Al Stewart, an artist with a wealthy tapestry of historic figures woven into his music, is being celebrated for the 50th anniversary of his magnum opus, the 1976 album Yr of the Cat.
Stewart is acknowledged as a pioneer of “historic folks,” a style that blends the favored folks rock motion with a revival of conventional folks types from the late Sixties. His work typically attracts inspiration from notable figures in historical past.
In Yr of the Cat, Stewart traverses a wide selection of topics, that includes historic icons like Sir Richard Grenville within the highly effective opening monitor “Lord Grenville,” the enigmatic aviator Amelia Earhart in “Flying Sorcery,” and actors Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre within the titular piece, “Yr of the Cat.”
Al Stewart: A Lyrical Genius
Stewart’s lyrical prowess is plain. He started his profession as a conventional folks artist, the place sharp songwriting—to harmonize each music and lyrics—was important.
5 many years later, Yr of the Cat showcases among the most beautiful lyrical imagery in music historical past. Listed here are a couple of exemplary traces from the album:
- “Conquistador looking for gold; for all of the jackdaw causes” – from “Midas Shadow”, monitor 3
- “And also you lay there by the ‘Do Not’ indicators, and shamed them together with your spark” – from “Sand In Your Sneakers”, monitor 4
- “No schoolroom saved you grounded; whereas your ideas may get away; you had been taking off in Tiger Moths, your wings towards the brushstrokes of the day” – from “Flying Sorcery”, monitor 6
- “Love was a rollaway, only a cajole away; mist on a summer time’s day, nothing was clear; love was a smile away, only a defile away; I sought it each manner, nobody got here close to” – from “Broadway Lodge”, monitor 7
- “She comes out of the solar in a silk costume operating like a watercolor within the rain” – from “Yr of the Cat”, monitor 9 (an iconic couplet in pop music).
An Album Filled with Unforgettable Musical Passages
Whereas Stewart’s lyrics are extraordinary, the timelessness of Yr of the Cat is equally attributed to its breathtaking musical compositions.
Regardless of its 9 tracks, the album takes listeners on an unforgettable journey, exploring tales just like the misplaced colony of Roanoke, the flights over Kitty Hawk, and adventures in a Broadway lodge.
Delivered with beautiful manufacturing by Alan Parsons—recognized for his work with The Alan Parsons Venture—the album options exceptional contributions from an impressive group of studio musicians. Tim Renwick’s electrical guitar work stands out, accompanied by the complementary riffs of Peter White.
Every monitor is a vivid portrayal of its subject material, transporting listeners exactly the place Stewart intends. This impact is a testomony to Stewart’s songwriting mastery and the invaluable contributions of his collaborators and visitor artists.
Tune Highlights
Starting with “Lord Grenville,” Renwick’s melodic guitar work kinds a stable basis for the whole lot of the album. His memorable guitar motifs stand out as a lot because the songs themselves.
The album transitions from the driving flamenco rhythms of “On the Border” to the sun-soaked pop of “Sand In Your Sneakers,” highlighted by Renwick’s catchy double-tracked guitar solos.
One in all Renwick’s most exceptional solos is featured in “One Stage Earlier than,” the place a cascading wave of textured guitar fills closes the tune in an eerily charming manner, dominating your ideas with out you realizing.
The crowning jewel of the album is undoubtedly its title monitor. Stewart masterfully positioned “Yr of the Cat” on the album’s conclusion, as nothing else may comply with such a robust piece.
With its stirring orchestration, memorable piano motif, and dueling guitar solos—each by Renwick—“Yr of the Cat” is a mini-journey that captivates listeners over its practically seven-minute length.
Thought of one of many biggest songs of the Seventies, “Yr of the Cat” is incessantly related to Stewart; nevertheless, the album itself is wealthy with treasure.
Yr of the Cat: An Album Value Treasuring
Given Stewart’s deal with important historic figures, it’s becoming that Yr of the Cat is thought to be the zenith of his creative profession. Every of the album’s 9 tracks looks like a sculpted masterpiece, harking back to the work of Michelangelo or Bernini. Stewart masterfully shapes his songs by means of a profound grasp of melody, concord, and association, enhanced by his lyrical brilliance.
The album is additional elevated by a powerful lineup of collaborators, with Tim Renwick receiving explicit approval for his stellar guitar contributions all through.
On its 50th anniversary, Yr of the Cat retains its freshness, simply because it did upon its launch in 1976. For its 45th anniversary in 2021, a remastered model of the album grew to become out there in varied codecs. If you have not but skilled this masterpiece, now could be the right time to discover it (test the Spotify hyperlink beneath for simple entry).
Listening to Yr of the Cat ensures an unforgettable journey. And though “you recognize someday you’re sure to depart her, for now you’re going to remain…”
Header Picture Courtesy Philip Halling/Wikimedia Commons
