As fascinating and enchanting as Al Stewart's music is, it's equally enchanting...and downright joyous...watching the three of you react to it. I revisit those reactions a lot. Thank you for the time and effort you put in, in order to make this such a diverse, honest, informative, fun/playful channel for fellow music lovers. And sometimes--if we viewers are lucky--the "extras" include stellar stank faces and syncronized head-bobbing. Nick, Ryan, and Ty, you definitely are Gold List.
Yeah, its probably better. I listened to this earlier before guys reacted .Its not even in same zip code as Time Passages and Year of the Cat..On the Border is #3 behind those two. Song on the Radio not that good. .Kinda boring song
Al Stewart is a master story-teller. A bard. And, the smoothest voice.............his breaks and transitions are just mind-boggling. The sax solos are what we old folks call, "nassssssty sax." LOVE to see you fellows in appreciation of this magical music................it kind of chokes me up a bit because we don't have "MUSIC" anymore. We're digital. We're just words without soul. So, bless your hearts and thank you for appreciating all of this.
Imagine sitting in junior high design drafting class and just jamming to this song with the whole class in '78. Our soundtrack growing up. Great reaction guys!
The power of great music is awesome. A little story. I heard Al Stewart when I was around 13. At the time my English was very, very limited. But the music and his voice were so perfectly matched I was hooked. 47 years later whenever I hear his music, I'm transported to my youth and I can feel exactly how I felt when listening his music for the first time but with more gusto since now I can understand the lyrics and boy, it's amazing. Great arrangement, great voice and great lyrics. Complete package. Year of the Cat, Time Passages, Song on the Radio, On the border, all great and timeless songs. Great reaction guys.
"On The Border" - like everybody is saying - IS a must. (The guitars may burst Nick's brain) Beyond that also try "Nostradamus", "Lord Grenville" or "Roads to Moscow"
"On the Border" I agree is a must. "Roads to Moscow" is also a great (fantastic) song. In addition I would recommend "Life In Dark Water" in addition to the ones already mentioned.
Al Stewart's albums were on Arista Records. They asked him to write a mid-tempo ballad with a saxophone. They wanted a song that could be played on the radio. So...kinda poking fun at them, he titled the first track on the album "Song on the Radio".
Increible ver a esta generación disfrutar de la música de Al. Su música es como los cuadros de Van Gogh, nadie los compró en su época...anda ahora a comprarlos...Bien amigos, aquí va mi comentario musical del tema: Al canta y los instrumentos...le responden...genial. Es impresionante ese diálogo donde sobresale el saxofón aunque guitarra y teclado hacen también su parte. Me llama la atención que esta es una de las poquísimas canciones donde se mezcla el tema en sí, y en la parte final viene un karaoke que refuerza su vitalidad , lo que demuestra no solo la calidad poética de la letra, sino también las figuras musicales que emplea Alastair. En definitiva, los tres amigos que disfrutan de SONG ON THE RADIO, tienen poderosísimas razones para haber internalizado a este magnífico cantautor y músico escocés. Felicitaciones amigos por su excelente reacción.
"On The Border" The Spanish guitar is just heaven on Earth. In all sincerity, I thought no one could be a bigger Al Stewart geek than me... I stand corrected. Your reactions are like an extra Christmas present. Happy New Year! If you can only see Al in Pennsylvania, ... Drive to Pennsylvania and see Al! I live there. I've seen Al live from the front row. It was incredible. Another song to check out is "Valentina Way"from "Time Passages".
So great to see you guys responding so positively to classic music like this. Al Stewart is in the pantheon of singer-songwriter-musicians. Such an ear for a melody and an equally amazing way with lyrics. Enjoy the deep dive into Stewart’s catalog, you’re in for a treat. 🙂
I watched this again, it really doesn't matter if you gents have anything to say, it's the looks on your faces that are priceless! More Al Stewart please! You have 9 discs to get through!
Thx for the review of the this song/Al Stewart, by guys where the music came before their time .. the radio/DJ community of the time acted as they just “tolerated” his now timeless work.
Great reaction guys. Al Stewart has been around for a long, long time. Stille here fortunately. Al is a storyteller and has great lyrics all over. His band is top notch to and because of that you only can enjoy the smoothness in the songs. And you do my friends. Keep going. Greetz from the Netherlands.
I got my tickets! I'm going to make the pilgrimage to New Hampshire this Friday night with my son. I have been trying to get to one of his concerts for a dozen years and FINALLY! A life long dream comes true.
Al Stewart made elegantly beautiful songs, I was a senior in high school when time passages came out, Stewart's songs remind me of my youth and how much I loved them! His songs kept me company!
Fantastic song. Al made some masterpieces to us. Through your channel, many people around the world are having a chance to know this great and magic artist. You're great! Thanks a bunch.
He IS a lyricist...you should go back in time, he's amazing, one of my heroes, one I was lucky enough to meet. Brilliant...the only thing that's better is your reactions! Love it.
Al is Hemingway and Voltaire meets Beethoven with a sax lead. Brilliantly ahead of his time. He seemed swallowed up by all the great artists of the time but like you, I found him as a young man and loved and understood the lyrical painting and musical mastery. So happy years later to find younger people see exactly what I saw many years back. So refreshing and keep doing what you are doing!!
I remember being in a bar in Tucson, AZ, in about 1990. I chose this song on the juke box and when it came on the bartender said, “Thanks for playing that song - I haven’t heard it in a long time.” This song never gets old and it is better than 99.999% of what passes for popular music today.
Golly, Nick 3:38 was an obvious moment of emotion. AWESOME!!!!!!! Welcome to our world of "When Music Meant Something!" We can tell it was meaningful for you because you were rendered speechless. Sometimes, there are no words.
It is great that Al Stewart gets recognition for his talent and various interviews indicate how humble he is about his achievements. Other songs that are worth a mention is Paul Weller - You Do Something To Me, Mountain's song 'Nantucket Sleighride', Thin Lizzy - 'Johnny the fox meets Jimmy the weed'.
Funny, Al Stewart didn't want to have the sax in his music. Alan Parsons from the Alan Parsons Project produced this and wanted it in there for Year of the Cat. Then he kept it for the album.
I have loved Al Stewart since I heard my very favourite song “Year Of The Cat”. I really love his story telling and his song titled “The Tower”. It is a beautifully written song with awesome lyrics. I can never get enough of Al Stewart. Thanks for going down this rabbit hole.
I have to come back here and watch the reaction, it's as great as hearing the song, because you are discovering something I have known for years, it's just refreshing, you keep the music alive by doing this. Al Stewart saved my life after work on many occasions, just escaping into the music, allowing me to unwind, and return to homeostasis. Love you guys and Al Stewart!
Cant tell you how great it is to see three young guys discovering Al Stewart and 70s music in general. They obviously are fanboying over the musicianship and the lyrics and rightfully so. Thanks to Alan Parsons for suggesting the sax on Year of the Cat.
Someone aptly stated that you guys' reactions are how I reacted to Al Stewart when I first heard his music back in the 1970s. I can not hear the songs anew, but watching you gentlemen react is pretty close. 👌 I love you brothers!
Unbelievable! I needed that! I was a freshman in high school when i first heard this,1979 I knew jazz was my vibe! I killed my cassette player with this album! THAT SAX IS A GIFT!!
You guys have the widest smiles on your faces whenever Al does his thing. I felt the same way when I was even younger than you all are now when first hearing his stuff. It's like smooth time traveling.
Al Stewart's music is SUAVE and sends me into a fantastical trance!!!!! His music allowed me to survive the naval submarine service........for long deployments and distances from home, his music was in my mind ALL the TIME♥️♥️♥️☮️🌈
I saw him live about 6 years ago, in Cork, Ireland. An old guy came out o stage, I thought "oh dear this is not gonna be good". But you know what? He was astounding! Voice the same, funny, engaging guy! And the songs - oh man. Even the ones I didn't know. He does do 'evocative' very well, but you guys need to listen to One Stage Before, from the Year of the Cat album. THAT'S evocative!
The sense of history and mystery is terribly romantic. I am so THRILLED that you have found this wonderful musician. It's the lyrics, too. Swoon is the word. Brings me back to those days of the late 70's.....hope mixed with despair, no work or money, creativity and the inspiration of our crazy young hearts.
First time I have ever subscribed to a You Tube channel and it's because you three guys are a breath of fresh air! Your reaction videos to the legend that is Al Stewart are wonderfully entertaining and your views about this iconic singer/songwriter are heartfelt, especially in ones so young!! I have followed Al since his very early days, watching him in small clubs and of course, on the bigger stages, in particular at the Royal Albert Hall a couple of years back when he played the whole of the Year of the Cat album with the original musicians. Your collective enthusiasm is well illustrated by Ty's comments about wanting to call his son Al Stewart Hicks. Brilliant! To recommend other songs is incredibly difficult and you won't go far wrong exploring some of the suggestions already made. The key to Al, generally, is his exquisite lyrics, often recounting moments in history, so 'Roads To Moscow' or 'Nostradamus' are absolute musts. The high level of orchestral arrangements and musicality may not be as apparent as they are in the three songs you have already explored, but they are both a treat to the ears and both songs allow you to get lost in the history of the lyrics. Keep up the good work chaps. I for one, a 70 year old music fan, will be continuing to watch whatever you sample next. By way of further suggestions of other artists, may I put forward Airborne Toxic Event, especially 'Sometime Around Midnight' or 'All I Ever Wanted' and a jazz/rock fusion band of the early 70's, If. If you like long songs, give 'Sunday Sad' or 'What Did I Say About the Box, Jack?' a try!
3:38 Nick burying his face in his hands that brought a smile to mine! I want to run it from the beginning! Is that OK? YES! I can't tell you how many times I have reran this song......absolutely incredible!
What a delight to watch your brains explode with the sheer excellence of the Saxophone. Those dazzling solos are so cool they have icicles dripping off them.
Back again!! This is just such a great reaction! Nick at 11:08 .... "...Aw. ... Get outta here! Get outta here!..." This is EXACTLY how I felt when I first heard this song. I love you guys! ✌️
I also recommend “Roads to Moscow”, a dark, eerie historical song. Another recommendation is one with great Phil Kenzie sax-work is “Heart of the Night” by Poco. That one’s more southern rock. Love the channel guys!
Sitting back here on the Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia, I stumbled across your you tube channel. Great to see the music of my generation resonate with a whole new younger audience. Definately recommend you listen to 2 tracks of AL Stewart's Record " Modern Times " . Firstly the title track Modern Times & finally a track I'm surprised no one has mentioned " The Dark n Rolling Sea" . Both are rippers ! "Don't let the music die inside you & keep up the great work"
A song pertinent to current world event from Year of the Cat is Al Stewart's "On The Boarder." Thanks in advance for your consideration to reacting to it. btw, the producer and engineer on the album Year Of the Cat was Alan Parsons.
Superb musicianship from all. But what stands out to me is the pedal steel work that stitches the tune together with seamless transitions between verses and the chorus.. courtesy of the 2nd "Al", Mr. Al Perkins of Manassas and countless other sessions.
My favorite Al Stewart album!!! For me,the best song on the album is the last song...."End of the Day". Amazing Song....you guys need to hear that one!!!! You'll love it!!!!! :D
I have been listening to Al since 1979 seen him twice in London does not make a bad record. He is my go to artist if I can't think what to listen to, only other artist that never misses is Steely Dan.
Nice reaction guys. Al Stewart is a special talent and the complexity of the arrangements speak to the level of talent within the whole band, again special talents. Now if you want to hear something different, catchy and impossible to stop rolling around in your tumbler you'll have to listen to the lyrical dance that is "NIGHT TRAIN TO MUNICH". I told you so and your welcome. Another experience is the whimsical tale "FLYING SORCERY" showcasing some intricately woven guitar voicings creating this dream like movement, of course, Al's voice just is just made to tell his story to this phrasing perhaps like no other song he does. A great angst is create by 2 duelling harmonicas that just create a unique and engaging sound that will take root your minds repeat mode. Stay cool guys, your reaction is both enjoyed and appreciated,
I laughed when you were talking about an Al Stewart concert (I've seen him twice in concert) not wanting an opening act. I went to a Crosby Stills Nash and Young concert in the mid 70's and the opening act was Jesse Colin Young. We were so excited to see CSNY that we were yelling to get Jesse Colin Young off the stage. LOL. It turned out to be the best concert I've ever been to. They played for 4 hours.
Al here, Al Chamberlin, hahaha. This song really is a double dose, if you really get into the lyrics and the instrumental, especially the saxophone. Really listen to the sax, I believe that the Saxaphone is giving us an instrumental lyrical path through this song with Al's lyrics as well, I hear it, I hear it...............
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a SAX SOLO........ par excellence. The sax happens to be my favorite instrument. The sax in this track is quite likely my favorite of all time. I don't make that statement lightly. The song is great on it's own...but the sax puts it into another level. Thanks so much for reacting to this track especially since I had never heard it before. Take care.
Merry Christmas all! I love "Sass in the Brass". That would make a great t-shirt. I knew you would love the sax in this one. It's so saxifying. You're right. Al Stewart is a master storyteller. He paints a picture just like that of an author. If you close your eyes, you experience a Casablanca moment with all his songs. I have listened to Al Stewart albums since the early 70s and I always listen in the dark with headphones on for the full effect. Just ordered Last Days of the Century. Can't wait to listen. My wife bought me an autographed picture and concert ticket from 1975 for me for Christmas. I introduced his music to my son when he was young in the 90s because he was a fan of Dragonforce, which is another historical themed music group. We are going to one of his concerts in April. I have been wanting to go for years, but he never comes close to me.
I've been a huge fan of Al Stewart since the mid 70's. Seen him in concert 20 times or more. You should delve into his earlier albums. His Past, Present and Future lp will give you a good idea of how he writes historic musical pieces. Please check out Roads To Moscow or Nostradamus. You will be in awe. More Al Stewart!! Thanks.
Love Chronicles album was my introduction to the early genius of Al Stewart way back in 1970! Great numbers reflecting the time! Fell immediately in love with his voice and music! Still in awe!
Your enthusiastic reactions just make me realise how good these 70s albums by Al Stewart are! Thanks for reminding me 😍. BTW, it's Phil Kenzie on the sax, he also played on Year of the Cat.
Enjoying these videos! If you enjoy al Stewart, may I recommend the great jackson browne??? He is more of americana/folk. Tremendous musicianship/writer. Hope you enjoy it!!!❤❤
Checked out your three Al Stewart reaction vids with some of his great classics hits and those silky smooth lyrics with fire sax. Brings back great memories of high school and my first years in the USN. These videos make me appreciate the lesser known classics even more, how you three guys go through and dissect each one with the excitement of hearing it for the first time. Pure joy. Keep up the good work.
