Down in the Cellar [IMPORT]

Al Stewart

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Original Release Date: October 17, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B00005956C
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,947 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
2001 album for the Scottish folk singer/songwriter who had his biggest U.S. success with his 1976 album, 'Year of the Cat'. This album shows the artist's two passions, music andfine wine (he's been a wine connoisseur for more than 30 years). 13 tracks including, 'Waiting For Margaux', 'Tasting History' and 'Down In The Cellars'. Standard jewel case. 2000 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musical Gold, June 23, 2001

By	Cheryl Iaconis (Bakersfield, CA) - See all my reviews

After listening to this CD numerous times a couple of expressions come to mind "not of this world" and "speechless". I know this saying quite cliché in light of the emphasis of most of the songs, but like an expensive fine wine Al Stewart has aged very. I own just about everything Al's has done over the years and have seen him in concert numerous times. I can truthfully say that I have yet to be disappointed at any engagement or with any CD he has ever produced.

"Down in the Cellar" is a crowning work of achievement with the music and words being so fresh and alive you can connect in some way with about every song. I particularly liked "Turning into Water", "Millie Brown", "Under a Wine Stained Moon", and House of Clocks". But my favorite track of all is No.: 9 "Franklin's Table". Without a doubt, the music industry has never seen or will ever see a song writer with the talent Al Stewart again. I only wish Amazon allowed for more than 5 stars as this would surely get 10. This is a fascinating and incredible piece of music well worth the years of waiting. BUY THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will not be disappointed.

By the way, I have read some reviewers who claim that Al creativity dried up after "Time Passages", with "Russians and Americans" being a major disappointment...Oh REALLY??? I am by no means an expert, but I really take offense with that statement. Some of Al's best work can be found in some later works, specifically Russians and Americans, Between the Wars and Famous Last Words. His insight and creativity with weaving historical events into songs are unparalleled. In particular, listen to the words and music in "Trains" and "Three Mules" off "Famous Last Words" and "Between the Wars".

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Excellent Set from the Master, August 14, 2001

By A Customer

If there is a more talented songwriter and lyricist than Al Stewart working in folk-rock today, I certainly can't say who it might be. If there is any criticism of Al to be made, it would be that he makes us wait so long between releases... but then that might be why he's so good at what he does -- no "gotta get something out every 12-18 months, regardless of its quality" in his approach to recording music.

Back in 1995 was Al's last original release, "Life Between the Wars" (LBtW) -- which I consider the best thing he's ever done. Now "Down in the Cellar" (DitC) isn't quite as good, but it is still excellent; a work full of thoughtful, literate lyrics with interesting melodies they are set to and (of course) outstanding musicianship.

As on LBtW, Laurence Juber works with Al on this CD and is credited as producer. But whereas the overriding musical presence on practically all of LBtW was the outstanding guitar work of Mr. Juber and Mr. Stewart, DitC features a fuller and more varied mix -- more piano, and electric guitar on songs as well as the expected acoustic presence. (And longtime Al fans will appreciate that Peter White returns for a turn, playing accordion on the oompah-styled "Toutes Les Etoiles.")

As mentioned in other reviews, all the songs mention somehow the presence or influence of various wines, from the opening "Waiting for Margaux" (I didn't know until recently that Margaux is a wine style) to the closing "The Shiraz Shuffle" (another wine style, and a song featuring some lovely acoustic guitar work from Mr. Juber). In between those songs are a number of great songs, from the somber "Down in the Cellars", uptempo "Turning It into Water" (one of the songs featuring some electric guitar work, and which seems to recall "Year of the Cat" in some of its stylings) and the hilarious "The Night That the Band Got the Wine" (listen to that one and you'll pick up the distaste that Al and probably most decent musicians have for playing the same old pop standards for parties and wedding receptions).

If you like Al Stewart, you'll love this CD. It is definitely worth the extra bucks you'll have to shell out for it since it is available only as an import as of this review (August 2001). My personal feeling is it isn't quite as good as "Life Between the Wars" but still excellent, and if you liked the more varied arrangements found on earlier Al Stewart records like "Year of the Cat" or "Famous Last Words" you'll probably prefer this one. In any case though, support this otherwise under-appreciated master of folk-rock, and buy the CD.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely one of Al's best, March 6, 2001

By	Patrick J. Neals (Toronto, ON, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Although not available as a U.S. release yet, this one is now being made available via EMI in the U.K. You must get this one! This is a beautiful piece of work, lots of piano, lots of lovely melodies and lyrics. Al shines through yet again. "Turning It Into Water", "Waiting For Margaux" and "The Night That The Band Got The Wine" are the highlights of the album, and the catchy, energetic "Toutes Les Etoiles" will get you dancing around - careful not to spill your wine!