Here is yet another example of how pursuit of a song from an earlier era resulted in a newfound appreciation for the artist and that in turn twists the linear evolution into a tangled yarn. I suppose that really isn’t a fair assessment. Perhaps this musical connections to childhood and reconnections later in life are the very essence of evolution in this context.
I wasn’t ready for Al Stewart when I was in The KISS Age. I liked Year Of The Cat but I wasn’t ready for Al Stewart until this point in The Roach Days. Along the way, I’m sure that I had heard Time Passage, Song On The Radio and of course Year Of The Cat. This CD had all those plus 8 more. They don’t all have that chart toppoing appeal but they are well crafted and make for good listening.
As I listen to it now, I find it difficult to categorize. At some points it is Top 40 radio from the 1970’s, then it turns into a sort of showtunes kind of expression, then early FM easy listening. One thing this album isn’t would be harsh. It has its moments of intensity but the deliver is always smooth and approaching soothing.
Roads To Moscow reminds me of Ennio Morricone. There is a hint of Ecstacy Of Gold in that chorus. I’m surprised I don’t know much about Al Stewart. While I may not have played this album much recently, during a period in The Roach Days, and for a while after, I played it frequently. I must say that I’m really enjoying it now.
Song On The Radio just came on and it feels like it should be on the Time-Life Kickin’ Back 70’s Collection. What a great cruising song.
Time Passages
Roads To Moscow
Song On The Radio
Year Of The Cat