Drummer reacts to "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart

[@sourisvoleur4854]

She comes out of the sun in a silk dress, running like a watercolour in the rain. One of the absolutely greatest word-pictures in rock and roll.

[@kdbadk]

Incredibly, the lyrics are just as great as the musicianship. 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 'til 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 Well she looks at you so coolly, 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 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 new-born day You know sometime you're bound to leave her, but for now you're going to stay in the Year of the Cat.

[@abc-mm1ks]

ESSA MÚSICA É UMA OBRA PRIMA! 👏👏👏

[@tommy8058]

The song is brilliant and the middle section is gold , pure gold...

[@leonardshevlin7260]

In terms of the storytelling, that section happens while they are spending the night together.

[@julianbarber4708]

It seems incredible to me, that this track, and album, were so massive at the time, and yet, almost forgotten now.....I feel about a thousand years old.

[@raycewilliams3300]

This track has Alan Parsons.... all over it. Mr. Parsons is brilliant. This is, in my opinion, an iconic song. It got a ton of deserved air play back in 1976 when it was released. I agree with your assessment that it has a touch of Steely Dan to it. Great reaction. Take care...

[@L33Reacts]

All the instruments and just the overall smooth sound is reminiscent of the Dan. The production is top notch as well.

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you so much for watching! You rock 😁

[@poetreatsartreats2469]

But Al Stewart did it first! That's #theKey

[@debjorgo]

@@poetreatsartreats2469 I don't think Steely Dan had a song that is as good as this one, but they were recording in their prime (The Royal Scam), at the time this was recorded. Steely Dan went much deeper. Al only had about 3 songs I consider great. But that's my opinion. Hits on the chart back me up.

[@debjorgo]

Of course, Al had a number 1 with Time Passages. Steely Dan had more songs in the top 40, but only one song went as high as 4 (Rikki Don't Lose That Number).

[@DH-kl5rx]

This is one of my favorite all time songs. It stirs memories of happier and a more hopeful future.

[@tommarks3726]

I have seen almost every reactor react to this song both studio and live and everybody loves it. Musicianship is off the charts and the lyrics keep you laughing. Google what the song is about, and you will understand me. Great job brother.

[@SteveMc870]

Al Stewart is fabulous. Such a great musician and storyteller, creates songs full of mood and atmosphere. "One Stage Before" and "Almost Lucy" are two tracks of his that aren't so well known but are also wonderful and worth searching out.

[@penshaw2]

Al Stewart is the best wordsmith of all time and the music is quality too with quality musicians like Peter White in the band.

[@TheRKae]

Al Stewart is my personal muse. He's a genius. If you like history, he's your man! "Lord Grenville," "On The Border," (the SPanish guitar on that will blow you away), "Roads To Moscow," (and the entire "Past, Present, Future" album), "Sampan," (and the entire "Between The Wars" album). He never lets you down.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Somewhere in England, 1915.

[@TheRKae]

@@sourisvoleur4854 Brilliant song!

[@taun856]

"Sampan" is such an underrated song. Love it. Of course I love almost every song he's ever done. (The rest I merely like an awful lot)

[@TheRKae]

@@taun856 I have several days worth of archives and unreleased tracks of Al's and I can say that he has absolutely no idea how to write a bad song.

[@PaulMDove2]

I first heard about Al Stewart because I heard he had guitar lessons from Fripp. In an interview he said, I think, that he didn't actually use any of the techniques he was taught but it allowed him to understand how he wanted to learn and play. Year of the Cat is definitely his most popular song, and it's what everyone reacts to, but it's not my favourite. I know Time Passages gets a lot of praise and reactions, but sticking to tracks from The Year of the Cat album one of my favourites is On The Border.

[@L33Reacts]

Is this a popular song to react to?? Huh I had no idea. I thought we stumbled upon something hidden here 🤔 😆😆 woops guess not haha

[@L33Reacts]

I'll add those to the list, thanks paul! I really enjoyed this

[@PaulMDove2]

@@L33Reacts You could also add Sand In your Shoes, because I love this anecdote from Al about that song: "I was convinced this would be the single. I went to the record company and said, 'Please release 'Sand In Your Shoes' as the single.' And they did... in South Africa. It was a hit in South Africa but it was not a hit anywhere else in the world. This was the beginning and the end of my ability to pick singles. I still think in some parallel universe this is a hit."

[@thomaswalkowiak815]

I love On The Border

[@bonnierider7304]

Sick song from Al Stewart !!! One of my all time favs!!! "Hang on" from Little River band is awesome too❤

[@stevebinning977]

"Past, Present and Future" (1973) was the first Al Stewart album I got into. It includes the two historical epics, "Nostradamus" and "Roads to Moscow" already mentioned, which are well worth a listen

[@L33Reacts]

I will definitely be doing roads to Moscow next. Sounds awesome! I am a history buff so I know I will like it lol

[@philsmith2444]

@@L33ReactsThe whole album consists of historical songs except for “Terminal Eyes.” “The Last Day of June 1934” is probably my favorite on the album but they’re all outstanding. Another epic to check out is “Trains” from “Famous Last Words”, with subtle references to what was probably the most wicked and evil use for trains.

[@danielthompson9509]

Al Stewart is such an amazing lyricist. He has had many hits from back in the day. Might Try "On The Border" next. The Album Past Present Future has so many wonderful songs on it.

[@ShiverHinge]

Fantastic atmosphere and uplifting modulations. This gave me calm and grounding back in the day. After a series of all nighters this could set you back down into the world artfully and gently.

[@L33Reacts]

I can totally see this song being used the morning after to come back down to earth lol

[@piusvapor]

I love every seamless transition and there are so many, yet chill all the way through.

[@kathystammen8774]

This song is awesome, my favorite of ALL TIME ❤

[@genecase9464]

Time Passages and Song On The Radio are his next two most popular but deep cuts like Dark Water will mess you up as well.

[@debjorgo]

I'd have to go with these hits. Classic songs!

[@srj108]

Always loved this track. Takes me right back to my college days.

[@scifimonkey3]

Al Stewart is a brilliant artist and a consummate story teller with poetic lyrics and this song was also produced by Alan Parsons which makes for a powerful combination. ‘She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a water colour in the rain’ - so evocative…. I can highly recommend the whole Album of the same name and also the Album ‘Past present and future’ which is based around a series of historical scenes scattered across the 20th century. I would particularly pick out ‘Roads to Moscow’ which is the folk rock version of Sabaton like subject matter. As a london based person I also love the song ‘Soho needless to say’ Which captures 60’s Soho perfectly. More folk than jazz/funk but I kind of see a small connection with the Dan. Glad to hear your trip went well, Happy Christmas Lee.

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you so much bro! Happy Christmas as well. You have stuck around since the beginning and I will always be thankful for that. You rock. And I totally will do more by AL. I really enjoyed this. So smooth and easy to listen To. Almost like a summer breeze. I love it.

[@PaulMDove2]

Yes Roads to Moscow, good suggestion, I forgot that one.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

The layers in this song are fantastic. The lyrics are pure color of the 70s Thanks

[@steveullrich7737]

This song has great production and a melody and refrain you can’t forget.

[@luisalbertocalla6649]

A classic that I will never get tired of listening to!!! ❤️❤️❤️💪💪💪👏👏👏

[@Yanto-Bardic]

If you like this Al Stewart track Lee, then his Song "Roads To Moscow" is a MUST. Best for 2024.

[@randyteta9170]

Loved this song since I was a little kid, and when that electric guitar kicks in it brings me right back to

[@bobduerwald9805]

Modern Times is a great song where Al Stewart tells a story of how he met up with a friend in a bar 15 years since he last saw him. The song finishes with one of the great guitar solos of all time.

[@bobcirba2626]

My favorite electric guitar solo ever!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Devastating story. Total fabulous song from front to back.

[@paulgatton1785]

Other Al Stewart cuts to check out---"Time Passages" and "On The Border"...

[@kengwallgmail]

God, I loved Time Passages growing up.

[@leehiro4840]

Top Tier Song One of the best ones I've ever heard

[@markfarley671]

This is a soundtrack of my youth! Great stuff!

[@jimfrederick3907]

"Time Passages" and "Song On The Radio" are also examples of his genius!

[@fastcakes]

Al Stewart was a gifted singer/songwriter, with many fine songs, but this particular one was head and shoulders above all his other work, the triple hit of the acoustic/electric/sax is unique in popular music and raises this to the level of "stone cold classic".

[@gasaholic47]

Was? He’s still quite alive and tours.

[@BringItMAGA]

A masterpiece.

[@petekingfish]

Greatest bridge in music history

[@kovie9162]

I remember when this came out. It was so huge. I was just kid then, almost too young to appreciate this kind of music but I definitely did. Everything by Al Stewart is brilliant but this is his masterpiece. I don't think I'd even yet seen Casablanca when it was released. One of the most pleasant songs ever. It was the decade of the jazzy-bluesy-poppy singer-songwriter but this was about as good as it gets. I wonder if Sade was inspired by Stewart as there are elements of this in her music.

[@danielbenson8946]

Agreed.

[@biggmaqq]

The sexiest song ever recorded. I love the eight meowing sounds during the instrumental finale.

[@robinfra52]

Al's accent is unusual. He was from the Glasgow area but his family moved to West London so he has a mixed West Scotland and London accent.

[@GrantKnewbow]

If you look hard enough. there is a video of this song with this song with clips from the film "Casablanca". It will explain what the song is about.

[@SpiderMcGee]

Al Stewart started as a folk musician, and his music is filled with historical and cultural references. He's done some outstanding music that might not be to your tastes, but I think he's a genius. My favorites are "Sirens of Titan", "King of Portugal" and "Man for all Seasons".

[@AirDOGGe]

Alan Parsons was the one who suggested they add the saxophone. The "strings" are actually keyboard generated.

[@L33Reacts]

Oh no shit really?? Wow. They sounded so real! Parsons knows what he's doing. The engineering is great on this. Everything flows so well.

[@cecilingram6018]

The strings are very real

[@AirDOGGe]

" @cecilingram6018 Search youtube for the live video "al stewart year of the cat 1979 long live version" and see for yourself

[@philkenzie9553]

On stage the strings are keyboard generated for economic reasons but in the studio these are London Symphony players with arrangement by Andrew Powell

[@lindaulloa4786]

Saw Electric Light Orchestra at the Philly Spectrum and Al Stewart opened up for them with this album. Great show!

[@GinMae]

Thanks, L33 - Al Stewart was amazing.. and Alan Parsons' production is fantastic... appreciate your listen!

[@raymondregis6219]

My ex once said she was surprised I wasn't an addict considering my childhood. She figured that music 'saved' me. I don't agree but I do get intense emotional satisfaction from music - no doubt neurological.

[@L33Reacts]

Music absolutely saved me. But it also doomed me as well. If that makes sense. It all depends on what you listen to and how you listen to it. If you really let the music in (like I do) that dark stuff can be really harmful in the long run. What you put in, is what you get out. I never understood that as a young man.

[@bobcirba2626]

Al's music is my drug of choice.

[@leddygee1896]

I was a Junior in High School when this came out. Even though my main interest at the time was Zep, Sabbath, Rush and Kiss, I was a total fan of this. Plus, The chicks dug it!!😁

[@alldayadventures5418]

The correct term is called "Soft-Rock" 70's - 80's were full of many different types of soft-rock.

[@L33Reacts]

That's a very good term for this. I will definitely be exploring more of this genre , I totally dug this

[@michaeljozwiak25]

This song could also possibly fall in the current sub genre yacht rock.

[@mlinderict]

Look up "Yacht Rock." You'll get it.

[@denniszimmerman1279]

You may also want to explore The Alan Parsons Project.- "Wouldn't Want to be Like You" and "Turn of a Friendly Card" are top shelf tunes.

[@L33Reacts]

I have them on my list! I've heard nothing but good things about it. I'm excited to check it out.

[@neonpark1874]

Lots of good stuff to be explored from the Alan Parsons Project.​@L33Reacts

[@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv]

I never think of other Bands when I'm listening to a song, I try to get lost in the music, but then again, I'm not a musician, just a pure listener.

[@mikemicrael5749]

great suggestion. I love this tune. You should also check out some Donovan and Roy Harper, two prolific English folk-rock artists.

[@L33Reacts]

I'll add them to the list, thanks Mike 😊 yeah this was a great request. Very, very good

[@williammackenzie6115]

Donovan and Al Stewart are Scottish.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

Fascinating your reaction expression is beautiful

[@L33Reacts]

I’m glad you enjoyed :)

[@leonardshevlin7260]

Your ears are in good hands with these cats!

[@gasaholic47]

Stewart is very much a student of history, and it’s infused into so much of his work. I’d check out his album, “Life Between The Wars.” It’s a beautifully crafted masterpiece.

[@bobcirba2626]

Between the Wars is my favorite album of all time. It is magic.

[@DavidTateVA]

The legendary Alan Parsons, the man who engineered Dark Side of the Moon (and so many others). Genius arrangement, genius performance, genius engineering. Lightning in a bottle, for sure.

[@joelliebler5690]

One of the best and very big hit that almost everyone owned this legendary album. Another great song from the album is On The Border!You May want to react to Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes. They have an entire horn section with songs like Love On The Wrong Side of Town, We’re Having a Party, Talk to Me, And Trapped Again.

[@KevinRCarr]

Alan Parsons' production work is phenomenal on this record. 3 other songs in particular on this album that I'd recommend; On The Border, One Stage Before, and If It Doesn't Come Naturally Leave It. Congrats on the new job and being able to move out! Be well, my friend.

[@alloallie]

Don't forget Broadway Hotel.

[@SuperKevin57]

Alan Parsons is a genius.

[@L33Reacts]

He is truly is. He understands sound so well.

[@elvwood]

This is the peak of his success and it's strong, but not his peak for me personally. My favourite album is 1973's "Past, Present and Future", which is basically a decade-by-decade history of the 20th Century - sorta-kinda "Sabaton-lite" (he is always very soft-spoken which I think helps people underrate him). _Roads_ _to_ _Moscow_ makes me cry, and _Old_ _Admirals_ pulls the impressive feat of making me feel sorry for someone for NOT going to war, but the whole album is worth hearing. My second favourite is 1984's "Russians & Americans", which is a politically-minded Cold War album, though less of a concept album. Although it's not overtly about history, it now works as a peek into the 1980s, so I guess it is now! I saw him live once in the 1990s, he has a quiet, dry sense of humour.

[@maraboo72]

The whole album is great and there are two songs on it I like even more tgan this brilliant title track: On the Border and One Stage Before.

[@colingoode3702]

This track was everywhere in the UK mid 70's & part of the soundtrack to my teenage years. Epic storytelling & composition. If you liked the Sax on this then try "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty (ex Steelers Wheel). Another Epic track.

[@mandandanmandamayor3511]

I had on this song a couple of years ago to another that reacted to this. I called it Steely Dan light and then you heard the same thing. It is Steely Dan without the cutting edge.

[@alloallie]

This is probably my favourite song of all time (and that's saying a lot). I still remember hearing that middle instrumental solo part and my jaw dropping at just how...lush everything sounded. (Then again, it's Alan Parsons engineering this. Why was I surprised ?). The lyrics are a visual feast too. "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress, running like a watercolour in the ran" is one of the most beautiful lyrics ever. PS: Regarding Al being "soft-spoken", he's originally a folk singer. It was Alan Parsons that convinced Al to try a bit of jazz-pop for Year of the Cat...and I think it worked. Highly recommend "On the Border" (a.k.a. the song that marked Peter White's transition from mainly a keyboard player to one of jazz's most prolific acoustic guitarists) and "Broadway Hotel", both from the same album as YotC, and "Nostradamus" and "Roads to Moscow" from the album Past, Present, and Future.

[@petekingfish]

Well we have something in common, other than me being a worn out old white man. We share an all time favorite song

[@paulehney4581]

A classic piano tune! Yeah, production second to none.

[@jimdukeproject]

This was the music that was playing on radio when I was a kid. Great choice. Could catch on noting the producer. I didn’t realize it was Alan Parsons who also produced Beatles Abbey Road and Pink Floyd Dark Side.

[@denniszimmerman1279]

Be sure to also check out "on The Border" from this album. Even better tune IMHO.

[@Muck006]

A complete package of CREAM ... for the brain. At least as long as the song lasts.

[@HareDeLune]

"Spent the last year, Rocky Mountain Way, couldn't get much higher" - Joe Walsh

[@brucemarshall9521]

Mellow Fire !

[@mynameispaul0530]

That entire album is good.

[@inkoinfinity2]

You just heard one of the greatest sax solos and i still don't know how they put over three different solos back to back and made it sound so good.

[@jameskelly7022]

Listen to Nostradamus and Road to Moscow. Al Stewart gives great history lessons. Guaranteed to cause goosebumps.

[@L33Reacts]

Dude I love history of all sorts of different cultures... including some French and Rus history. Lots of Welsh and English history. So I probably will love it:)

[@jameskelly7022]

Also, listen to the entire Year of the Cat album. Once you jump down the AL Stewart rabbit hole, he will be one of your comfort zones.

[@johnpbh]

Interesting whart you said about the 60's. Al was a folk artist from the sixties and this was his big breakout album... it was an album everybody had at the time. And also I get what you hear about Steely Dan,.... Dan ar emore Jazzy and Al is more Folk. As for more Al Stewart.... I would suggest Nostradamus. A great story song.

[@brucemarshall9521]

Not impressed by Al's vocals ??? Check out Time Passages.

[@PaulRoehl-fi1iw]

After re-listening to the Aja track on SD's album, I noticed some similarity to YOTC. The track lengths are similar and especially the long bridge in Aja is about the same length. The sound quality on AJA I think was influenced by Alan Parsons also. Both all-time classics. This track from 76, Aja in 77.

[@L33Reacts]

I hear similarities as well. And they are both fantastic tracks too. Parsons engineering here is a thing of beauty.

[@raymondregis6219]

Much of Al's career was his striving to write like Bob Dylan. This album was where he really started to have his own identity. Saw him in a club in Cleveland. Very funny guy with musical misdirections. misdirections.

[@L33Reacts]

I definitely hear Bob Dylan now that you mention it. But this seems like it's own thing for sure. I really dug this.

[@wowtuninglancs]

You have opened an 'Aladdin's cave' and you have no idea how deep this could take you !

[@davee2928]

Phil Kenzie on the sax,just suberb.

[@Vader1138]

Big soft spot for 70's to early 80's soft rock era. Takes me back my early childhood hearing the tunes on the radio. Good memories and love to be the listener as you share your reactions. "Time Passages" is another one of his bigger hits Also you should give a listen to some more Alan Parsons Project. "Ammonia Avenue" is one to hit.

[@RobynHurley-zp9sh]

This came our sometime in early 70s or so i was 7 i thought he was saying year of the kite lol

[@karenmandeville7116]

you should check out On The Border also from this album. Spanish guitars!

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Don’t sleep on Al Stewart’s “RUSSIANS AND AMERICANS” which perfectly captured cold-war fears and dreams.

[@williamosborne6866]

Just an FYI - Alan Parsons added the sax solos to bring it to another level. Tim Renwick plays electric guitar (toured with Pink Floyd as second guitar to David Gilmour), and drums were courtesy of Stuart Elliott, who would tour with the Alan Parsons Project. Al did this one live on Britain's "Old Grey Whistle Stop", where the strings were done via Synthesizer instead of an orchestra. Here's that great track: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqK6Zat_p5yhoJI

[@philsmith2444]

Phil Kenzie on sax, too. I’ve seen a concert video in which I think Dick Parry (of “Us And Them” fame) played. Al always had top-tier musicians playing or guesting

[@nancymjohnson]

Love Cat! Someone mentioned Alan Parsons. Check out his song “Breakdown”. ☮️❤️

[@lauralhardy5450]

Did'nt think of Steely Dan until you said it

[@linkjones4535]

I'd like to hear the Pet Shop Boys do a cover of this.

[@ianthomas2728]

Diet Dan 😂😂😂

[@oliverbendallcharles]

Year of the Cat is part of the Vietnamese zodiac

[@jeffstevens4262]

Steve Gadd on sax.

[@davidmckenzie420]

I loved this song...bought the album for it. Al had a few more big hits at that time. (My favorite: "What's Goin' On?")

[@L33Reacts]

Sweet I had never even heard of him until last night! This was great. I will definitely check out that one thank you 😊

[@airmark02]

A musical novel

[@donnyhilliard8177]

Try time passages by al stewart

[@mikeeckel2807]

Al Stewart had some really good records before this one. He had very good session players on his records.... Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Rick Wakeman (YES) for instance. I had an early album by him called "Orange" that was just superb.

[@birdpainter452]

Sax solo was done in 2 takes.