Al Stewart – Year Of The Cat (Quick Ship)

Al Stewart’s “Year Of The Cat” is one of those rare albums that quietly rewires how you think about 70s singer‑songwriters. Rather than leaning on big choruses or studio flash, Stewart builds a world out of detail: travelers in foreign cities, half-remembered lovers, and late-night radio moods that feel suspended in amber.

The title track is the obvious magnet—a lush, slow-burning piece that glides on Phil Kenzie’s iconic saxophone line and a gentle, almost cinematic arrangement. But the deep cuts are where this record truly rewards repeat listens. “On the Border” folds historical references into a surprisingly propulsive groove, while “Lord Grenville” and “Flying Sorcery” show Stewart’s knack for turning history and myth into something disarmingly intimate.

Produced by Alan Parsons, the album carries a warm, meticulously layered sound that shines on vinyl: piano, acoustic guitar, and subtle orchestration sit in a wide, inviting space. For collectors, “Year Of The Cat” is more than a nostalgia piece—it’s a snapshot of a moment when literate songwriting and radio-ready rock briefly shared the same stage. If you love albums that reveal more with every spin, this is one you’ll want within arm’s reach of your turntable.