I met my wife when this a very popular. I was 19 stationed in Okinawa, Japan kinda bar hopping and this Japanese woman grabs me by the arm and says walk with me. And I did and that was it, We have been married for thirty nine years. But when I hear this song it always tales me back.
Absolutely ! Every note. Every word. From start to Finnish. Always liked the song but going back from hearing it in my teenage years to now Realizing just how great this song is and putting it in my top 10 of all time.
58 year old here. I am going through some tough times and you give me reason to keep going. Thank you so much ! Every day I look forward to your selections !
a beautiful line along with "she comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolour in the rain" and also "these days, she says, I feel my life just like a river running through"
The lyrical imagery is what has always gotten me. “She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain”. I mean no one writes like that anymore!
Al Stewart explained the meaning of the Year of the Cat. The song is about our failure to make decisions. It about a business man/company executive who is extremely busy and is flying to a destination in the far east (on business) when his plane has an unscheduled stop. He leaves the plane along with the other passengers. He succumbs to this beautiful woman. By the time he wakes up, he realizes the plane has gone and will not be back for some considerable time. His life has changed. That time coinciding with the astrological year of the cat. The significant lyric being “you have thrown away your choice and lost your ticket”. It’s not a decision he would have planned but it’s a good turn in his life events. It’s something he would never otherwise have done. Sometimes decisions have to be made for us. It’s therefore also about fate and coincidences. It evokes the fantasy of the perfect person (for that particular moment in your life) just coming up to you (she doesn’t give you time for questions as she locks up your arms in hers, and you follow 'til your sense of which direction completely disappears), taking control of your life and taking you to a place which your decision making would never take you to.
He did a lot of great songs. This was the only one that ever got airplay. Most were a lot better. A lot of time and history. Roads to Moscow, One Stage Before, so many good ones.
One great thing about the 70's: When you hear strings (violin, cello etc) it's the real deal. Same with Vocals, they are real. No pitch correction or digital sampling.
No. Just because an old song is good, and you can’t be bothered to put in the effort to find new music that is also good, does not mean that good music is no longer being made.
This track is a hypnotic, emotional powerhouse. Layer after layer, the vocal to instrumental transitions meld flawlessly. Uninterrupted, its so immersive, that it feels like you’ve been gone longer than the track’s run time.
I was in somebody's office in about 2003 and I heard an unfamiliar song on their stereo that was unmistakably Al Stewart, so I asked. It was new - he was still recording and it was as good as ever. I feel bad not following him more.
So many people seem to prefer 'Year of the Cat', which I did like a lot, but 'Time Passages' was by far my favorite of his. NEVER got tired of it. Pop song perfection!!
You know Jamal loves the song when the shoulders start swaying. His reaction when the accoustic guitar segued into the electric guitar, then into the sax, is priceless.
There was no measure or 2 pause in between the acoustic and electric. It just drifted in as if the accoustic guitar magically transformed into an electric guitar. And then the sax comes in while it goes back into the root chords. "Awww, man!". Haha! I can definitely relate to his reaction there.
You are such a joy and blessing during this difficult time. I'm having spinal. surgery on Wednesday, please pray for me. I'm in isolation, so I need them.
The best thing about the 70's and some of the 80's songwriters, they told a story, they attempted to take you on a journey, musically and lyrical. A far cry from the visionless songs of today.
@@musicsansnotes that guy hit the nail on the head late night driving in the rain a little fog makes the hair stand up on the back of neck !! Graduated in 1976 so I was truly blessed with some of the best music in recorded HISTORY..
Boz Skaggs, Gerry Rafferty, Al Stewart, Styx, Chicago, E.L.O. and many other music groups exemplify the era. They all performed great songs produced by great writers, terrific arrangements and great composers who were all great professional musicians. Those days are largely gone. I'm glad you enjoy them and are learning about really good music.
It was the time when you could switch on the radio and you were in a good mood. Nowadays, you are on the edge with a nervous breakdown after listening to radios for longer than 4 minutes.
While this song was in production, they called the go-to sax player to come in for a solo. He lived down the street from the studio. He happened to be watching a movie at the time. The sax player reluctantly agreed to do it as long as the tape was on cue and he could just come in and play. The solo was done in one take, after which he hurried home and caught the rest of the movie.
I was very young when this song came out, I was still living at home in California with my Dad and brother. This is a beautiful song and brings me back to very precious memories of that time in my life. I feel the music, thank you ,Sir 🥰✌💕🌺
Yep, I saw him last year touring with a band called The Empty Pockets. They were both great. They opened with their own set, as well as played as his backing band. They are very talented. A bit alt-country, a bit rock... Great vocal harmonies too. They do live streams, check them out on RU-vid. Al Stewart sounded great and was so endearing!
@@GRANLALO25 And also Stewart's account manager who said that a song about a British guy who died on stage would not sell in the US, and that there needed to be new lyrics. But yeah, this is the best Alan Parsons track.
"He goes strolling through the park like Peter Lorre, contemplating a crime." Probably my favorite line from a song ever. Peter Lorre, likeable creepy villain in a lot of old time movies. Like someone in a Quentin Tarantino movie
So many instruments here, violins (and their brothers strings), various types of piano sounds, guitar, electric guitar, sax, bell sounds, such a beautiful arrangement, and the signing of the singer, like silk, beautiful interpretation.
I’m sitting here drinking Trader Joe’s wine, sorting Magic: The Gathering cards and listening to somebody experiencing one of the most ethereal and otherworldly songs ever sung into existence.
Automatic thumbs up for Al Stewart as soon as I come in. Al is my 2nd favorite Scottish singer. I love that nearly all his songs are Time/History related.
I'm aboard THe 1970's Express but can we start off in my beloved 1960's ? They were so great that I cried at 15 years old on the last day..31st December 1969. I must have known the 1960's/1970's would not be bettered..
"I'm just tryin' to bring you guys some joy." Thank you for that. Mission accomplished. I'll try to bring someone else some joy, and maybe we can get through these times. Peace, Jamel.
@@wolfpack8643 You have no idea how old I am. The only way you could think this was not a low point is if you're a Trump thumper. Let me guess, you hate the 1st Amendment but love the 2nd, you think a free press is 'evil' and you only believe in science when it agrees with your right-ward lean.
This song is one of the songs of my youth. Beautiful song. Love all of your reactions because they are so genuine and you keep it clean as well (no unnecessary vulgarities) which makes it easier for me to listen to your reactions with family around. Thank you!
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a water color in the rain..." This has always been one of my absolute favorite lines. Incredibly evocative lyrics that make every heterosexual man's imagination run wild.
One of the most beatiful songs ever made. Its in my top 10 greatest songs of all time. The piano, saxophone and amazing acoustic solo give me chills felt out of this world.
Al Stewart is a slender white British guy with the heart and soul of a poet but the look of an accountant or a beauracrat. One of the most beautiful songs ever. Glad you like it too!
Thomas you're bang on..recently discovered Jamel & its put a smile on my face during this madness that we're all going through. A great mix of nostalgia & joy of watching Jamel "get it".. Teach Peace 👍
I sat watching your Reaction with the biggest grin on my face. It was exactly how I imagined it would be. That song is one of my all time favorites. To be truthful the meaning of the song was never something I researched. To me the song itself, the vocals, the music how each instrument complimented the other. The arrangement was extraordinarily good. I am glad you enjoyed it. If I may with everything going on, I am sadden to see those that are supposed to Serve and Protect us be the cause of so much pain and discord. I stand for Love, I stand for freedom of all men and women of all races and religion. I stand for Patience. I stand for Justice.
@the bish Jamel-AKA-Jamal my apologies for what has happened. I defended this country for 27 years. I learned right from wrong from my parents. I will call it as I see it, I will not be intimidated by those that pretend to be righteous while following the wrong path. No one deserves to be treated less than a human being. Those that use their authority to abuse and mistreat as well as those that stand by silently and let it happen will look Justice in the eye and cower under it.
@the bish the bish- Thank you for your service. I am sure you saw more in your years of service than any person should see in a lifetime. I am not sure where your anger is coming from as I have not said one word against you, nor what you believe in. As far as Law Enforcement Officers go, I have know many decent, upstanding Officers who are a credit to their uniform. As for my comment to Jamal, it was only directed to him as to how this conversation has gone, that's it. As far as trying to gain an ally of Jamal because he is Black that never entered my mind. Lets talk about The Thin Blue Line do you even know what it is meant to represent? Let me give you a hint. Order during Chaos. How is that going so far? It also well known as a Gang Symbol. As for the founding fathers, the Constitution and the American Flag. The founding fathers really thought ahead, as evidenced by the Constitution being relevant even to this day. The colors of the flag also have a meaning. Guess what the Blue on the American Flag means? Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice. We are watching, We will persevere , and at the end of the day there will be Justice.
I remember when this song came out, what a beautiful song, everything is smooth in it from the singing to the guitar and piano, just a perfect song to make you feel good.
the thing is with these videos is a whole bunch of us old folks have forgotten these performers and the songs that we lived our daily lives with. everyone brings up a memory, takes us back to a night, or a concert, or a bar...riding in a car with the windows down....thanks!
Al is such an amazing songwriter! Pure poetry! The lyrics are just exquisite!! Thanks, Jamel, so very much! ❤️ What you do for us is nothing short of heroic! You’ve been such a HUGE blessing during this time for me and so many others, I’m sure!! ❤️ One of the most selfless, loving, giving, amazing people I’ve encountered not only on RU-vid but in life! When I need a mental break, I rewatch some of my Jamel reaction favourites~ ELO, Gerry Rafferty, The Police, Rush, Gordon Lightfoot... & many more, now this one. You give so much without any expectation other than trying to spread unity, love, peace of mind, HOPE! ❤️ from 🇨🇦
@Kerri Beaton so very eloquently put Kerri Beaton. You speak truth & express much of what I feel & why I return to Jamel’s channel. His reactions are so from the heart. And one of the best things for me is the warmth, intelligence & openness of everyone who posts here. A great place to drink in the power & healing that is found in music. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Stay beautiful & amazing my sister. You too are heroic! -respect-
G A Hi G A~ I apologize, but, I’ve never personally come across a word using the strikethrough in a RU-vid reply to me. I don’t want to imply what yours meant, as I could not guess... I just know from past experience in seeing others use it, it could indicate sarcasm; it has negative connotations. Seeing -respect- threw me off, I guess. So, I’m unsure exactly how to reply. Hopefully you’ll clarify. It’s the worst thing about using text to communicate ~ it lacks natural inflections, word emphasis and so on, that we use in normal conversations. _Kerri_
Torrie Kovach 😊 He has a way of lifting your spirit, you’re right! It can be such a nice mental break ~ I’ve spent hours. ☺️ I hope he knows how truly special he is!! Take care!!
I remember being bored to death as a child of the seventies with this...I was toooo young to appreciate this then! Now...complete 180 turn - i love it and will share it with my own kids:)
I had the privilege of seeing Mr. Stewart in concert, probably about 10 years ago now. Just him and his guitar and a 2nd guitarist performing acoustic versions of his hits. Great music and a really lovely gentleman.
This is one of the most meaningful songs in my life. The lyrics are based on the Movie Casablanca, but more importantly this song is about love lost - a summer love still breaking your heart. The nostalgia of a 14-years old in 1976 - my first passionate kiss, my first love, my first heartbreak, I remember her brown eyes, her thick brown hair, her beautiful lips and her voice. I wish I could let her know I still think of her from time to time and I lived a happy life. I want to tell her she became a significant part in my life. She was not forgotten. I truly hope she's well and lived a happy life. Music is also about context and in 1976, the year this song came out American culture was about to change. Culture and politics were about to change. The resignation of President Nixon two years earlier was in the mind of every American adult and stained politics thereafter). The U.S. Bicentennial was a huge event that summer and Jimmy Carter was elected U.S. President in November. As a country change was palpable and our innocence was fading. The title of this song "The Year of the Cat" is in reference to the Vietnamese calendar - Year of the Rabbit in the Chinse Calendar. 1975 Was the Year of the Cat, a year of relaxation. There is more to the song. One of Al Stewart's friends, a comedian, committed suicided. This song is a milestone in Rock Music. It was one of the last rock songs written before rock was compartmentalized into sub-genres and Disco music emerged in full force in 1977 as a commercial enterprise. Rock was displaced as teens and young adults' dominant expression rebellion and angst. Many other ways of self-expression were available almost instantaneously in the late 70's. Self indulgence became the norm.
I was 14 years old in 1976! And the memories are intense!!!!!!!!!!! The LOVE!!! But don't tell anyone, i have been lying my age for years. to most i am 12 years younger. that would make me 2 years old when this song came one. LOL
Nixon did nothing wrong. His guys just got caught. You think the left didn’t do things like that? Look at the string of abuse today by the Marxists. It’s nothing short of a controlled coup d’état. Jimmy Carter? Haha. A joke for a president. A naval academy graduate in nuclear science but a horrible leader of the free world. Thank God Reagan won by a landslide in 1980.
@@thorgt8197 So that was a pointless and ignorant post. Idiot. Nixon did nothing wrong?????? Do you have any investment in reality? A Trumper, most likely not.
The first time I heard this song, the summer of ' 76, I loved this masterpiece. It was the perfect timestamp of a fine, post-Viet war year. I love the way the song builds up to a perfect climax. Al hired Alan Parsons and many other talents throughout his career. He supported and inspired many musicians, rather than greedily taking the spotlight. That's good character.
I was in grade school and I had an am radio in my pocket, and I had to get off my bike and listen to it and it was my favorite for years. I'm 53 and it's still timeless.... Robby M.
Saw Al Stewart a couple of years ago at the Albert Hall in London . He still has it and gave fabulous concert . This song is a gem and is completely timeless. Good reaction again
I have an app that can take parts of songs and make them into a ringtone. That sax solo is one I made. And every time I get a call, people look at me a grin.
@@wendyraye , it's called ringdroid. Only works on a Droid phone as far as I know. It takes the whole song, then you choose where to start and stop it.
Many of Al Stewart's songs are about actual historical events. "On the Border" is about the Spanish Civil War. His masterpiece, though, is "Roads to Moscow". The song is pretty much the story of the life of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, 1970 Nobel Prize winner in Literature. It tells of the life of a Soviet soldier who was fighting the Nazis and, after the war, was sent by Stalin to a gulag. The song is a history lesson, but is pretty long. Stewart researched history for several years before he wrote the song to ensure an accurate account.
