|  |  |
Just Yesterday
|
|
|  |
Music buff's choice
Al Stewart (EMI)
From early flower-power whimsy and sub-Dylanesque surrealism to the dense historical narratives that have long been his calling-card, this five CD set at last does justice to one of our great, but underrated singer-songwriters. |
Highly recommended. |
|
'Year Of The Cat' may have alerted millions to his evocative lyrics and enticing melodies, but these were qualities that were in evidence long before that album catapulted Al to the top of the American charts. Indeed, the songs on this collection, spanning Stewart's career trajectory from English folkie to transatlantic pop star and back again, reveal a writer capable of creating delightfully visual musical miniatures, that, when wedded to Alan Parsons' crisp production and radio-friendly arrangements - most evident on the third disc of this set - resulted in songs that approached musical perfection.
If there is a quibble, it's the paucity of rarities, although fans will welcome the complete 'Time Passages' concert, from 1978, previously only available on import. For anyone new to Al's music this can't come more highly recommended. |
| |
|
| |
|
