Interestingly, the sound and feel of the record are quite reminiscent of Modern Times, and while R&A is not at the top of the list of greatest Al Stewart recordings, there are some fine songs here: the resigned "Accident on 3rd Street" (he sounds so detached from the words he is singing that he renders the news the song delivers even more chilling that it otherwise might be); "The Candidate," inspired by Stewart's love for American political party primary campaigns; "Cafe Society," a look into the empty lives of the rich and richer; and a cover of the old chestnut "1-2-3." If you're familiar with dairy ads running in the US, you probably think of this bouncy number and a shiny, happy tune. Listen to Stewart's take on the John Madora - David White - Leonard Borisoff composition: By changing some of the lyrics, he imbues the song with a new cynicism while offering listeners a cautionary tale:
The hard part is learning about it, The hard part is breaking through to the truth. The hard part is learning to doubt What you read, what you hear, what you see on the news.
If Stewart sounds cynical on the album, it's no wonder. Success can breed tension - and much of it was brewing behind the scenes as Shot in the Dark members wanted to pursue their own musical journey (Stewart's backing band released its own LP to disappointing sales, in 1982). That tension could not have served the singer well - he admits to being uncomfortable in recording studios. In addition, there were the aforementioned lawyers. R&A was released in the US on Passport Records, which was aligned with Jem Records. The firm was caught up in a huge bankruptcy situation and many Passport recordings that appeared at this time were kept from being released in a timely fashion. By the time Russians and Americans finally saw release (with precious little promotion provided), mainstream radio and most record buyers didn't notice.
Tracks:
- The One That Got Away (Peter White co-wrote)
-
Rumors of War (Peter White co-wrote) - Night Meeting
- Accident on 3rd Street
- Strange Girl
- Russians and Americans
- Cafe Society
- One, Two, Three (John Madora, David White & Leonard Borisoff)
- The Candidate
- Lori Don't Go Right Now (Peter White co-wrote; on UK release only)
- The Gypsy and the Rose
Best of Al Stewart (RCA/UK, 1985; Arista/US, 1986) - What does one expect? Stewart makes his labels millions. Legal troubles happen. Stewart is sans record deal. Former labels pimp his catalog for filthy lucre. It's the music business. In any event, this slight recap of Stewart's rock-star years is a fine introduction for people who only know Alastair Stewart as the infant son of a former soccer player named Rod. Points and this writer's deepest thanks to the team that opted to include YOTC's stately "Lord Grenville" on the Stateside edition.
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
R&A is not at the top of the list of greatest Al Stewart recordings
The Hell it's not! It's at the VERY top of my list.
Incidentally, "The Gypsy and the Rose" is also UK only. I have the original US pressing or R&A and it ends with "The Candidate."
It's awfully hard to get past the synthesizers in LoDC. The songs really are as good as you say but the synths do date the album horribly.
2 - NR Davis
I'm with you on the LDOTC synths, Mr. West. Oh, yes. And thank for the head's up on "Gypsy and the Rose" - I thought I'd included that it was UK only, but I'll repair that. As for R&A, I'm glad it's your favorite. It isn't mine, and of course the piece is labeled Opinion, but that doesn't mean I don't love it. That would be categorically false.
3 - Michael J. West
Of course you're right, Ms. Davis, that the piece is labeled Opinion. But acknowledging that at the outset would have made it much harder to argue passionately and heatedly, which is the fun part of arguing isn't it?
While I'm here again, I might as well add that in so many ways it seems like Between the Wars was the album that Al had been wanting to make forever--most of his historical interest is in that period and the guitar parts for him and Juber both are an excellent showcase. In your encounters with him, Ms. Davis, did you ever ask him if he had a particular favorite among his releases?
4 - Jet in Columbus
As sad as it is to say this, I think two factors drove me away from Al.
Being a HUGE fan of Alan Parsons, when he wandered off to work on his other projects, Al's sound did indeed change, and it hurt, because I consider the Year of the cat, and Time Passages to be two of my all time favorite albums.
Another thing that kept me out of touch was that as Disco and Rap/hip-hop started taking over in that era, he got less airplay.
I thoroughly enjoyed both parts of this article, and you have my sincere compliments.
Jet
5 - NR Davis
Mr. West: Couldn't say. I don't find arguing or debate at all enjoyable.
You make a great observation about BTW, which many consider one of his masterpieces. Most of the time I've spent with Al has involved subjects other than him, but I do know that his favorite changes fairly regularly (and often it is whatever was released most recently). He has told me that "Optical Illusion" is one of his favorite compositions.
Mr. Jet: That is perfectly understandable, but do recall that Al was making music before his association with Parsons. Each man has his own muse to follow: Parsons followed his, before, during and after Al [the Project started in 1976]; it only makes sense that Al would do the same. Do not feel badly about it, though; your reasoning made sense and worked for you, which is what counts.
I thank you very much indeed for your kind words and hope you'll try some of his non-Parsons stuff with an open mind. I believe you'll find it a worthwhile experience - and trust me, Alan Parsons will be perfectly OK with you listening to his stuff and enjoying other stuff as well. :)
6 - Rob Macdonald
Natalie, I've just read Pt1 and Pt2 after attending Al's astonishing live performance at The Dome in Brighton (as it was November and he was in Brighton, he re-learnt the words to to 'Not the One' which as always been a favourite of mine). Thank you so much for this. I was considering extending the commentary on Al's albums on Wikipedia, but your words are so much better than any I would write, perhaps you might rise to the task?
7 - Jack Schwab
I interviewed Al regarding his association with Tori Amos. It was done for the Caldwells' "Really Deep Thoughts" Tori 'zine. They had the right to do with it whatever they wanted. I admit to over-reacting and acting immaturely at the time of publishing. That being said, Al himself was disappointed with the end result, as both him and Steve Chapman had approved my version. If any of you reading this are curious after all this time, it can be arranged to send you a hard copy. It's too long to transcribe again and save to a USB to send as an attachment.