AL STEWART - YEAR OF THE CAT | REACTION

[@mdwayne741]

This song is definitely pure magic....OMG...it gives me a feeling that I can't explain. Al Stewart definitely takes you to a special place and time.

[@carollbastos7098]

Paint by Numbers - Al Stewart. Masterpiece.

[@rtususian]

This song is one of my favorites. When I used to listen to radio in the late 60s to early 80s I just took it for granted that we would always have great songs like this day in and day out. I don't even listen to modern radio anymore.

[@markrobb4343]

I’m 59 and Year of the Cat is still my all time favorite tune.

[@timothycook2917]

Best song of 1976 for sure

[@carltonbakerii8274]

Also 59 and this one will never get old for me!

[@timmclaughlin5033]

@Chris M I was a teen when they came out, now I'm 56 and these are bookmarks to critical chapters in my life story 😃🤣😃🤣

[@lbking1960]

The whole album is good

[@stevedem76]

I'm 56, this was my favorite song when it came out. It's one of those songs that still amazes me how good it is, no matter how many times I hear it.

[@descendantoffools9767]

"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain" Love this song!

[@tcanfield]

Yeah, such a cool line. I “got it”once when I walked around a building on a corner and saw a beautiful woman silhouetted in the setting sun behind her, coming toward me. I immediately thought of this song.

[@herbhill7591]

Always been my favourite line in this song. Paints a picture in your head that puts you right there in the frame.

[@popsmcgee9775]

So many masterfully poetic lines in this song. "And the drum beat strains of the night remain in the rhythm of the newborn day" I mean c'mon...so beautiful.

[@terryohara5175]

mm-hmm!

[@hungfao]

One of the finest lyrics I've ever heard. You can actually see this in your head.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

The " Year of the Cat" and " Time Passages " albums are masterpieces

[@iamreg1965]

So are "Past, Present and Future" and "Modern Times"

[@timmclaughlin5033]

Yes they are! Having been 14 when these came out they are bookmarks of a couple of critical chapters in my life story....

[@rah2287]

This is a song about a man traveling in a different country who sees this exotic creature “in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain”. She captivates him immediately and all she will say about herself references a year in the Vietnamese Zodiac calendar “The Year of the Cat”. She might be Asian but the reference to “blue tiled walls of the market stalls” seem to point to Morocco or some other North African setting. The man ends up spending the night with this exotic beauty waking the next morning to the realization that he is going to stay with her a while longer. This alludes to the possibility that while he knows he will leave her someday he will never forget her and may regret leaving at all. Old cliche but they do not write songs like this anymore.

[@RoseNunezSmith]

On the Border is another tasty track from this Scotsman. And yes, he puts on a great live show. A born storyteller, and a humble guy, too.

[@MrSmartAlec]

Love his live performance of On The Border

[@jimp4666]

Had the luxury of seeing him a couple of times, most recently the 40th anniversary of this album. Beautiful concert.

[@iamreg1965]

Although born in Scotland he was raised, from a very young age, in Wimbourne, Dorset where he knew many other famous future musicians including Robert Fripp.

[@jethro1963]

On the Border is my fave

[@dianequick3127]

@@iamreg1965 OH! I did not know this! Thank you!

[@natecorning]

5:03 that face says it all. That transition into the sax solo gets me everytime.

[@jamuga60]

Yeah..........................nailed it man.

[@petermortimer6303]

I've watched a few videos of people listening to this song and every one of them is blown away by the way the sax comes in

[@Silentfilmdiva]

The whole Year of the Cat album is a masterpiece.

[@SF_Bud]

Besides the fact that the whole song is so good, especially that main piano hook, that is one of the coolest and inventive solos ever: cello, to acoustic guitar, to electric guitar, to sax! Genius. Just love how this song paints such a strong picture visually, sonically, and emotionally. A long standing favorite of mine, and many others.

[@54nomore]

Every instrument you can think of showed up in this masterpiece. "The Year Of The Cat" is in the top 500 greatest songs in music history. The music arrangements by Al Stewart is genius. What more can you say about one of the greatest songs ever composed...Brilliant!.

[@jrm8899]

I'd say,,,in the top 50

[@54nomore]

@@jrm8899 Agreed!...

[@genegibson1690]

Patchouli is an aromatic oil very popular in the 60's and 70's. Everyone wore it.

[@thomaschristopher8593]

this song always transports me back to the 70's, driving my car, listening to music on AM only radio, with all the static when passing by power lines and physical obstructions.

[@Thombene77]

Hanging out in the park, keg of beer, a few J's , the party would sometimes go until dawn... 70;s

[@jimfrederick3907]

Well said!

[@beeseewill2407]

Al Stewart's vocals are perfect for this song.So light and airy.Just floats over this Musical Masterpiece like a cloud. Perfect drumming throughout.

[@dorothy885]

dude that was not a violin. it was Al playing the guitar sounding like a violin. what most people miss is the perfect tonal change. it was perfect

[@stevecrisell9091]

A Classic in the true sense of the word Chod, Engineered and produced by Alan Parsons, pedigree right there.

[@jimwhite4801]

If you look for the extended (yes, I said extended ) version, they play part of "As Time Goes By," further cementing the song to 'Casablanca's memory.

[@steviemccormick3762]

Such a beautiful song.

[@cindyp1033]

I’m almost embarrassed to say how much I have taken this song for granted. I have a new appreciation for some of the old songs that I only listened to on radio. Such a different experience through headphones. Love it ❤️

[@joepowell7025]

This is a MASTERPIECE.

[@hilarymiseroy3251]

"But the drum-beat strains of the night remain In the rhythm of the newborn day" A favourite lyric of mine. Classic song from a classic era.

[@thomaswalkowiak815]

For me it's "she comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a water color in the rain" but the song is a masterpiece

[@brigid4815]

This is one of those songs you just never get tired of hearing. It’s soothing and takes you on a journey. 🎵❤️

[@robertwalker1803]

One of the classic songs of all time...music everywhere in this song.The words are beautiful...

[@deantait8326]

Incense and petiole oil, wow that’s a late 60s early 70s great smell and memory Wow we were SO Lucky, but sadly, we took all of these great songs for granted. As they say.... never know what you had 'til it's gone. Greatful to hear them again !!!

[@Gothic55]

Produced by Alan Parsons. Al came from Scotland but lives in USA now. Great reaction.

[@MrAitraining]

5:01 No one is ready when the sax kicks in. The whole track and album is a production and arrangement masterpiece.

[@barbarascotto3873]

One of my favorite songs of all time

[@williambreese8377]

Alan Parsons produced this album

[@DanielTaylor-n8k]

Also Dark Side of the Moon

[@richardnanian6075]

Notice that Peter Wood has a songwriting credit on it. Wood was Stewart's piano player, and Stewart heard him warming up one day with the piano riff that starts the song. Stewart asked Wood if he could use it to write a song, and Wood said sure. Stewart wrote the music, but he struggled with lyrics until he saw a book his girlfriend at the time was reading about Vietnamese astrology, in which one of the years in the twelve-year cycle is the year of the cat. He combined that with references to the film "Casablanca" to suggest the image of a traveler in an exotic locale. Then Alan Parsons stepped in and suggested elements of the arrangement, such as the saxophone part, which Stewart hadn't considered. This song has a special place in my heart because from the time my son was an infant, if I put it on, he would have the most amazing reaction. I discovered it by accident. Even if he was crying, he would stop almost instantly, and by the time most of the instruments come in at about the 35 second mark, he would have a beatific smile on his face and be enraptured as long as the song played. He liked other songs, but nothing else elicited that reaction. Everyone who saw it couldn't believe it. He's almost five now and still absolutely loves it.

[@elainemarsh5170]

One of my absolutely favorite songs of the era! Haunting...

[@jrm8899]

I think it was a cello, acoustic guitar, electric guitar...then sax

[@joelliebler5690]

One of the best albums of the 1970’s, a great singer songwriter! On The Border is another great tune on the same album. Roads to Moscow is one of the best stories I’ve ever heard in sock/ pop songs, simply amazing!

[@NondescriptMammal]

Roads to Moscow has some great acoustic guitar as well

[@TheCornishCockney]

The whole album is a sonic masterpiece. I have the MFSL vinyl pressing and the equipment to play it. Heavenly.

[@MissAstorDancer]

A man with not only great taste in music, but in LPs and equipment! I also have several MoFi LPs! Is your equipment vingage? Love to "hear" a rundown!

[@CharCanuck14]

That's Al Stewart singing Chod. Such a great song and I still get blown away with the line "silk dress running like a watercolour in the rain"...beautiful!

[@gregj1295]

Time Passages is another great song. His voice is a mixture of silk, velvet and cotton.

[@MaryinColorado]

This is one of my favorite songs. My niece (33 years old) hates it so I make it a point that whenever it comes up on my play list I send her a screen shot. xD

[@sarahzentexas]

Oh, Chod. He brings EVERYTHING to the table! A full meal plus dessert and after-dinner drinks! An utterly gorgeous song! And I’ve never heard a bridge guitar solo that reaches a peak...but it’s the saxophone that takes you back down into the beauty. I LOVED the looks that crossed your face ❤️

[@lordessducky8494]

I too, was having so much fun watching his facial expressions! Then again, I always do. :)

[@debralang9467]

Cool song, right? Yet another one which makes me so grateful all my high school years were in the 1970's. Radio was magical back then and made doing homework an almost-fun thing. (Thanks for letting us watch you enjoy it!)

[@t.j.payeur5331]

Well said, my friend. We were there!

[@daviddobson477]

The way the guitar transitions to the sax is amazing.

[@paulvalletta01]

One of the finest transitions from acoustic >electric> sax ever concieved amazing.

[@D1Gr8hansGraf]

Peter White, who later became a well known Smooth Jazz artist, played the guitar in this song. Alan Parsons was the producer. I’ve had the tremendous luck and pleasure of seeing them all live, although not together. I have loved this song from when it first came out. It still gives me chills every time.

[@margaretodoherty9711]

I first heard this masterpiece in 1982 2022 I'm still in love with this and I love to see your expressions on listening to the year of the cat for the first time such joy 40 years of this joy and it has never abated thank you Al Steward ❤ 💜

[@markjacobsen8335]

The whole album slays. Al is the singer and also plays guitar. He is a masterful storyteller through music. A model singer-songwriter. "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain" - are you kidding me?! Suggestions: "Road To Moscow", "Nostradamus", and "Time Passages".

[@laurakali6522]

Time Passages and Song On the Radio are great ones as well. These songs bring me right back to the time they were released. A much happier and simpler time...simply because I was young and didn’t have any worries.....

[@carltonbakerii8274]

One of the most outstanding elements of this song, to me, is the fact that the bass *never* rests. It doesn't settle into a standard groove; it just keeps walking.

[@bradhernandez5823]

A master story teller and historian. Al Stewart is brilliant. Check out Roads to Moscow and On the Border.

[@taun856]

Roads to Moscow is a pure Masterpiece!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

and oenophile

[@davidfellows2874]

Well produced, lots of instruments, everything blending well. Al singing, great mix, the acoustic guitar solo followed by the electric guitar solo followed by the sax. The string arrangement, the great synth hook at the end of the song. It's a masterpiece and a classic.

[@jimfrederick3907]

Alan Parsons - Genius.

[@Muck006]

keyboard - CRISP singing - CREAMY violins - DREAMY saxophone - SMOOTH

[@beeseewill2407]

This is a song I could listen to over and over all day and all night. I never get tired of it".Year of the cat"1975.I was 20 years old.A forever sing .Never gets old.How I wish.

[@drhust1955]

A rainy night driving down the road, listening to this great song.

[@thatoneguyagain2252]

You're right, we do give you these suggestions so we can watch your facial expressions. It's not about "figuring out your style", it's about us sharing OUR style with someone we know will appreciate the music we love. We do it because we recognize, respect and share your taste.

[@jeffstevens4262]

I just love that you give the music a chance without pausing every few seconds like so many other reactors do. Subscribed.

[@wendyt7958]

Never tire of hearing this. So so so good! Great solo too! Phil Kenzie on sax is awesome. He plays on "Time Passages" also which is another great song

[@mariaportengen2959]

A great song, especially that solo's, from the guitar and the saxophone. His song: On the border, also is great. And you will be surprised by his very short Fruit Song, that begins with fantastic guitar music. Enjoy it.

[@IrishKack]

A true melodious masterpiece.

[@janster3000]

Al Stewart is a masterful artist. He has an immense music catalog, still performs, too. He writes a lot of historical songs. His Past, Present and Future album is great. Listen to Roads To Moscow. It will give you chills. I think I've seen him live at least 50 times over the past 45 years. So glad you appreciate him.

[@richardnanian6075]

If you like "Road to Moscow," listen to the Waterboys' "Red Army Blues." It's the same subject-matter, and another phenomenal song. It's a strange coincidence that both songs were written by Scots: Al Stewart and Mike Scott.

[@nofatebutwhatwemake9880]

I agree, P, P & F is a wonder! And Roads to Moscow is a heartbreaker! You jogged my memory when you mentioned that song....I haven't thought about that in decades.

[@keymack2477]

Blindsided again! I swear to you that watching Wilburn Reactions blindside reactions is one of the greatest pleasures!! I am not sure there is another music reactor out there who appreciates new (to him) artists and music types and genres like you do Chod! You are exceptional at what you do and I always appreciate getting to hang out on your channel for a few minutes when I get the chance! Here is a song for you to put way way way down at the bottom of your ever-growing list. Don't react to it this week or this month, but someday, some day, when you are feeling like getting blindsided again the song I am going to give you now has everything you love in music, and I know you will enjoy every second of it. The song is called "And When I Die" by Blood Sweat and Tears! I look forward to your reaction to this one at some distant day in the future! Peace Chod!!

[@carolball5764]

Year of the Cat is one hell of a song and an awesome singer .it has everything .. reminiscing this brings me to tears.

[@jeffstevens4262]

This song has to have one of the greatest instrumental breaks ever recorded, and THAT SAX!!!! Just amazing. So many memories from the '70's. Love it.

[@johnmcbarron7282]

The electric guitar solo by Tim Renwick is - to me - a perfect solo with more drama than just about anything I've ever heard on pop radio. Al is a great storyteller. He reads a lot of history and his songs seemingly reflect authenticity and atmosphere.

[@Niecy70]

Good God I adore this song❤ from the moment I heard it years and years ago I've loved it and listen to it over and over. Thank you so much for such a great reaction and review

[@Isleofskye]

This story is about a love story set in North Africa and uses references from the famous film "Casablanca" like "Walking through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime". MAGNIFICIENT :)

[@jrm8899]

The voice, the story of the song, the instruments...... especially the violin and sax...simply beautifully arranged

[@kevansavage3058]

Next up, Gerry Rafferty; "Baker Street". Another song with iconic sax riffs.

[@sooutrageous007]

A song also engineered by Alan Parsons who suggested the sax solo, as he did with The Year of the Cat's iconic tenor riff.

[@kevansavage3058]

​@@sooutrageous007 Yessir! Alan Parsons is an unsung genius. His work with Pink Floyd, and many others created some of the best music ever, arguably the best at his craft. He works magic in the studio.

[@sallyramirez5980]

This song hands down, one of my favorite songs ever!

[@StatsJedi]

If I had to pick one for you to hear next it would be "Time Passages". Loved seeing each layer get added on, guitar too, both kinds, and yes, your face lit up, even when the percussion came in early on. Keep on, Chod!

[@BethHutter]

Never get tired of hearing this song. Such glorious poetry. You can see it, feel it. The orchestration...that sax coming half way through. Such a wonderful treat for the ears and an instant mood enhancer.

[@3DJapan]

My friend got obsessed with this song in the late 90s, even bought the record album. Now it's a running joke that comes up occasionally.

[@Gantzz321]

one of the greatest songs ever writen

[@Sweep_The_Leg_Johnny]

CLASSIC! gotta love how as the song progresses, more & more instruments come in...it grows so naturally.

[@hustonbop]

Yup, he’s the singer... also co-wrote the song... and he and his band toured this song and LP... I am sure there are live videos out there! Great song😎!!!

[@mjmaule]

This whole album is beautiful, my Art teacher had this on 8 track in the 1970's and used to play it to the class. Also Wings "Band on the run", another great album!

[@johnandrews3151]

Al Stewart/Roads To Moscow This is an epic album cut that is Must Hear Good!

[@SpartanGuy83]

Yes, great song!

[@joelliebler5690]

One of my favorites along with Modern Times!

[@RoaryJP]

'Nostradamus' is an excellent Al Stewart tune. Definitely worth a listen.

[@terencekent615]

Sonic perfection, produced & engineered by Alan Parsons.🧔👏

[@sallysharp3845]

Haven't heard this song in years. Thanks for musical memory.

[@VikingJeff]

This was on the "Stars '77" 8-track we used to listen to in the car when I was a kid. Good times.

[@markfichera469]

I saw him live at the Tower Theater in Upper darby, pa in 1977. Six rows from the stage. Fantastic concert.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Aah, "Incense and pachouli" the scent of the '70's.

[@richardrodriguez2120]

I’ve always found this song so instrumentally satisfying. Now at age my age it brings back so much nostalgia of my childhood

[@darkstardan3309]

Great song. I’m having flashbacks to my youthful 70s on Cape Cod beaches

[@ShibaMomma143]

Merlin's Time... A beautiful Al Stewart song... My fave. Please find and enjoy! Love you, man!

[@flubblert]

Magical song. Yes that's Al on vocals!!

[@alohakittymon]

We ARE here for your expressions - we want to share the best with you! You know this ❤️🥰❤️

[@bangmon1000]

When I was a kid a hated when this song came on. It was so long and what the heck was year of the cat. Then when I was older, a radio show talk about the song being inspired by the movie Casablanca and year of the cat comes from the Vietnamese astrology. I fell in love with this song and now I love to listen to it. Sometimes I have it on repeat.

[@ryanjsgrandma2009]

Was very popular when my husband and i started dating 41 years ago. Reminds me of that beautiful early time of falling in love. Thank you peace ✌️

[@MichaelRojhay]

His voice is so relaxing and the story just flows so smoothly.

[@mikewinters9131]

Roads to Moscow a haunting storytell

[@TheGreatGig73]

One of the greatest compositions ever

[@dannycasson1551]

A feast for the ears. This song is masterfully put together.

[@Positive7277]

Thank you for not pausing!! Instant subscriber! This is how you react to music! Al Stewart by the way is amazing! So good! Time passages and song on the radio are two great songs! Have a great day sir. 😊

[@827dusty]

This takes me Back to 1977 I think. What a great time for music. I was 21 and in my prime. Now I'm a senior citizen turning 65 in August. It's going to happen to all of us eventually, so realize now, that these are the days you'll be reflecting on in 30 or 40 yrs. from now. It happens fast. Great memories. Thanks for paying these classic songs.

[@pamcruz9134]

Oh what a wonderful treat, one of my all time favorite songs, pure poetry. Another one by Stewart is Time Passages, great song also🙏🙏❤

[@anthonyhedberg6471]

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 create a connection for the listener. Nice choice. 🤟😊

[@robertasirgutz8800]

I KNEW you'd be blown away by every aspect of the song. Great video with him, about making it. It's an opus.

[@tomwood3794]

Just a great, great song. You said as I thought it, lovely. A lovely guy, having a lovely time, with a lovely woman, for a lovely song.

[@matthewoconnor5838]

Amazing composer and student of history.love everything Al does.

[@greymattervandal]

Hell yeah! Sometimes I forget how unique song this is. Awesome reaction.