This new 2CD set, just released features about two or so songs per Album that Al Stewart has published thoughout his entire career. From Bedsitter Images, Zero She Flies, Orange of the early days to the breakout Past, Present & Future, to fame in Year of the Cat, Time Passages and relative obscurity in Last Days of the Century to unique work in a 30's style album and Down in the Cellar and back again on a Beach Full of Shells. This CD set has some of the best selections. Included are Live recordings of Nostradamus and Roads to Moscow. One of my personal favorites from the early days, "Manuscript" is included in this set and it is a very pleasing sampling of a great productive career. Al is still plugging away and his most recent work "A Beach Full of Shells" at age 60 is actually one of his better compositions, so we can't count Al out until he decides to stop touring and writing. May he live long!
I have always thought that a compilation from Al Stewart would be a waste. I have reviewed other CDs by him as extremely enjoyable. The songs on this CD are well chosen and excellant representations.
So what's my problem with this CD.
Al Stewart has planned his CDs so well in the past that these random cuts do not convey the mood and mastery of his full CDs. I am a true fan and want everyone to experience Al's music but you really miss his real synergy of a complete album. All the parts are better a s a whole.
Of course , with many compilations, my favorite individual songs are not there. Modern Times is not represented well.
If you have not heard Al, please, buy this CD. If you have heard Al, you know what I am talking about.
A good mix of old and new Al Stewart hits.
Highly recommend this compilation to any Al Stewart fan!
