Breathtaking and yes, epic. And breathes the combined despair and determination of his youthful struggles. Claustrophobic, feeling almost helpless, & entangled in the frustrating throes of crafting and marketing his chosen profession, he was also highly idealistic and highly ambitious at once. He paid the heavy dues but this song rings out, underneath all, that his efforts would reach ample fruition eventually~! Here, he and dynamite Dave ooze outstanding perfection. Very nice recording.
Just seen a very young Al on BBC4's Folk at the BBC playing a song about male prostitution I've not heard before at Les Cousins in Soho the 60s. As well as being influenced by the people who were around at the time, Al Stewart has had an enormous influence on songwriters ever since. He doesn't get much credit for this because he's a humble man but the songs and the words still resound.
In the 80's I used to see Al all the time and I asked him why he would not play songs off his first 4 albums and the answer was always dubious " I could play them, I used to play them, but somehow I don't play them. Do you really want to hear them?" YES we DO Al.
"BEDSITTER IMAGES" was Al's amazing debut album (1967). Influences from Dylan, Paul Simon, Ralph Mctell, resulting in some lovely toons, "Swiss Cottage Manouvres", "Denise at 16", "The Carmichaels". A second revised edition was released in 1970, sporting a new Cover and an additional 2 new songs "Lover Man", and the Excellent "Clifton in the Rain".
Seen AS 3 times in the UK, circa 1990's, (when I was 22) he never played anything b4 Past Present & Future. Hoped he would play 'Amsterdam', Songs out of Clay', 'Night of the 4th of May' and 'Zero She Flies', with a 70's Hammond Organ being played, he didnt! 'Elvaston Place' is so special and great, there is a house in Devon, UK that looks just like the song and I lived in there with a girl, who was not too disimilar to the lady in his early songs. And I have walked down Clifton in the rain
I find this early tune so motivating and uplifting for a college boy dealing with the ruff of everyday life. I'd love to see Al again sometime in the next year should he come to Long Island again. Saw him for the first time with my old man and brother last May in Bay Shore; I'll be twenty come November, hopefully I'll be able to take my girl to experience him too. She's already taken a cute liking to Year of the Cat ;)
Ah, wonderful! An excellent video (is it really handheld? So smooth!) and so great to hear without the orchestra drowning Al out. I always though this song was really inappropriate with the orchestra. It's all about him being small and just starting out. Dave's guitar portrays this so much better than the over blown orchetra.
Breathtaking and yes, epic. And breathes the combined despair and determination of his youthful struggles. Claustrophobic, feeling almost helpless, & entangled in the frustrating throes of crafting and marketing his chosen profession, he was also highly idealistic and highly ambitious at once. He paid the heavy dues but this song rings out, underneath all, that his efforts would reach ample fruition eventually~! Here, he and dynamite Dave ooze outstanding perfection. Very nice recording.
cherimelodie 2 days ago
Epic
johnsquirrell 6 months ago
Oh man, this might be the best Al/Dave video on Youtube. Quality from "A" to "Z".
jatras 8 months ago
Al Stewart Has so many songs that need to be rereleased on dvd
Stickyjazz1 11 months ago
"Epic" doesn't even begin to do justice to this masterpiece.
Adfumbler 11 months ago
Love Al Stewart. Can anybody download all of 'Swiss Cottage Manouvers' from his 'Bedsitter Images' album? PLEASE.
superflora86 1 year ago
His songs allways fill the head with imagery and poetry,beautiful lead work too. Great
stuff !! :)
Pentalpha5 1 year ago
thanks for posting :)
kingchrisuk2009 1 year ago
Beatiful. I saw them do this at the Ram's Head in Annapolis and in Jim Thorpe, PA. I'd rather see Al (and Dave!) than anyone!
jatras 1 year ago
@jatras I am hoping to see him in Harrisburg in March, and Bethlehem, PA in Oct. I am sooo excited !! I LOVE AL !!!
kittybunnyface 1 year ago
sounds as good today as it did way way back...........brilliant
eightiesrarities 1 year ago
Al is truly one of a kind. He has brought me hours of joy over the years. Thank ye kind sir!
Transterra55 1 year ago
Al Stewart has never gotten the respect he deserves. I would love to find a copy of this album on CD.
KorieBeth 1 year ago
Just seen a very young Al on BBC4's Folk at the BBC playing a song about male prostitution I've not heard before at Les Cousins in Soho the 60s. As well as being influenced by the people who were around at the time, Al Stewart has had an enormous influence on songwriters ever since. He doesn't get much credit for this because he's a humble man but the songs and the words still resound.
ricadia 1 year ago
Only just the second best singer songwriter ever after Joni.
ricadia 1 year ago
A treat! :)
dbailey62 1 year ago
That's wunderbar! How many times have we sung this to ourselves in moments of doubt?
phillipaj 1 year ago
First saw Al live at The Old Vic in 1975 as a very nieve 14 year old. Jimmy Page helped out.
Seen him many times since - never fails to please.
Great British talent.
reh1959 1 year ago
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In the 80's I used to see Al all the time and I asked him why he would not play songs off his first 4 albums and the answer was always dubious " I could play them, I used to play them, but somehow I don't play them. Do you really want to hear them?" YES we DO Al.
DavelovesRealMusic 1 year ago 2
"BEDSITTER IMAGES" was Al's amazing debut album (1967). Influences from Dylan, Paul Simon, Ralph Mctell, resulting in some lovely toons, "Swiss Cottage Manouvres", "Denise at 16", "The Carmichaels". A second revised edition was released in 1970, sporting a new Cover and an additional 2 new songs "Lover Man", and the Excellent "Clifton in the Rain".
gazzymodo 1 year ago
Seen AS 3 times in the UK, circa 1990's, (when I was 22) he never played anything b4 Past Present & Future. Hoped he would play 'Amsterdam', Songs out of Clay', 'Night of the 4th of May' and 'Zero She Flies', with a 70's Hammond Organ being played, he didnt! 'Elvaston Place' is so special and great, there is a house in Devon, UK that looks just like the song and I lived in there with a girl, who was not too disimilar to the lady in his early songs. And I have walked down Clifton in the rain
Joplin70 1 year ago
I find this early tune so motivating and uplifting for a college boy dealing with the ruff of everyday life. I'd love to see Al again sometime in the next year should he come to Long Island again. Saw him for the first time with my old man and brother last May in Bay Shore; I'll be twenty come November, hopefully I'll be able to take my girl to experience him too. She's already taken a cute liking to Year of the Cat ;)
PeteroftheEleven 1 year ago
@PeteroftheEleven He'll be in Harrisburg and Va. next March. It's very much worth the drive! I'll be there.
rac717 1 year ago
Just saw him at Glastonbury and if anything he is better as the years go by.
Hallasun 1 year ago
Love this song!!!! This is how I came to be a fan,and even used to play it myself. Great guitar on the piano solo from Dave N too!!
olimcantaba 1 year ago
He seems to have turned his back on his early work, it's a shame. I saw him several times in those days he never failed to deliver.
hales51 1 year ago
fantastic work. al will be playing in PA. this may. can't wait to see him again. a true pro, his act ever gets old!
jackslifepath 2 years ago
would love to hear him play more of his older songs live
Elvaston Place would be one for that wish list.
bohsfan1 2 years ago
Saw Al 3 times at Hugh's Room in Toronto. Remembered my wife and I from before. Very self-deprecating fellow. Looking forward to next time.
tullvis 2 years ago
His voice is still beautiful!!! Love that Brit accent!!
devilwoman52 2 years ago
Thanks , this is great.
When he was in London earlier this year, the venue staff stopped people from filming anything. How did you manage to do it undisturbed?
Elp35 2 years ago
Al got a new 'do! Great take on an old classic.
sourisvoleur 2 years ago
Really nice - thanks! How did you get such great sound ?
ekershen 2 years ago
Ah, wonderful! An excellent video (is it really handheld? So smooth!) and so great to hear without the orchestra drowning Al out. I always though this song was really inappropriate with the orchestra. It's all about him being small and just starting out. Dave's guitar portrays this so much better than the over blown orchetra.
VanielDonovan 2 years ago
One of my all-time favorites. I'm so thrilled he's been playing this one live lately.
GinaInTheKingsRoad 2 years ago
A true chestnut from the catalogue. And very nicely filmed. Thank you.
DeaninPA 2 years ago
great!!
athensforever 2 years ago