Roads to Moscow" is an absolute masterpiece! But be prepared to do some historical digging if you miss any references...
@@taun856 everyone knows about Smolensk and Guderian. have you no faith in American education?
Within music lies timeless wisdom. Artists telling timeless tales through music are one of life's greatest gifts to the listener.
Al Stewart master story teller,every song a love story or a snippet of history.wonderful unique artist.
Oh man, after months and months of requesting this in the chat, I actually missed the reaction during the livestream!!!! Grrrrr!!!
I especially wanted to see Lex's reaction to the guitar solo flowing into the sax solo! You did not disappoint, Lex!
This is one of my all-time favorite songs of the 70s!
This is on my short list of greatest songs ever.
This song is a masterpiece. I loved watching your reactions during the instrumental break, when the acoustic guitar solo is followed by the short but brilliant electric guitar solo - and then the sax comes in. The first time you hear it you're not expecting the sax, and it just pushes the song over the top from merely a great song, to something on a different level
I can't listen to this song without getting goosebumps!!
Love this song so much. Whenever it comes on I just have to stop and listen. That piano intro...beautiful.
This song is a love story that takes place in North Africa (a la Casa Blanco) in 1975. 1975 is the year of the cat in Vietnamese astrology. I was born in 1964. That was the year of the wood dragon. This year (2022) is the year of the tiger.
Lex, great interpretation of going through the transition between instruments and Brad has a point, too. It's an individual expression and connection that touches us. Thanks for picking up on that.
i could not tell you how many times i listened to this growing up! what a storyteller!!!70s got me!
I don't have enough fingers and toes to count all of the masterpieces made by Al Stewart. I really love his acoustic stuff!
Great to see your reaction to what I've loved since I was 17. There are many subtle delights in this song. Al Stewart has described it as a good pension. It's beautiful and timeless.
A genuine master at work, usually I listen to 60's/70's soul music, but Al Stewart is definite go to artist. His songs are works of art, lyrically astounding and melodies to die for, I listen to his music a lot and each time I come away with something different.
This song is simply one of the greatest Pop/Rock songs ever recorded.
Hey guys what's up! Greetings from South florida! One of the older guys I work with loves Al Stewart. I showed him you guys doing the video. He says he's going to start watching you guys now. You guys rock! God bless you! Peace!
"I would love to have your brain scanned to see how it works" This is why I love you two..... that was HELLAFUNNY! The song is a banger, no doubt about it. Loved the reaction, thanks.
Love Lex’s reaction when the saxophone starts playing!
The one thing you get from Al Stewart is the prodding from his songs to go out and find out about the subject he writes about, for me I did not know what eastern mysticism was , or their rotating animal calendars? amazing music and reaction. KWIM ;) ps i did not know what the letters on your cap meant, until now!!
It is a masterpiece beyond the extraordinary. A classic of the 70s and one of the first groups to use the first synthesizer keyboards (which gives it the orchestral sound in the background). It's definitely an anthem for me and always will be. Thank you guys for the review.
I'm so glad you finally got around to this song, a true masterpiece.
A true masterpiece of music, an era that should be repeated again and again. Stunning. great reaction.
One great song. Masterfully written, performed, recorded, produced.
One of my best ever songs. Al's voice is amazing and with the harmonies it adds up to brilliant.
This another of those songs that transport you to another place and another time. Definitively needs to be listened to with the eyes closed...
You guys are great at picking songs that I have loved for a long time. So glad to see a new generation discovering and enjoying this music.
Great reaction! This is such a great tune!, very creative!. One of my favorite sunset tunes, ( tunes I listen to while viewing a sunset 🌇) Al Stewart's masterpiece. Another great 70's tune is Tower of Power's "Your still a young man". 🎺🎷🎶 Thank you! Peace! ☮
Thank you for reintroducing me to so many songs I grew up with but never really thought about at the time, didn't know the words of and have largely forgotten about since. There are many reaction vids out there but you don't interrupt them much and actually give intelligent and thoughtful responses to what you hear and read. Together, you two are the best at this genre.
Instrumental masterpiece. One of my favorite ever songs.
Lex, you were feeling it, with your eyes closed, perfect cooking description of the song and every instrument, I agree totally with what you said.
I've loved this song and Time Passages ever since I was a little girl in the 70s.
A North African Love Song attached to a Far Eastern Zodiac Year with the backdrop of Casablanca, the famous Humphrey Bogart film.
Al is a Poet and an incredible musical Historian: "Roads To Moscow" "Time Passages" " On The Border" "Lord Grenville" etc and is one of the greatest songwriters of the last Century.
A musical and lyrical geniys and this is in My Top 10 of all time and I bought my first record in London in 1960 just the odd 62 years ago:)