You’ve nailed the problem. No matter how good the music the subject matter of his songs goes way over the wilfully ignorants heads. Who’s Napoleon? Who’s Nostradamus? Lord Grenville? Unless a songwriter uses the personal pronoun I constantly, singing about themselves and how their girl done up and left them, they’ll struggle to get a look in.
Hate to agree but I must. I feel sorry for them, truly; they’ll never feel the poignancy, the depth of emotion, the damned amazing imagery Al has painted onto some of our souls. Their great loss. And his, for lack of recognition.
I used to have his 2nd album “Love Chronicles” with Jimmy Page (yes, that Jimmy Page) on guitar… saw him last year on tour. Still a great storyteller and musician.
Agreed…after all these years, the dramatic entry of the sax and the sax solo on “Year of The Cat” still thrills me… what a perfect moment in a perfect song! I may be mistaken but I think Mr. Stewart is closing out a farewell tour. Take a bow, Mr. Stewart, and thank you for some great music!
Al is a poetical song writer, very much in the UK folk tradition, who transitioned to the pop/rock scene IMO. He creates beautiful stories and soundscapes. One of my favorite albums is Time Passages, the entire album is one beautiful song after another. Tim Renwick’s guitar playing is amazing. I don’t know if Al will ever be honored by the industry as to be included in the R & R H.O.F. but those of us who know his work love what he’s accomplished.
A perfect choice for yet another Hall oversight! In the long list of heretofore snubbed deservees, I never hear the name of Al Stewart! I know I don't know as much about his voluminous catalog as I should......and, I'd like! Thanks for highlighting!
Though I first heard this when only a child (when we all listened to radio) it evokes such ridiculously strong memories. What a melody and storytelling! What a voice.
Just took a listen for the first time. Really good stuff. @joemeakin370293 I think is on the money with album sales and degree of collaboration musicians. There are several deserving artists and bands who deserve to be in. I've been screaming for Sonic Youth for the past 10 years.
Al Stewart is only one of many omissions and unjustly tardy enrollments with the R&RHoF. The Hall has NOTHING to do with Rock & Roll or Fame, but is only about album sales and the degree of collaboration musicians have with their overseers, what's left of the recording industry.
Listen to Road to Moscow and tell me this man isn’t deserving of the HOF!! A travesty.
You’ve nailed the problem. No matter how good the music the subject matter of his songs goes way over the wilfully ignorants heads. Who’s Napoleon? Who’s Nostradamus? Lord Grenville? Unless a songwriter uses the personal pronoun I constantly, singing about themselves and how their girl done up and left them, they’ll struggle to get a look in.
Hate to agree but I must. I feel sorry for them, truly; they’ll never feel the poignancy, the depth of emotion, the damned amazing imagery Al has painted onto some of our souls. Their great loss. And his, for lack of recognition.
Well said. He sings about the human condition not just his own.
Better said and more succinct!
Thanks. That makes a change for me - ha!
or Nostradamus…
Def!!
I used to have his 2nd album “Love Chronicles” with Jimmy Page (yes, that Jimmy Page) on guitar… saw him last year on tour. Still a great storyteller and musician.
Agreed…after all these years, the dramatic entry of the sax and the sax solo on “Year of The Cat” still thrills me… what a perfect moment in a perfect song! I may be mistaken but I think Mr. Stewart is closing out a farewell tour. Take a bow, Mr. Stewart, and thank you for some great music!
Al is a poetical song writer, very much in the UK folk tradition, who transitioned to the pop/rock scene IMO. He creates beautiful stories and soundscapes. One of my favorite albums is Time Passages, the entire album is one beautiful song after another. Tim Renwick’s guitar playing is amazing. I don’t know if Al will ever be honored by the industry as to be included in the R & R H.O.F. but those of us who know his work love what he’s accomplished.
A perfect choice for yet another Hall oversight! In the long list of heretofore snubbed deservees, I never hear the name of Al Stewart! I know I don't know as much about his voluminous catalog as I should......and, I'd like! Thanks for highlighting!
Classic
I adore this song and love all of Al’s work. Al is a total genius who will never be forgotten.
I love this album.
That album’s cover is, well, the cat’s pajamas!
I’ve wondered the same about Jethro Tull…I mean making rock and roll with a flute alone deserves a nod…
Though I first heard this when only a child (when we all listened to radio) it evokes such ridiculously strong memories. What a melody and storytelling! What a voice.
Forgot this song , thanks Songletter , good job , what a beauty !!!!
Just took a listen for the first time. Really good stuff. @joemeakin370293 I think is on the money with album sales and degree of collaboration musicians. There are several deserving artists and bands who deserve to be in. I've been screaming for Sonic Youth for the past 10 years.
They'll get around to him soon, now. Jann Wenner probably had a grudge against him and kept him out, but now Wenner's gone...
Al Stewart is only one of many omissions and unjustly tardy enrollments with the R&RHoF. The Hall has NOTHING to do with Rock & Roll or Fame, but is only about album sales and the degree of collaboration musicians have with their overseers, what's left of the recording industry.
I'm guessing most people in the U.S. only know him from Year of the Cat and Time Passages.