Comments for Stewart, Al, Past, Present, and Future

Developed from the concept of a song for each decade of the 20th century, this album is a major achievement, culminating in its two longest tracks, ''Roads to Moscow'' which is about the German invasion of Russia in World War II, and ''Nostradamus'' in which Stewart tries to look into the 1990s from 1973 with help from the 16th century seer Nostradamus. A milestone in the development of modern folk music.

An unusual theme for a record album (the German invasion of Russia during WWII, which claimed 20 million lives?), but it all works. Al Stewart has one of those unique voices (like John Fogerty) that you KNOW who it is as soon as you hear the vocals.

This is a Rhino re-release of the 1974 Arista record. Theliner notes mention "This album was originally issued asJanus #3063, 5/74."