I've heard this song a million times and could here it a million more. It is a true masterpiece!

@tvgator1

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely! And they played the hell out of this when it came out (when I was a kid).

@Splitscreen83

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Stunning 😎

@spoonunit03

Жыл бұрын

@@tvgator1 Yeah, especially when you think of the quality of music that was coming out in them days. You had to be REALLY good to get noticed and airplay.

@michaelowens3507

Жыл бұрын

So many memories when I hear this!!!

@jamesbondbond8388

Жыл бұрын

En parte gracias a Alan Parsosns

"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolour in the rain". Poetry... "But the drum-beat strains of the night remain In the rhythm of the newborn day". Erm... I have no words. Genius.

@markcastellanos9678

2 жыл бұрын

The lyrics are perfect with this Beautiful sweeping masterpiece.

@maxfergusson3495

8 ай бұрын

Hello team, have a look at the Chinese calender every year is named after an animal, so you should be able to find out what year it was, love QLD Australia thank you so very much

Patchouli is a scent, like a perfume. Smells sort of like sandalwood and hippies…😃

@jordan390a

2 жыл бұрын

@Donatella Loncar Covers up the weed smell...sometimes...!

@impishsongster333

2 жыл бұрын

@@jordan390a 😂😂😂 But you're not wrong.😆

@dangabbert3944

2 жыл бұрын

@@jordan390a , not well enough, in my experience.😀

@cooperstonebadge2228

2 жыл бұрын

yeah came to say this. patchouli smells like hippie chicks

@garysheffield5445

2 жыл бұрын

Yes the smell of hippie girls 🤤

"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolour in the rain..." isn't that the greatest song lyric ever written? The whole piece is a work of pure genius.

@phillipglass

2 жыл бұрын

pretty damn close brother

@Isleofskye

9 ай бұрын

@@phillipglass Is that comment a Homage to "The Sting?" :)

Pichouli us an Indian essential oil if often used by women of the hippy era as an inexpensive perfume. Year of the Cat refers an astrological sign in Chinese/Vietnamese astrology As others have said, this is a unique masterpiece and one of the best singles of the 70's, which is saying something. The song and its amazing arrangement is high high level stuff.

@Isleofskye

2 жыл бұрын

I bought my first record in London in 1960 just the odd 62 years ago :) and this is in my Top 10 of all time,my friend..

@carlataliaferro4326

2 жыл бұрын

It also still comes in incense. Love, love, love this song since the first time I heard it as a teen!

@warrenjg4598

2 жыл бұрын

Alan Parsons on the desk

@rtrooperw8115

Жыл бұрын

TY!

@Isleofskye

11 ай бұрын

@@warrenjg4598 I should have known. What a combination:)

“Silk dress runnin’ like a water color in the rain.” One of those lines every songwriter wishes they’d have written.

He paints a picture and tells a story with his lyrics. Something that is sadly missing in today's music. An absolute masterpiece.

@spoonunit03

2 жыл бұрын

Don't totally agree. I'm sure the kids today tell stories in their 'songs'. It's just that us oldies can't understand 'em. :) Oh, agree that this is a masterpiece. A universal banger, and no mistake.

@joepowell7025

Жыл бұрын

@@spoonunit03 probably do but not to this level.

@jamesbondbond8388

Жыл бұрын

Alan Parsons enginering

@lokisan100

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@carnbyarst670

Жыл бұрын

Those songs are out there, they just don't make it to the mainstream anymore...

Al Stewart is a great Scottish singer-songwriter & folk-rock musician. He was big in the 70's. I had his album "Year Of The Cat" & "Time Passages". All the songs on both are great. "Year Of The Cat" is one of my favorites songs. Love the sax solo.

@TheirFinestHour

2 жыл бұрын

Those are excellent albums too to bottom

@Inglese001

Жыл бұрын

Born in Scotland but spent his whole childhood in England.

@buckyc.9069

3 ай бұрын

Time Passages is my favorite, period.

One of the most melodic songs ever composed. The use of strings, woodwinds and keys combined with flawless time changes and flamenco guitar work makes this a genuine masterpiece. It gets better with time and wine💯%.

Just when you think it can't get no better a saxophone comes in out-of-left-field!

@steveullrich7737

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly, takes you by surprise!

@leonardshevlin7260

2 жыл бұрын

and then it plays on through the fadeout and leaves you wanting more

@Isleofskye

2 жыл бұрын

@@leonardshevlin7260 50 years later and we still want more:)

@gregmoquino7896

10 ай бұрын

YESSIR 😲👍

Gorgeous melodies and beautiful lyrics. It's a MASTERPIECE. The first line '...strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime..." is a reference to the classic Humphrey Bogart/Ingrid Bergman film CASSABLANCA. Patchouli is a perfumed oil, btw. And, yes this song definitely brings to mind a sunny summer day bursting with bright colors.

@disillusionedanglophile7680

2 жыл бұрын

Patchouli was particular to hippies and flower children was it not?

@markh2200

2 жыл бұрын

@@disillusionedanglophile7680 ..and Zendaya (and Rudy Giuliana)

@kenperk9854

2 жыл бұрын

The maltes falcon was much superior to casablanca. PETER peter Lorrie out did Bogart in The Maltes Falcon, INCREDIBLE! Nobody Bogarted Bogart but Peter Lorrie did in the Maltes Falcon!He Bogarted, Bogy! Maltes Falcon.

I love watching people react to this song, especially when that sax comes in. Al Stewart's girlfriend at the time he was writing the song had a Vietnamese calendar, and it was in the Year of the Cat. The lyrics tell a story of a tourist in Morocco that meets a beautiful woman in a silk dress with whom he has a one-night stand, then in the morning he realizes that the tour bus left without him so he's going to stay with her. The arrangement and the lyrics are beautifully crafted. This song and "On the Border" are my favorites by him, but he has many fantastic songs.

@natashab3412

2 жыл бұрын

I love on the border.

@judyseeley5284

2 жыл бұрын

An awesome piece engineered by the great Alan Parsons, so was time Passages, Alan said let's put in the saxophone and Al Stewart wasn't crazy about it but told Alan Parsons ok put it in, so glad he did, all these solo instruments that combine so smoothly with one another and not create an cotrastrophy with all the instruments and oh so smoothly with Al's vocals, very well engineered

@StevesFunhouse

2 жыл бұрын

I love this and On The Border too, but I love the entire Past, Present and Future album the most (start-to-finish), especially Old Admirals, Roads to Moscow, Nostradamus and even ... for their quirky nature, Terminal Eyes and Soho (Needless TO Say). I also love Time Passages, Song On The Radio and End Of The Day from the Time Passages album. Such a unique singer, great song writing and accompanying group.

@woodrowwilkins149

2 жыл бұрын

Right, and I read somewhere that Al drew inspiration from the movie "Casablanca," which is set in Morocco.

@StevesFunhouse

2 жыл бұрын

@@woodrowwilkins149 Wow, what a AWESOME last name !!!

Patchouli is really nicely used here. Al’s songs are atmospheric and then this one, I can feel the warm air and I can smell all the smells of the marketplace. Al Stewart is a genius.

@dizastro5437

2 жыл бұрын

A lovely scent. Reminds of saltwater coastlines.

@casey4602

2 жыл бұрын

First time I ever heard of patchouli was Guiliana Rancic chic from Fashion Police

@michaeldowson6988

2 жыл бұрын

@@dizastro5437 Yeah, it's herbal rather than floral.

The Year of the cat " AL Stewart" and Gerry Rafferty "Baker Street" are both masterpieces.

@ronday4210

Жыл бұрын

So true - hard to match

@sfl5086

9 ай бұрын

^^^ this

@buckyc.9069

3 ай бұрын

Masterpieces are sumthin you never get tired of.

@buckyc.9069

3 ай бұрын

This and "Time Passages", I can never hear too many times.

"Year of the Cat" is AL Stewart's masterpiece.

@DrDetroit

2 жыл бұрын

I have always felt that this song would be absolutely perfect in a helicopter ride over New York City when that saxophone kicks in! :)

@DrDetroit

2 жыл бұрын

At night....

This song creates a sense of nostalgia even if its the first time you have heard it. Wherever you are when this is played, it classes up the joint just a bit.

when my grandson was a baby and crying and we couldn't seem to get him to stop, I would put this song on and it worked every time. He is 5 years old and still loves the song..it's hypnotic...great reaction !!

@joseburgos9027

2 жыл бұрын

One of my younger aunt’s was my baby sitter when as was a baby, and she got the LP with that song, and I still have the LP, my apologies not still alive and every time I go to my hometown, I go to visit her… I love my aunt, besides that she introduced me to the music in the early 70’s

Any song that begins with a Peter Lorre reference is okay by me.

@KyleS3m3noff

2 жыл бұрын

That's one of the greatest opening lines of all time right there.

@Isleofskye

2 жыл бұрын

He could have fitted Sidney Green Street in there,somewhere:)

My favorite part of this song is when the acoustic guitar leads into the electric guitar which leads into the sax. I never realized how special this song was when it was out in the 1970s but I've grown to really appreciate it. She comes out of the sun with a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain. What fantastic lyrics.

You must also listen to "On The Border", another hit of his with all sorts of references to gun running during the Spanish Civil War, and yet another catchy tune which can stay in your head for hours or days

@taun856

2 жыл бұрын

I love the piano intro to this song.

@MikeB-in1nd

2 жыл бұрын

With Peter White it's amazing

Best lyric in history... "She comes out of the sun, in a silk dress...running like a watercolor in the rain." There's no better imagery out there.

@dannylgriffin

2 жыл бұрын

But is it really better than: Yeah, gotta say what's up to my nigga Slick Rick For those who don't like it, eat a dick But for those who with me, sing that shit As it go a little something like this Lodi dodi, we likes to party Let's ask the reviewers what they think, shall we?

You can listen to this song a thousand times and come out with something you didn’t catch before every time. A Masterpiece

Patchouli is a flower, often used as a type of incense. That sound towards the end of the song is a guitar. Love this song, and thoroughly enjoyed your reaction.

This song pretty much defines the 1970’s vibe. It’s got everything you could want in a song.

Asia, your smile lights up the world!! Your personality makes every reaction a beautiful experience!

@titusho2

Жыл бұрын

Yes I agree she is delightful to watch 🙏♥️ she's a doll 😄

Al Stewart was watching the movie "Casablanca" (a Bogart movie with Peter Lorrie as one of its stars) when he was inspired to write this song. By the time the movie was over he had finished the song, except for the course. He couldn't come up with anything to tie the song together. He showed the song to his Vietnamese girlfriend and her response was oh it's so mysterious, like a cat. Then she casually mentioned that, in Vietnam right now, it's the year of the cat. Something in Al Stewart clicked and he finished the song. Interestingly, once he recorded the song, he didn't think much of it. Most popular songs don't have a full orchestra, it's too long, and so on. Since the song was so long, he put it on the album as the last song on side 2 because he didn't anyone would ever listen to it. The song ended up being his biggest hit and completely changing his life. Today he says the song is kind of like a rich uncle that keeps giving him money.

This is just an incredible piece of music. The writing is like a novel, the musicianship is first-rate, and the production and arrangement is dynamic and brilliant. I think that's the bass you're hearing.

Masterpiece is the only way to describe this tune. This is a journey riding wave to wave of different instruments and the transitions are so tastefully executed.

If you want to hear the very best of Al Stewart you must listen to "Roads to Moscow" (the guitar work is terrific) as well as "Nostradamus". Roads to Moscow tells the story of the German invasion of Russia during WW2 through the eyes of a Russian soldier. Unfortunately, now we have the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine and it is devastating.

@taun856

2 жыл бұрын

"Roads To Moscow" is an absolute Masterpiece!

Asia & BJ, He is Scottish singer/songwriter, and his other well known song is "Time Passages". Phil Kenzie on saxophone.

@Isleofskye

2 жыл бұрын

On THe Border, Time Passages and Lord Grenville:)

Patchouli oil is a very strong scent and was used quite a bit by the hippie crowd. It's made a comeback recently - it's one of those scents that you either love or hate, and once you know what it smells like, you will always be able to instantly recognize it. Very distinctive.

@kfiscal01

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, my beutiful hippe chick neighbor uses it and it drives me wild. Can't explain it.

@scottbrowne4002

Жыл бұрын

And you remember that scent forever

I LOVE Asia’s laugh, and BJ’s wisdom..

The next song from Al Stewart should be his other 70's hit "Time Passages".

One of my all time favorites especially for the instrumentals. Year of the Cat is part of the Vietnamese Zodiac. Years are named for animals.

Hear this song and you're imprinted for life. I know where and when I first heard it. Every listen since takes me back to 1976 and the feel of that time. Not yet born? Think 2006 - it'll work. Al Stewart says he saw his then-girlfriend's Vietnamese astrology book opened to "The Year of the Cat" and thought it would make a good song title. It certainly did. As the story's narrator, Al sees his one night leading to involvement in a new place, with a mysterious and charming woman. By missing his bus and losing his ticket - no accident, but a choice - he commits to a Year of the Cat. A "year", for he says "... you know sometime you're bound to leave her, but for now you're going to stay..." . The album cover is cat-themed in endless detail. A woman in a complete cat suit sits before a dresser and mirror, readying for a night out. From below a striped tail curls into view. We see in the mirror her face made up with whiskers and framed by a pointy-eared hood. Oh-oh... she's pulling a clawed glove onto her one upraised hand. Jeez, Al! A year of this? I'm starting to suspect it wasn't all purring and drumbeat strains with a certain girlfriend. The beginning, though must've been sublime to elicit this musical gem. And that's part of this song's long-lived appeal, for who doesn't hear a soundtrack for their life, and recall a perfectly scripted scene with that long-ago lover? Or imagine it, at least, a touch more poetic than it was. Morocco. Bazaar. Like Peter Lorre, contemplating a crime. "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress, running ... like a watercolor, in the rain". A year that begins this way just might be worth some claw scars. Yes. It would. Play it again, Sam.

Always loved this track since I was a kid. I especially love how the violin, acoustic guitar, electric guitar,and saxophone solos just blend so effortlessly one after the other. A beautifully arranged song. To quote Greg Kihn,"they don't write 'em like that anymore".

When you put the beautiful lyrics of Al Stewart together with the genius production of Alan Parsons. then you have perfection. This song will be played in 100 years and it will still be loved and enjoyed. It's a masterpiece

This song is such a time machine. IMO when a song can return you back to an earlier snapshot of your journey, wrapped in feelings long forgotten...not a lot of songs have that level of magic.

A great song vocally and musically. Did well on the charts as did his follow up hit TIME PASSAGES which to me is also a winner. Al said the movie CASA BLANCA inspired him to write the song.

Recording. The track is noted for its lengthy instrumental sections-over four minutes of the 6:40 album version is instrumental, including a long, melodic series of solos that encompass cello, violin, piano, acoustic guitar, distorted electric guitar, synthesizer and saxophone. Thank you. This song is a masterpiece. I got the album when it was released and still have and play it.

I am a HUGE Al Stewart fan. Thank you for reacting to this.

one of the greatest songs ever!

Patchouli is an essential oil for calming that was used in the 60's and 70's by the Hippie generation. I still have it as part of my self healing.

@a47mlb

2 жыл бұрын

It was used as a deodorant in the 80’s and 90’s…..

@jeancoughlin5490

2 жыл бұрын

It is still used in perfumes, especially men's cologne. Its scent is very strong.

I saw him in concert in Virginia in 2019, he still has it! He sings about history now, never about “boy meets girl” in his words. He is a treasure.

@chuckyoneill9029

8 ай бұрын

Als no longer on this planet

@razorback9926

8 ай бұрын

@@chuckyoneill9029 Al is alive and well, try fact checking before your next post.

So... the song is intended to put you in like a Henry Bogart Casablanca Moroccan marketplace kind of feel. You can smell the fragrance of incense and patchouli in the air... Superb purest lyrics, great music - 70's was a magical decade for singer songwriters!!

Many have said it's among the best songs ever recorded. I think it is. I have it on vinyl.

Brilliant first time I heard it years ago and I've only grown to appreciate it more and more.... A truly great song!

That is the 70's right there. AMAZING song and artist(headcase). Rock on.

Patchouli, bringing me back to a time long ago. High School, concerts, beautiful young ladies smelling like flowers. Sweet memories of yesteryear. These songs are taken me back, thank you.

Love to see faces when that sax enters and blows their minds, such a joy.....

You’ve got to watch the 15 year old KZread video of this song live. The pianist begins by playing “As Time Goes By” and it morphs into the intro of Year of the Cat. And you can see him playing the piano throughout until the very end. Astounding.

The lyrics of this song is pure genius,, a masterpiece.

You just opened up the wonderous world of Al Stewart. Congratulations and please enjoy your wonderful trip through history, accompanied by intricate and beautiful music. A lot to explore here. Year of the Cat, is just the tip of the iceberg!

This is a great song. No chorus, just the refrain, "The Year Of The Cat". And it had a bridge, which is seldom heard these days. The song was extremely well mixed (by Alan Parsons). It is extremely rich with sounds, and yes, the piano is played throughout! This is one of my favourite songs.

I love the strings coming in after the bridge. So luxurious. Then from there it just starts to ascend with the flamenco guitar, to the electric guitar and then when you think you've hit the summit - in comes the sax. Just a glorious arrangement with fantastic lyrics.

This is a song I listened to endlessly after my hero big brother drowned in 1976. Shawn was almost 9, and I was 7, and this song came out about 6 months later...so it is sooo tied up with memories in my heart. A magical hurt that soothes me. ❤❤❤❤❤

So many great Scottish artists, especially in the 70s. OMG! Thank you!

His piano player used to play this rift to warm up. Al said he would write a song to it. The piano player said it was impossible. Guess what.

Hey guys, patchouli is a flowering plant. The oil from it is used as a fragrance, like incense. My great grandmother used it all the time in her furniture. That was back in the 1970s, like this song, but I'm not sure if it's used as much these days.

@martinrogerson4887

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for finally answering what it is..only been wondering for 30 years! Your a legend cheers 🍻

@centuryrox

2 жыл бұрын

@@martinrogerson4887 If it wasn't for my great grandmother, and her whole house smelling like it, I probably would've never known what it is! And I can honestly say I don't think I've smelled it anywhere since! Lol

Al was one of the great storytellers like Harry Chapin and other song writers back then.

It’s the most beautiful song ever written.

The Guys in my Top Ten of Artists...I love this guy!! So many great memories!! Patchouli Oil is what hippys wear...great old perfume.. If you went to any rock or folk festival in England in the 60's through to the 80's... You would have smelt it every where... Try out Al's "On the Border" In fact the whole Album "The year of the Cat" is a masterpiece... I've carried it with me through my life!!

About as close as you can get to a perfect song. Everything about it is great...lyrics, singing, and those incredible instrumentals, each featuring a new element. Fantastic!

One of the best produced tunes and instrumentals along with the story line! I believe this won a Grammy for record of The Year!

Damn great territory you both are going into on your musical journey. This and his other hit Time Passages.

When I first heard this in 1976, I thought, WHAT? Where is my Rock! But By the end of the song, I would a lifelong fan. Thank you Al Stewart!

I bet you if you smelled Patchouli you would automatically say oh yeah I've smelled that smell before.

Patchouli was a very popular kind of perfume in the 70ˋs it smells very intense…very good choice of music, btw! Yes, On The Border is a must too and also Time Passages is worth to hear.

I can be in the year 2122 and that piano intro will still take me back to 1977.

The arrangement of the instrumental section is pure genius.

This song takes it's time.its not rushed. Its exactly how long it should be. Tune.

heard this song probably 200 times in my life and it never gets old. on the boarder is another classic

When that cello hits at the end of the 2nd chorus, that's in my top 2 favorite notes of all music.

This is a song that I would word it as a musical stream. The instruments are the gentle twist and turns the stream leisurely takes your mind down ever so softly and gives your soul the ride of musical euphoria. I get goosebumps every time I listen to it. Your heart and soul has just been sedated by the sounds that came into your mind through your ears. Wow how music can change your mind and open so many windows to the world. Patchouli, an aromatic oil obtained from a Southeast Asian shrub, which is used in perfumery. Al Chamberlin

This was the theme tune for the long hot summer of 76 in the UK. Not a single beach party would go down without the whole album being played on repeat.

Was so thrilled watching you too enjoy this song….been one of my favorites for a while and so happy to see young people enjoying these timeless tunes!,,, love your videos,,, peace and love always!

This song is superb. It's one of the best produced songs ever recorded. It's got everything, without being overdone.

I was a kid when this song was first released. It grabbed my attention immediately. The song made time stand still for awhile. Still has the same effect today.

Lush and atmospheric, is the best way for me to describe this gem, and much of Al Stewart's music. He has a knack for creating songs that evoke a feeling, and create a connection for the listener. Nice choice. 🤟😊

Al Stewart "Time Passages",, "On The Border" & "Song On The Radio"

The song came out in 1976. In the Vietnamese Zodiac Callendar Year of the cat was 1975. My uncle was telling me about this song while he was flying in Vietnam and a cassette tape was playing this song around sunset. He was enjoying a beer, a quiet part of the war. No strings, piano at first then he switched to Moog synthesizer for keys that sound like strings and chimes. Sax is like icing on the cake.

One of my favourite songs. I never tire of hearing the poetry of the lyrics, the perfect delivery and the amazing music.

GREAT REACTION! Song was great in the 70s and still going strong,Listen to the whole album you will love it. 😎👍

One of my all-time favorites. I love Al's gentle, soothing voice.

Magnificent song. Has Alan Parsons magic all over it.

Always amazes me that you can get together such incredible talent like this and get this sound from all theses people and create one of the most incredible jazz rock songs ever. Everybody is in sync with each other their timing is perfect every solo done incredibly well, the pocket as far as rhythm goes is tight like a fine woman in a tight dress.

Pachoolee is an herb that’s made into an essential oil that people wore in the 60’s. It had come back over the years and many women (lesbian) wore it. I know I misspelled the word but you get me. This is a great song that i liked back when it was on the radio, but it really didn’t hit me until just a few years ago when i actually could hear how the instrumentation just shined all throughout the song. He really did let the musicians go for it, not only did the lyrics tell the story, the music did as well. Enjoy!

So special.... there's a reason some of these no flash songs pass the test of time.... this is poetry to 🎵🎶 music

"Time Passages" is another great song by this brilliant song writer/musician.

Class act absolutely fabulous bring back wonderful memories great to hear this again how about that sax caught you off guard give me more back in the seventees they knew how to put it together I was back in the groove great reaction year of the cat I imagine is a sultry women come on you guys get with it

All the instruments used in this song cello, violin, piano, acoustic guitar, distorted electric guitar, synthesizer and saxophone.

I fell in love with this song completely when I was 18 Y/O in 1976. I am going to see Al Stewart at Daryl's (Hall) House next month and and so thrilled!

One of the most relaxing perfect songs. Still have my vinyl copy. Such a classic

That solo in the middle...whoa! Amazing! Great song all around ❤

The entire Year of the Cat album is a masterpiece with every song gorgeous!

I wonder if „Bogart movie“ and „Peter Lorre“ rang any bell or they just overheard it. These phrases add a lot of „paint“ to the picture Al describes in this 70‘s masterpiece.

Probably my most favorite song ever. Found an app that let me make that sax solo my ringtone now. I was on a bus on my way to school, the first time I heard this. 7th grade. Our bus driver was cool. Always had her portable radio on. Said she played the music because it soothed the savage beasts. Referring to us kids, lol.

Violin was in there too. I was born in the year of the cat, (Chinese astrology, year of the tiger), and always loved this song! Definitely great music!

Great song great players and Al’s voice is so distinct! Nice rabbit hole to dive into! ❤️👌

I have not heard this since I was a kid. So refreshing and nice!

@willasacco9898

2 жыл бұрын

And doesn’t it sound timelessly perfect in all ways.🤟