Al Stewart - Year of the Cat *DayOne Reacts*

[@russpendergraft5057]

I remember this song and album, I had it when it first came out! I'm 62 now and still love this ! Thanks for your re discovering of a great piece of this music history ! 👍

[@Noelle0026]

She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running Like a watercolor in the rain-such beautiful lyrics. Amazing song 🔥

[@TheToscanaMan]

haha... my favorite lines in this song

[@Isleofskye]

I bought my first record in 1960 and, arguably, the finest line and image I have ever heard:)

[@DavidLender]

You know, I've heard this song off and on all my life. My dad would play it back in the 70's and 80's when I was growing up. But I never paid too much attention to many of the lyrics. And listening to it here was the very first time that it hit me and I understood what he was saying. Such a beautiful lyric! I'm 51 years old now and still hearing new things in old songs. Crazy!

[@Noelle0026]

@@DavidLender that is what is so great about well written songs and lyrics!

[@c.s.m.k5737]

The 70s had poetic geniuses and ageless music.

[@margix1172]

Another masterpiece from the forever young decade : the 70's !

[@chrisharris6206]

Hell yeah, 💯🤗🤗🤗

[@steveullrich7737]

A decade of unsurpassed in musical genius.

[@deantait8326]

In my 70s, fondly remembering the 70s (whatever I can't recall from back then, isn't exclusively an age related memory issue 😁)

[@mhartung8335]

At heart anyway. Had I known growing old would hurt so much I might have taken better care of myself. Ah , who am I bull shitting, damn it was fun.....

[@Musashi41]

My high school years, 77-81. I grew up to such amazing music, and these songs take me back to junior high and high school. It causes a warm glow in my heart and chest, taking me to a simpler, uncomplicated time.

[@777petew]

You will hear many delights as you listen again and again.

[@michaelbrandt5416]

Those of us who grew up in the era of such gems playing on the radio, consider ourselves blessed and yet it is sad to think that we will never hear anything ever again that surpass what was created past decades. Bless the invention of KZbin that give next generation chance to explore the treasures of the past.

[@JeromeG1956]

The arrangement on this song are magnificent.

[@danielhurley2894]

Alan Parsons arranged this. Check out "Eye In The Sky." Another masterpiece.

[@TheJohnnywbred]

Not only a masterful musician and lyricist but am amateur historian who factors that into his music. Way underrated 🎶🎶

[@StevenCarinci]

Not underrated.

[@richardmiseljr2413]

Road to Moscow.

[@charlesburris6314]

I've had this song and "Time Passages" in my collection for decades. Have a great day!

[@chrisharris6206]

Like I said I said in the comments above, there like twins hope 🤞 she plays it more comment so she can play that. To see how she enjoys.😍💯

[@southroncross]

'Song On The Radio' is right there, too.

[@ochjim]

For me there are two outstandingly good songs on Time Passages: A Man For All Seasons and the haunting Palace of Versailles. He wrote dozens of great songs but those two left a lasting impression on me.

[@randallshuck2976]

Al Stewart is one of those artists that has NO bad songs. I heard him when he first came out and was never disappointed.

[@avantgardenovelist]

what's his best album? I only know this song but it's top 10 for me.

[@randallshuck2976]

@@avantgardenovelist I guess his best album is "Year of the Cat" I am partial to "Time Passages" and "Song on the Radio". Both have a meaning tied to special times in my past. It's personal not professional.

[@avantgardenovelist]

@@randallshuck2976 thanks, I'm on it.

[@TallyDrake]

The orchestration on this song is divine. 😊🥰

[@Steelwings19658]

A masterpiece of a song. So many instruments played in this great song. One of the best fade outs of all time too...

[@alexkoronec4326]

It's too bad you never listened to CREEDENCE CLEAR WATER REVIVAL, Who'll stop the rain. Same year.

[@Vinterfrid]

@@alexkoronec4326 It's too bad you're really confused - 'Year of the Cat' was released in 1976 and 'Who'll stop the Rain' in 1970. Thus far from the same year.

[@centuryrox]

This song has been in my Top 10 songs of all time for over 40 years. Such a gorgeous song!

[@buixrule]

This song is an absolute masterpiece. It has everything and it has perfect transitions and flow. This is a gem for certain. Btw you are absolutely beautiful.

[@777colin1]

When you put the brilliance of Al Stewart lyrics together with the Production of Alan Parsons, you have perfection.

[@Barb5001]

I like who you listened to the whole song first without frequently interrupting it like so many others do

[@edwardgriffiths2376]

Yea I agree no need to interrupt

[@wotgM316]

'Year Of the Cat' was recorded in just two takes on August 28, 1975, in Studio 2 at fabled Abbey Road Studios in London.

[@richardrodriguez2120]

I’ve always liked this song from when I was in grade school. I’ve always found it so instrumentally satisfying and soothing. Reminds me of just walking in my hometown during a crisp fall day

[@willfromyadkinville]

everything about this song is simply brillant!

[@steelers6titles]

Song is a masterpiece of production, with everything fitted together perfectly--solo piano intro, vocals, strings, other effects.

[@roccaclassico9028]

Beautifully produced and the lyrics are so well crafted. Think about how many short solos are in this song: piano, cello, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, saxophone, synth, and backed by violin. "On the Border" is another of my favorites by him you should react to.

[@sweetwilliamful]

On the Border is mind-blowing.

[@theboyisnotright6312]

The pianist is world class. This fucker is slurring notes on a piano Fucking wow

[@vrvaughn]

Alan Parsons was involved.. that says a lot.

[@colleenross8752]

@@sweetwilliamful about the Spanish Civil War

[@seamusgeorge6446]

Yep! Every portion of this song is a snap in a movie.

[@CumberlandOutdoorsman]

It was the winter of 1982 when I was in my senior year of high-school, I remember this song playing on the radio in art class as we painted water color scenes. Distant memories coming back when I hear it now.

[@jeffstevens4262]

I wonder how many people down the years of hearing this amazing song have said to themselves at the beginning "Is one of my my ear-pods not working"? Actually, when I hear this beautiful song from way back when, I always have the image in my head of a cat walking. Sheer poetry in motion. So smooth and graceful. Physical perfection. I love it!!

[@wildcard495]

)One of my absolute favorites.The piano was actually a stagehands test before a show and he asked to put lyrics to it and the stagehand actually said yes.

[@MatoNupai]

Your reaction channel is THE FIRST reaction channel I ever subscribed to. Way too many stop the song every few seconds to offer commentary or move their head side to side as it a robot reaction and not listening at all. I knew you were listening and enjoying the music. THANK YOU FOR AN HONEST REACTION! I'll be back for more.

[@LebronPhoto1]

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 references to a Bogart movie and Peter Lorre are due to the fact the song is influenced by the movie Casablanca.

[@mast6349]

I’ve been listening to this album my whole life and I’m 42. And yes, you’re so right, the strings in this song are spine tingling. In my opinion, this is a dope song.

[@davidroman9300]

gotta love that sax ...

[@TheSaltyFloridaCracker]

I loved this song back in the day. I still love this classic . Check out Gerry Rafferty " Baker Street"

[@thegallantsaint2034]

When that sax comes in, it _always_ makes people smile. 😄

[@timothyburnside3229]

Just imagine you are on a trip through Europe, and you meet a wonderful person, fall in love and get so totally lost you have to decide whether you stay or go! If you go you wonder about that person forever! The memories that will haunt you but bring a smile to your face!

[@joes2514]

If he could have made it just another 10 minutes longer he could have fit in another 15 solos. Excellent song. Great lyrics. Very layered.

[@thomasfinnell5418]

'Time passages" by Al Stewart. The song makes me cry sometimes, depending on my mood.

[@dalem8332]

The entire Year of The Cat album is a Masterpiece! Love it! ♥️🎼🎶🎵🍔🇨🇦

[@doloresdemar2347]

Good music,, nice tune from the 70s,, so mellow!! ❤ I miss the 70s 😄

[@timc844]

It's kind of funny. Her reaction drifts between "What is this?" and "Okay, I can pick up on a certain groove here...but...." Even when the electric guitar sears into the song she's like "Um....okay..."

[@nyokoSalome]

melodically, it takes so many little subtle little twists n' turns that songs just don't dare to attempt anymore...

[@shanenolan8252]

One of the best songs ever. I swear this happened to me in Italy. With a local girl . Barely a word of English i had barely any Italian. I too missed my bus

[@Whateva67]

Mama Mia,where in Italy? Love that country

[@shanenolan8252]

@@Whateva67 Naples after a tour of mount vesuvius. ( Pompeii)

[@Whateva67]

@@shanenolan8252 ahh,I love Napoli and Pompeii too,my wife and I stayed in Positano for a few days with side trips to check out the ruins below Vesuvio. Italy is my favourite country to visit by far.Hello from British Columbia 😎

[@shanenolan8252]

@@Whateva67 yes its beautiful ( Italy) bc looks very beautiful i have never been. Greetings from Ireland.

[@007ndc]

Brilliant quinnessential 70's song ..Tells you a story that you can slmost pictire as the music takes you on an incredible journey

[@sirrobin4394]

Al Stewart was so innovative and interesting. I always liked his music even though many people couldn't really get into his stuff.

[@499PUCK]

This song is almost jazz. Each instrument is given its slot to shine.

[@thecelt471]

First heard this on deployment in the 70's in the Navy. Good memories overseas.

[@dmCurator]

Beautiful pop rock of the adult contemporary variety from the singer-songwriter era. It shines.

[@Harpo.jr70]

Takes me back to when I had a full head of hair , great artist.

[@Harpo.jr70]

@@rileyanoid8444 I started shaving my head on 1/1/ 1982. It was wavy , waved bye, bye. I was 29 . Just turned 68. If there was a pill for a full head of hair , I would say No Thanks. I was bald before it was cool to be bald. And glad I grew up in a great music era. No auto tune just pure talent.

[@jimmyarmijo792]

I prefer hair! I'm 61...

[@tedharvick9010]

I resemble that remark 😉🙃 I figure I came into this world bald, wrinkled and toothless. And I'll go out the same way, lol.

[@toocoolforbanshee618]

I so LOVED you didn't interrupt.. it's one of my favorite songs of all time .. n the SAX 😊😊

[@antonioeasypiano]

So great song that even my easy piano cover sounds good!! 🎹🎹💥💥

[@crekow]

A beautifully crafted song. I remember hearing this on the radio a lot when I was a kid.

[@MrCeora]

Back when musicians played real instruments, played chords, knew harmony, and the music was warm and rich. It's a damn shame they took music out of the classrooms. It hasn't been the same since.

[@shannonwittman950]

Ahhh, the era of "soft rock and more" as popular music was dubbed then. Al Stewart, Christopher Cross, Boz Skaggs, George Benson, the Doobie Brothers 2.0, America, Rita Coolidge, Hall & Oates, Dan Fogelberg, Fleetwood Mac -- many more. Baby boomers had found their ways solidly into domestic bliss with full-time jobs and kids. And retrospectives about golden age Hollywood entertainment became a big deal; mostly old Bogart/Bacall movies, Marylin Monroe, big-screen epic romances and old time radio broadcasts. Al Stewart's music fit right it.

[@bjreacher6402]

Love the solo. First a cello, picked up by full strings, then acoustic guitar, then electric guitar, finally transitioning to a sax. What a great arrangement.

[@jamesanthony5257]

The album "Year of the Cat" was produced and engineered by Alan Parsons. His projects tend to add orchestral elements as well as Saxophone solos.

[@tektoniks_architects]

This was a gigantic hit back in the day....a beautifully constructed journey.

[@jamuga60]

This is so sophisticated...............................and so so cool.

[@freda9809]

I would get grounded (no TV)...didn't care...who cares when there was this music to listen to. This brings back memories!!!

[@fantasyguru26]

The composition to this song is almost orchestral. So many elements coming together. Tied together by the rich sounding bass and the wonderfully unique vocal tone of Mr. Al Stewart.

[@davids2096]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time! Great lyrics and great melody! The chap that's playing guitar solo towards the end of the song is Peter White! He became a Smooth Jazz artist! Bye millennials, gen xers, baby boomers and whoever else is out there!

[@YachtMaestro]

I love this little tidbit of film noir! This'll pass most people right by because they either miss the name or don't recognize it. Who remembers this little bug-eyed munchkin? You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre Contemplating a crime

[@kevinwallis2194]

another memory of my first true love when i was just 18. she was the one that introduced me to this album, fresh ground coffee and a couple things i cant say here. lol

[@tvgator1]

Every time someone gets around to doing this song I drop everything and watch. It's just a complete good.

[@musicairplanes4884]

What a total VIBE! Brilliant arrangement.

[@greg2976]

Brings back fond memories! thank you Angela. You are the best!

[@steelers6titles]

The reference point is the marketplace scene in "Casablanca", after Rick has sobered up and is no longer angry at Ilsa for running out on him in Paris.

[@777petew]

When I eventually die and go to heaven, it's the calibre of music I expect to hear.

[@carlostellorodrigez7]

I like this song .. I’m 63,

[@saintsefo4763]

My first full-time job was going well the year this song was released. It was a good year. Thanks for the reminder, Angela 👍🏽😊

[@jameslee6395]

Listen to the beginning is in mono then all of a sudden in stereo. Always reminded me of an old black and white film then bursts into color or real life.

[@Isleofskye]

Great Reaction to one of the greatest Poets and Musicians in the modern era She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running Like a watercolor in the rain" I bought my first record in 1960 and, arguably, the finest line and image I have ever heard:) This was a "North African Love Song" set in Morocco and featured references to the Humphrey Bogart film "Casablanca"....

[@thecardoski]

Always get the feels when I hear this masterpiece .

[@moby4444]

Listen to it again with the lyrics on-screen like a karaoke version. It's the combination of the music and the lyrics that make it a memorable song. 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 In the year of the cat She doesn't give you time for questions As she locks up your arm in hers And you follow 'till your sense of which direction Completely disappears By the blue-tiled walls near the market stalls There's a hidden door she leads you to These days, she says, I feel my life Just like a river running through The year of the cat While she looks at you so cooly And her eyes shine like the moon in the sea She comes in incense and patchouli So you take her, to find what's waiting inside The year of the cat Well morning comes and you're still with her And the bus and the tourists are gone And you've thrown away your choice you've lost your ticket So you have to stay on But the drum-beat strains of the night remain In the rhythm of the newborn day You know sometime you're bound to leave her But for now, you're going to stay In the year of the cat...

[@anthonymiller6081]

Very underrated song

[@robertjones2728]

Definitely one of my favorite songs! Thank you so much for reacting. Brings back great memories! And you are so amazing!🌹🌹🌹

[@michelleschulz4903]

I was raised in the 70s and 80s so I'm loving the era music from the 20s all the way to the the early 90s. The only good thing about this song is the beat. That's it!!

[@wolfsimon9138]

What makes the instrumental section so soothing is that it describes the night they made love. Starting slowly and gently with the strings, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and climaxes in the sax...just before according to the text the next morning starts . It is the perfect way to describe a night of love when everything fits.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Boy this one takes me way back! What a great song! Just beautiful!👌😎👍

[@carlostellorodrigez7]

Al Stewart patrimony of humanity

[@chrissiegle1065]

Great song... Memories... Great reaction. Thank you. 😊

[@TheMicturation]

was entrapped by this song as a 9yr old,played it evrytime went over to my pas from the mid 70's right up until early 80's,theyre daughter,my moms sister left her record collection behind when she moved out to the coast so i used to rifle thru all those records from Jethro Tull to Kush to the Rolling stones & Roxy music & the Motels to this gem,thanks for the sweet memories Day One,your a tru beauty

[@clifton8929]

Michael Franks (OMG) I've own every album he's ever released. You should introduce your fans to him. His nuanced vocal phrasing and tone, has repeatedly (and ever-so-subtly) touched the hearts of fans of jazz, soul, and musical magic for 40 years. His music and clever lyrics are truly and art of love and class. 'RAINY NIGHT IN TOYKO', 'TIGER IN THE RAIN', 'LIVING ON THE INSIDE', 'WHEN I GIVE MY LOVE TO YOU'. You're a fan so you know what I'm talking about. Please introduce these hidden diamonds to your devoted fans. You are a Michael Franks song. Keep up the good work.

[@no2all]

Michael Franks - "The Lady Wants to Know" and "Island Life"

[@jrm8899]

One of my top ten songs of all time..... simply beautiful!!

[@phila3884]

Beautiful, but melancholy. Same as I remember as a young teen. Soundtrack of life song...

[@bobbyscarfo2544]

This IS MY CHIT.....44 years later.... and still one of my all-time favorites.....Time Passages is another great tune....RIP Al........

[@waltzawaydreaming1801]

Every time I listen to this song, I hear something different

[@annehooks6940]

I just love the ease of this song wrapped up with all the great vocals,and instrumentals. Such a terrific song 👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@gregj1295]

Glad you liked it. He has a soothing voice and some great instrumentals backing him up.

[@karmaisa3467]

Michael Franks name coming out of your mouth was a very nice surprise. He is one of my favorite singers as well ~ The Lady wants to know ~ ///=^} ~

[@michaelrugers8899]

Alan Parson produced this gem

[@Niecy70]

One of my favorite songs of all time❤❤❤❤ I have loved this since I was a child when it first came out

[@scottbilger9294]

The entry of the electric guitar and then the transition to the wailing sax is classic. The sax is brilliant throughout.

[@annewoodard6803]

This song is pure magic 🌟😁❤️

[@ElsinoreRacer]

Saw this in concert when it came out. They jammed the sax solo for 4-5 minutes. Of course they did. Fantastic.

[@soulgalorememories9921]

Beautiful reaction for a beautiful song.

[@davidlevine7648]

I just got back from an Al Stewart o very in Fairfield, Ct. He was phenomenal and the performance of this song was amazing. He sounds the same as he did decades ago.

[@samuelflores5339]

Esta música é emocionante,linda e maravilhosa. PERFEITA.

[@Morganasnotarobot0]

Beautiful❤️🔥🐯🔥

[@joea7293]

Love the referance to Michael Franks miss his music. Awe, Al has a very nice catalog of music and has always impressed me with his live performances. Great reaction and pick. Thank you for bringing us such good music and reactions. As always stay safe and much love to you and yours hun.

[@pbdez0623]

1st time I heard this song on the radio,was in my elementary cafeteria while waiting in line for my food,I guess someone working there had a radio,it was a great song then and today….

[@ottohesslein3230]

When I watch you listen to this great jam from my childhood, you give off a Sade vibe. Beautiful, smooth and classy.

[@mjm5081]

I've listened to this song too many times to count, but it never sounded this good. Thank you! ✌ ❤ 🎶

[@matthewoconnor5838]

Amazing songwriter,love all his music.

[@JohnBullard]

A beautiful homage to 40's film noir, and a love affair, by a brilliant musician, Al Stewart. Check out ROADS TO MOSCOW.

[@zonkster909]

You have to watch Casablanca to completely understand this song.

[@guillermojimenezcastelblan8456]

Very nice to see you in this react. Gettin into this master piece of music. I hope you can check Al and his band performing this one live on the BBC TV Show, "Old Grey Whistle Test". I saw it and is more remarkable than this original record track. The show was in 1976.

[@mudhens4ever]

Songs of 5 to 7 minutes - or longer - became quite popular in the 70s. This was one of my favorites! Thank you!