Album of the Day

U.S. listeners who saw Al Stewart as an overnight sensation when “Year of the Cat” hit can be forgiven; three of the U.K. singer-songwriter's first four albums had never been released in America. The one that was, LOVE CHRONICLES, features an 18-minute title track distinguished by a then-controversial expletive and some fine guitar work by Jimmy Page. While several members of Fairport Convention also lend instrumental support, what's most noteworthy about the collection is the strength of Stewart's originals. “The Ballad of Mary Foster,” “Life and Life Only” and “In Brooklyn” sketch characters and places with masterful economy and memorable hooks. Melody Maker named LOVE CHRONICLES “folk album of the year” for 1969, and it still sounds wonderful this year.