Probably the most underrated song of the century. Profoundly metaphorical lyrics, electrifyingly hypnotic music, and smooth-as-silk vocals combine to give me chills down my spine and tears in my eyes. This jewel puts me in a different place, time, and dimension, a positive place devoid of unhappiness and suffering. Al Stewart is a musical genius. This song definitively proves that he was not in it for the money and did his own unconventional thing. Think of Al Stewart as the anti-Justin Bieber.
I saw Al in 77, and it was an awe inspiring experience. One I’ll never forget, and one of the top 5 shows I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen over 200 shows of varying performers.
Where do you get Metaphorical? Sounds rather straight forward to me. This is a person's life, one tip of a very big Iceberg. Listen more closely next time, read the News, and don't seek the Cosmic in the Firmament.
@@stephenrioux6821 These lyrics can be heard as metaphor. Metaphors don't need to be mystical or cosmic. Metaphor is one thing standing in for another. We speak in metaphors all the time: For example: "He shot down all my arguments." Are we to believe that an actual gun and bullets were used here? And how do physical bullets shoot down oral arguments? No, it is metaphor of shooting bullets as refuting argument. Please read "Metaphors We Live By", Lakoff and Johnson 1980. "The spirit of the century Telling us that we're all standing on the border" is a metaphor from the explicit Spanish/American war to the experience we all face of change from the traditional to the radical and modern, that is the old village life: "In the village where I grew up Nothing seems the same Still you never see the change from day to day And no-one notices the customs slip away" to the modern world: "The torches flare up in the night The hand that sets the farms alight Has spread the word to those who're waiting on the border" This song expresses a metaphor. The Spanish border is a physical metaphor for the change in time from the old stable 'village' world to the new modern chaotic world.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
We saw Al Stewart in concert last weekend in Sheffield, backed by a very competent US band called Empty Pockets. Al is 74 now and struggled a little with the high vocal notes but it still brought a tear to my eye seeing one of my musical heroes playing tracks from one of the greatest albums ever released.
Master lyricist and Peters a great guitarist! and very nice in person! Once we met him Backstage in Ft. lauderdale in the 90s and He played a few riffs for wife and I!
The opening lines are one of the greatest whipsaws in poetry: the fishing boats go out across the evening water...romantic, evocative, serene...smuggling guns and arms across the Spanish border...Wham! This ain't one of those good old days songs. This is grit and guts. Al is one of the greats.
I agree!! His voice is still the same and still makes me smile. Seeing Peter in this video as just a kid (what was he - like 17 maybe?) shows how he's evolved as an incredible guitarist. If you ever get a chance to see Peter in concert, please try to go!
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Now THIS is the Al Stewart I remember! He's an older man now, wears his hair short, and it's grey, but the voice remains. Once you get over the shock of how he looks today, it's wonderful. Didn't even know he was still performing! He has found for himself a unique niche writing historical story-songs that almost remind one of Roger Whitaker. And I have to say, too, that NOBODY plays the guitar part on this song better than the great Peter White, in my opinion. Thank you Al!
Sadly old man time does not treat some so well however Al still has that magic touch, mind you Mick Jagger is nothing to look at either. You just grow old disgracefully in Mikes case in Al,s its refinement
Al and the crew did a wonderful concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan a few summers back.. it was fantastic from beginning to end.. I'll go see him again if I get the chance...
Peter White on Spanish Guitar. When I heard this song on 3GL in 1977 I decided to buy the album. 45 years later and many Al Stewart albums later, I rate him as the greatest lyricist of them all. Nice tunes as well of course!
im speachless....was 8 in1977,hear that on german radio at ndr2 from hamburg,and must buy the single,my first single,from my money for good note in school, ,have this till now,sorry for my english,but im lucky that im not alone with this epic masterpiece,that is with me in my whole life...ty al,peter and band for a lifetime song.greetings to all of you from germany
I still remember listening to my mom's copy of Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" record back when I was in Kindergarten in the 70s. And now, thirty+ years later, I still love his music!
I am an active duty, Regular Army service member, stationed over here in Germany; and I remember hearing this song for the first time early one morning, a few weeks ago. Right before I went to the field was when I heard it.. I remember thinking to myself; "This is one of the smoothest songs i've ever heard".
Al Stewart-just another artist lost in the disco hatred of the 70s. As we open up the vault of that time period again, some artists are beginning to get the recognition they deserve. Hope more focus put on Al.
one of the best things i ever did was to buy a couple of al stewart CD's,.......because i was exposed to songs like this, i have never heard such an articulate song writer and performer, each song that played was a feast for the ears and mind,.......one of the greatest to ever live.
I agree, he has written some amazing songs - superb lyrics and fantastic arrangements. The word 'underrated' is overused these days but in Al's case it definitely applies. A musical gem!
Absolutely Noone can evoke imagery like Al Stewart. Close your eyes and listen to this song (Or for that matter Year of the Cat, Roads to Moscow, Time Passages etc..) and you are transported to that place and time.
I didn't get a shock at all from the way he looks, he looks good to me. considering this is over a good 20yrs later - (they usually end up over weight and balding)! His voice is still excellent and he sings with such ease and the musicans are all great too. Just sayin' how I see it... Love it, thanks for the upload!!
I love it, all of it! It always reminds me of my trips back to the old neighborhood while serving in the military! Sometimes after a couple of years it seemed nothing had changed, come back a year later and it seemed everything had! After a time the neighborhood was just another place I had spent time! Very Melancholy?
I can't think of a modern popular singer that would approach this content today in such a poetic and beautiful form. To touch upon a horrible period of Spanish history with this level of sentiment and simple clarity is amazing.
Al Stewart continúa siendo enorme e infravalorado. Su voz es excelente, el tema maravilloso, los músicos super talentosos. Inclusive el baterista, otro músico infravalorado
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤
TO ALL AL STEWART AND PETER WHITE FANS PHIL KENZIE The legendary sax soloist on all of Al Stewart's hits will be appearing at the upcoming "once in a lifetime" concert at The Royal Albert Hall on October 15th. This concert coincides with the release of Phil's CD, " A Night With The Cat" which will be available for purchase. A tribute to Al Stewart's artistry, it is an instrumental version of the magical lyrics of "The Year of The Cat". which will be enjoyed by all on this very special night.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤
Al Stewart is a very good artist. We recognise him right away when he signs. He has a so different voice and many of his songs are just great...On the border, Time passager, And of course his masterpiece Year of the cat ...And of course, many other songs...It is one of the artist that I did not had the chance to see live...It should be interesting to see him in a small auditorium, I’m sure.
I got to see him do this piece, and others, live at the small club "Be Here Now" in Asheville, NC back in the late 90's. And ironically, he was the opening act for the great group Traffic, though even with Capaldi and Mason still being with them, Stevie Winwood was long gone. Still, great music!
Probably the most underrated song of the century. Profoundly metaphorical lyrics, electrifyingly hypnotic music, and smooth-as-silk vocals combine to give me chills down my spine and tears in my eyes. This jewel puts me in a different place, time, and dimension, a positive place devoid of unhappiness and suffering. Al Stewart is a musical genius. This song definitively proves that he was not in it for the money and did his own unconventional thing. Think of Al Stewart as the anti-Justin Bieber.
Hard decision between this and Year of the Cat imo
I saw Al in 77, and it was an awe inspiring experience. One I’ll never forget, and one of the top 5 shows I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen over 200 shows of varying performers.
Where do you get Metaphorical? Sounds rather straight forward to me. This is a person's life, one tip of a very big Iceberg. Listen more closely next time, read the News, and don't seek the Cosmic in the Firmament.
@@stephenrioux6821 Who are you, the great arbiter of the minds? You sound like a pompous ass!
@@stephenrioux6821 These lyrics can be heard as metaphor. Metaphors don't need to be mystical or cosmic. Metaphor is one thing standing in for another. We speak in metaphors all the time: For example: "He shot down all my arguments." Are we to believe that an actual gun and bullets were used here? And how do physical bullets shoot down oral arguments? No, it is metaphor of shooting bullets as refuting argument. Please read "Metaphors We Live By", Lakoff and Johnson 1980.
"The spirit of the century
Telling us that we're all standing on the border" is a metaphor from the explicit Spanish/American war to the experience we all face of change from the traditional to the radical and modern, that is the old village life:
"In the village where I grew up
Nothing seems the same
Still you never see the change from day to day
And no-one notices the customs slip away"
to the modern world: "The torches flare up in the night
The hand that sets the farms alight
Has spread the word to those who're waiting on the border"
This song expresses a metaphor. The Spanish border is a physical metaphor for the change in time from the old stable 'village' world to the new modern chaotic world.
The Spanish rhythms of that guitarist are sublime.
Peter White
@@gkr2424 He's simply fantastic! I love Spanish guitar.
@@gkr2424the great Peter White
3 ovations on that stage playing .
Al's best song, bar none. I've been trying to get this one right for over a year. Peter White is vastly underappreciated as a guitarist.
Excellent playing!!,
GREAT comment, this one favorite number one ! second Year of the Cat and then Carol
Had the honor of meeting Peter at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga CA 1998 where he drew a picture of a guitar on my CD for me... blessings from Arizona♒🐯
I always feel like he is painting images in my mind with his songs
Same here
Absolutely..fills in the shadows with light....
Al Stewart's sense of words and music is unparalleled. He can play with them seemingly effortlessly. He us a very underrated musician and writer.
You nailed it 100%
As an American, I can say he ranks with the best song writers in his era. His lyrics were over the heads of the general public.
His greatest song. Peter White is terrific on acoustic guitar. Saw Al and Peter in Orlando in the 90's. Exceptional. Al is a true poet...
Peter actually wrote "Time Passages" and “Midnight Rocks. On top of being a great guitar player..
This is one of the greatest pop songs ever composed.
The songs he writes become these dark compelling stories that you can just almost feel like you are there.
OK 👌👍💙❤️💙👍👍
I Love the lyrics "The winds whips up, the waves are loud. The ghost-man sails among the clouds, and turns the rifles into silver...on the Border"
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
ME TOO !!! 😊❤
@@AlStewart-1THANKS Al !!!!
@@cosmogoy1895 lovely do you have google chat??
He gave both an amazing performance and guitar lesson. What a talent!
Al Stewart could turn anything into silver!!!!!
BRAVISSIMO Peter White for that astounding Flamingo guitar!!!
We saw Al Stewart in concert last weekend in Sheffield, backed by a very competent US band called Empty Pockets. Al is 74 now and struggled a little with the high vocal notes but it still brought a tear to my eye seeing one of my musical heroes playing tracks from one of the greatest albums ever released.
Master lyricist and Peters a great guitarist!
and very nice in person! Once we met
him Backstage in Ft. lauderdale
in the 90s and
He played a few riffs for wife and I!
The opening lines are one of the greatest whipsaws in poetry: the fishing boats go out across the evening water...romantic, evocative, serene...smuggling guns and arms across the Spanish border...Wham! This ain't one of those good old days songs. This is grit and guts. Al is one of the greats.
"CAN'T TOUCH THIS!!!" A masterpiece!
My favorite song, magnificent 🎇👍👍👍
Al Stewart’s Love of history comes shining through in his songwriting. His father died in a WWll plane crash with the Royal Air Force
Great song, great lyrics, great voice and absolutely fantastic accoustic lead by Peter White!!!
I agree!! His voice is still the same and still makes me smile. Seeing Peter in this video as just a kid (what was he - like 17 maybe?) shows how he's evolved as an incredible guitarist. If you ever get a chance to see Peter in concert, please try to go!
Now who can't listen to Peter White play that guitar all night? Al is a genius! Hail to the talent of yesterday!
Too right. Lucky to have seen Al and band twice doing this album at the RAH a few years ago. Perfection.
Tennek Trey And who knew Slash played piano for Al before he found his top hat and guitar...
classy(":
Have you ever heard Peter's story about playing Spanish guitar on that song? It's great. czcams.com/video/kag08cIbTQM/video.html
IIRC Peter was a piano player... But yes I could listen to him play that guitar forever..
Al and the amazing Peter White. Winning combo!
Al Stewart is a poet, the pictures he draws with his lyrics evince the era of the best film noire.
One of my favorite singers...and composer too❤❤❤❤
I like that his British accent can still be discerned whenever he sings. This is a good tune.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Great song writer and excellent musicians. What a unique and terrific sound they had!
Now THIS is the Al Stewart I remember! He's an older man now, wears his hair short, and it's grey, but the voice remains. Once you get over the shock of how he looks today, it's wonderful. Didn't even know he was still performing! He has found for himself a unique niche writing historical story-songs that almost remind one of Roger Whitaker. And I have to say, too, that NOBODY plays the guitar part on this song better than the great Peter White, in my opinion. Thank you Al!
Iris Gross you are giving me goosebumps with your comment, just like the song.
Sadly old man time does not treat some so well however Al still has that magic touch, mind you Mick Jagger is nothing to look at either. You just grow old disgracefully in Mikes case in Al,s its refinement
I always loved his music and we all get old and loose our hair
Al and the crew did a wonderful concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan a few summers back.. it was fantastic from beginning to end.. I'll go see him again if I get the chance...
Peter White on Spanish Guitar. When I heard this song on 3GL in 1977 I decided to buy the album. 45 years later and many Al Stewart albums later, I rate him as the greatest lyricist of them all. Nice tunes as well of course!
Love this track from the album The year of the Cat, such an underrated artist.
Al' my secret magic for feeling good - Thank you
I met al five times. Gent and very unassuming
im speachless....was 8 in1977,hear that on german radio at ndr2 from hamburg,and must buy the single,my first single,from my money for good note in school, ,have this till now,sorry for my english,but im lucky that im not alone with this epic masterpiece,that is with me in my whole life...ty al,peter and band for a lifetime song.greetings to all of you from germany
I was eight as well, we grew up on great music.
Paints quite a picture. Bravo!
Along with, "The Year of The Cat," this is my favorite Al Stewart song!
Peter White is GREAT!
Say this guy in Dublin about 2009 retired in Andalucía now so so real thanks for this one Al
Its 2024 and I still love this song.. timeless...
love this song.. simple times back then.. magical guitars..
Love the guitar work..especially the classical !
one of my new favorites. Al Stewart. Been listening to him for two months now. Great talent.
Assomiglia a George Harrison...🙆♂️
My fav song by this band....Musical masterpiece indeed and great lyrics as well
+Joanna Rosinska
Yes!!!!! Mine, tooooo :)))
+Joanna Rosinska Mine too. The music and the lyrics gel beautifully.
Mine too.
Year of the CAT, with all those solos
I still remember listening to my mom's copy of Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" record back when I was in Kindergarten in the 70s. And now, thirty+ years later, I still love his music!
I am an active duty, Regular Army service member, stationed over here in Germany; and I remember hearing this song for the first time early one morning, a few weeks ago. Right before I went to the field was when I heard it.. I remember thinking to myself; "This is one of the smoothest songs i've ever heard".
This is a really powerful song. Hauntingly beautiful, smart, fast. Truly remarkable.
One of the best openings to a song
Music of this era had so much peace, relaxation, goodness. I love this, it touches me.
Al Stewart-just another artist lost in the disco hatred of the 70s. As we open up the vault of that time period again, some artists are beginning to get the recognition they deserve. Hope more focus put on Al.
Scottish, Glasgow born, but in fairness raised in the Land of our English Cousins, Genius our Al! Great Britian, Great lyrics. Totally brilliant.
good stuff - always a favorite song of mine and what a treat to see it performed live
one of the best things i ever did was to buy a couple of al stewart CD's,.......because i was exposed to songs like this, i have never heard such an articulate song writer and performer,
each song that played was a feast for the ears and mind,.......one of the greatest to ever live.
This song from 1976 still has that haunting feeling I used to feel as a kid, even though I could not understand the words.
Well Done Al, remembering my youth with this one, absolutely Brilliant,! Thanks for posting Mitzy.
one of my favour songs,peter is superb
Yup we all looked like that once, many years ago. Whoosh ------- Time Passages .
I agree, he has written some amazing songs - superb lyrics and fantastic arrangements. The word 'underrated' is overused these days but in Al's case it definitely applies. A musical gem!
3:06-3:33 some incredible guitar phrases I've replayed hundreds of times.
This guy is great. I have seen him many times in the Philadelphia area over the years. Always a Great performance
Absolutely Noone can evoke imagery like Al Stewart. Close your eyes and listen to this song (Or for that matter Year of the Cat, Roads to Moscow, Time Passages etc..) and you are transported to that place and time.
Wow……..two thumbs up!
I didn't get a shock at all from the way he looks, he looks good to me. considering this is over a good 20yrs later - (they usually end up over weight and balding)! His voice is still excellent and he sings with such ease and the musicans are all great too. Just sayin' how I see it... Love it, thanks for the upload!!
I love the sound of Spanish guitar…! Sounds romantic and amazingly beautiful…! Love ❤️ ❤
I love it, all of it!
It always reminds me of my trips back to the old neighborhood while serving in the military! Sometimes after a couple of years it seemed nothing had changed, come back a year later and it seemed everything had! After a time the neighborhood was just another place I had spent time!
Very Melancholy?
It will pass.....
One of my faves by him. Used to own the MoFi, and Time Passages. And the Nautilus pressing of 24 Carrots.
love love love this song...40 something years awesome song
Al and his music are a class act!
So, haben wir das auch geklärt. top5 in meiner liste. besser geht kaum noch,
it seems I was on the border too ..... a masterpiece of music. bravo !
I can't think of a modern popular singer that would approach this content today in such a poetic and beautiful form. To touch upon a horrible period of Spanish history with this level of sentiment and simple clarity is amazing.
One of my favourites! What great guitar players! Magical!
THat's Peter White. Not bad for a keyboard player (with Al Stewart). Check out his other videos.
Joe Straughan And who knew Slash played piano for Al before he found his top hat and guitar...
Al is also a 'Master of Wine' highly prestigious degree.
I have always loved.....The Spanish guitar sound
Best of my favorite
Song ever
Superb.
In my next life I'm gonna play guitar like Peter White.
Love this ❤ so much!
Some of the best old gold.
Al Stewart continúa siendo enorme e infravalorado. Su voz es excelente, el tema maravilloso, los músicos super talentosos. Inclusive el baterista, otro músico infravalorado
FANTASTIC ! FANTASTIC ! ...
Peter White--a great musician in his own right.
Masterpiece !
one of my favorites since here sits at AL'S side making this song famous [ PETER WHITE ] SMOOTH JAZZ ICON !!!!!
ewig schönes lied ! ein mysteriöser text , eine tolle stimme und sehr schöne musik !
Masterpiece from yesterday!
Love this so much
Beautiful song my favourite singer
Yes, Peter White is great here, and this was his zen moment, he became musician. He did so well.
got this on single forgot i even posessed it,great song,great memories,thanx for posting.
Yes, dohertykaki, this has always been one of my favorite Al Stewart songs of all time!
Chilling timeless song!!!
this is sick and thats a compliment
One of my all time favs, loved it then and still love it just as much. Thanks for posting this.
I just found this 45 in our records. I remember it now.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤
TO ALL AL STEWART AND PETER WHITE FANS
PHIL KENZIE The legendary sax soloist on all of Al Stewart's hits
will be appearing at the upcoming "once in a lifetime" concert at The Royal Albert Hall on October 15th. This concert coincides with the release of Phil's CD, " A Night With The Cat" which will be available for purchase.
A tribute to Al Stewart's artistry, it is an instrumental version of the magical lyrics of "The Year of The Cat". which will be enjoyed by all on this very special night.
A true troubador!
couldn't agree more. The man is a genius
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤
Song is awesome, gives me chills when the drums kick in.
Al Stewart is a very good artist. We recognise him right away when he signs. He has a so different voice and many of his songs are just great...On the border, Time passager, And of course his masterpiece Year of the cat ...And of course, many other songs...It is one of the artist that I did not had the chance to see live...It should be interesting to see him in a small auditorium, I’m sure.
I got to see him do this piece, and others, live at the small club "Be Here Now" in Asheville, NC back in the late 90's. And ironically, he was the opening act for the great group Traffic, though even with Capaldi and Mason still being with them, Stevie Winwood was long gone. Still, great music!
Very underrated, Year of the Cat is amazing...
Great song. Acoustic guitars
Perfect song