It's a great song, which I like to perform myself. Although this arrangement is wonderful, it does work well with just an acoustic guitar. The strange thing is that it wasn't on the original LP, and only came to light as a bonus track on the CD, which is odd, considering how many people here (myself included) regard it as one of the best tracks on the album.
@Micklegard That was back when they were trying to entice people from vinyl to CD. Marketing gimmick. It is the best track on the album for my money with the possible exception of Antarctica.
Where do you ever find songs of such beauty, thoughtfulness and complexity in lyrics and arrangement? Only Al Stewart's name is attached to the likes of tunes quite as this one...The scholarly, intricately sensitive/aware, thinking man's singer/songwriter who finds history terribly important (but dare not sum up in in dull, simple b/w, stodgy terms, either.) Couldn't stand school and left formal academia for good while still 16. Goes to show...
Thanks so much for posting this. I'm an actor in Indianapolis and I always like to have songs for each of my characters. I'm currently in a production of Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida and am playing both Helen and Cassandra (and Ulysses). This song/video is just lovely. Thanks again for sharing.
My fave of all Al's songs. I've seen him live 5 times now (last night was #5) and have yet to hear him do this live. Maybe in May at the Triple Door...
It's just an ethereal, haunting song. Can't imagine anyone else coming up with a song about this theme.
It's a great song, which I like to perform myself. Although this arrangement is wonderful, it does work well with just an acoustic guitar. The strange thing is that it wasn't on the original LP, and only came to light as a bonus track on the CD, which is odd, considering how many people here (myself included) regard it as one of the best tracks on the album.
Micklegard 5 months ago
@Micklegard That was back when they were trying to entice people from vinyl to CD. Marketing gimmick. It is the best track on the album for my money with the possible exception of Antarctica.
sourisvoleur 1 week ago
Where do you ever find songs of such beauty, thoughtfulness and complexity in lyrics and arrangement? Only Al Stewart's name is attached to the likes of tunes quite as this one...The scholarly, intricately sensitive/aware, thinking man's singer/songwriter who finds history terribly important (but dare not sum up in in dull, simple b/w, stodgy terms, either.) Couldn't stand school and left formal academia for good while still 16. Goes to show...
cherimelodie 6 months ago
thanks, this is my favorite song on this album:"Last days of the century."
miltonastray99 7 months ago
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!
NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE, AL! SUCH AN ARTIST!
gerardust 8 months ago
Thanks so much for posting this. I'm an actor in Indianapolis and I always like to have songs for each of my characters. I'm currently in a production of Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida and am playing both Helen and Cassandra (and Ulysses). This song/video is just lovely. Thanks again for sharing.
laurenet0112358 1 year ago
Beatifully done montage of photos. *applause*
rac717 1 year ago
My fave of all Al's songs. I've seen him live 5 times now (last night was #5) and have yet to hear him do this live. Maybe in May at the Triple Door...
It's just an ethereal, haunting song. Can't imagine anyone else coming up with a song about this theme.
0713dennyw 1 year ago
@0713dennyw Beautiful flute bridge. I don't know if it would be as powerful sans flute.
rac717 1 year ago
Thanks for publishing this wonderful song! My favourite of the "Last Days of the Century" album!
zyx63 1 year ago