Al Stewart – Zero She Flies (CBS 1970)

‘Zero She Flies’ was the third album from this brilliant, but criminally underrated folk rock troubadour. It’s also one of his very best. In contrast to later works by him, the production here is really stripped down. That may take some time getting used to if you have only heard his later stuff, but on the other hand: These somgs don’t need extravagant production values or arrangements. This low key approach also enhances the unique lyrics, the engaging melodies and not at least his highly distinctive voice. There’s not one bad song on this album, but my favourites are probably ‘Gethsemane, again’, the rock-oriented title track and ‘Electric Los Angeles Sunset’ that are both very catchy, as well as some of the quiet and reflective pieces – especially ‘Anna’. Very haunting melody on that one! He hadn’t yet developed his utterly unique history oriented lyrics (that would be in place a couple of years later), but his words were already thought provoking and suited his songs excellently. I just love this artist, and he would continue to release classic album after classic album throughout the whole 70’s. It doesn’t really matter where you start. ‘Zero She Flies’ is among his least known albums, but is highly rcommended anyway.