Al Stewart – Year Of The Cat (CD, 1984, Arista ARCD 8229, US Reissue, Remastered)

Why This CD Matters
Originally released in 1976, Year Of The Cat became Al Stewart’s commercial breakthrough in the United States, reaching the Top 5 of the Billboard 200 and establishing his literate, historically minded songwriting with a much wider audience. Alan Parsons produced the album, with Andrew Powell providing string arrangements and a studio lineup that included Peter White, Tim Renwick, Stuart Elliott, and Phil Kenzie, whose alto saxophone is a defining part of the title track. “Year Of The Cat” and “On The Border” became Stewart’s best-known recordings, while the album’s combination of singer-songwriter material, progressive touches, and polished studio production remains central to his catalog.

Collector Note
This 1984 US Arista CD, catalog ARCD 8229 with DADC code DIDX 163, is an early American compact-disc edition of Year Of The Cat, with the disc manufactured in Japan for Arista Records. Chris Bellman remastered this nine-track edition at Allen Zentz Mastering, preserving the original 1976 album program without later bonus tracks. The back cover and booklet contain the documented “ON THE BORNDER” misspelling, while the CD face gives “On The Border” correctly.

Availability
Single copy available—once it's gone, it's gone.

Condition & Details
CD: VG+
Case: VG+
Booklet: VG+

Technical Details
Format: CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered
Label: Arista – ARCD 8229
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Rock, Pop
Style: Pop Rock, Art Rock

Matrix / Runout
ARCD-8229 1A2 59 / ARCD-8229 1B1 62

Tracklist
Lord Grenville – 5:00
On The Border – 3:22
Midas Shadow – 3:08
Sand In Your Shoes – 3:02
If It Doesn't Come Naturally, Leave It – 4:28
Flying Sorcery – 4:20
Broadway Hotel – 3:55
One Stage Before – 4:39
Year Of The Cat – 6:40

Shipping & Handling
Cleaned with alcohol swabs.
Shipped in protective CD bags.
Cracked cases replaced before shipping.
Packed securely for safe delivery.

About Maple City Music
Maple City Music is a veteran-owned record store in Vermont focused on honest grading, fair pricing, and high-quality media. Every item is carefully inspected, cleaned, and prepared so it arrives exactly as described.