Saturday, February 2, 2019

The 1984 Listening Post - Al Stewart - Russians and Americans

Al Stewart - Russians and Americans


#103
May 1 1984
Al Stewart
Russians & Americans
3.75 out of 5

Highlights: 
Rumors of War
Accident on 3rd St.
Cafe Society

I am not a fan of the twee voiced Stewart’s output. And in reading up on this one I see that he was taken to task for taking a political stance but, for my money, in 1984, not only is this not ballsy, it’s practically required, especially for “folky-soft-rock” musicians. 
And, weirdly, it’s the first time I don’t find myself anxiously waiting for the next song. Perhaps that’s because Stewart is focused and not just writing pretty tunes. 
There’s actual cinematic menace on “Night Meeting” and “Accident on 3rd St” is the closest Al’s ever come to Paul Simon. 
This is the first Al Stewart album I actually like and would happily listen to again.
I won’t…I mean…400 albums in 1984…but, if I was told I had to, I’d do it. 


No comments: