Bed-Sitter Images (1967)
Although this is technically not Al Stewart’s official first record, this is the 1970 reissue of his debut Bedsitter Images album. A few songs were removed from the original 1967 release and then a few songs were added to this. Taking a more folky pop, poetic story telling approach to his songs and music, Al Stewart creates an album that is not only sonically appealing, but one that captures the social and musical landscape of the late 1960s.
The album opens with the atmospheric "Bedsitter Images," the title track that sets the tone for what's to come. Al's voice, soft and intimate, tells a tale of living in a cramped London bedsit. With an upbeat tempo, great orchestration and hook in the chorus, there is no better song to start the album.
As the album continues, "Swiss Cottage Manoeuvres" starts off with these bright horns, bells and orchestration that almost make it feel like you’re about to listen to a Bing Crosby or Aaron Neville Christmas song. It adds a touch of whimsy with its playful acoustic guitar and lively lyrics. "Scandinavian Girl" takes big inspiration from The Beatles as it shares a very similar chord progression to “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown).” Al's poetic lyrics and melodic charm captivate. The folky story telling paints you a picture of the far away land and the Scandinavian girl.
As bright and light as the album might seem at times, you get songs like “Pretty Golden Hair”, which take you down some pretty dark alleys. Don’t let the musical arrangement steer you wrong with this tale of a pretty boy whose life takes great abuse before it ends too soon. And just when you think you've explored every corner of Al Stewart's lyrical landscape, "Samuel, Oh How You've Changed" surprises you with its gorgeous orchestration and captivating narrative filled with soulful melodies. Similarly, “Beleeka Doodle Day” surprises you with its darker acoustic arrangement and eerie sounding organs driving the song forward.
Now I love Al Stewart, but this album is not perfect. Some may find the album's musical diversity lacking, with many songs following a similar acoustic folk-pop style. But then again, that’s the style of the album. That’s folk pop music. In the mid to late 1960s this wasn’t a genre that needed reinventing and the consistency of the record creates a cohesive atmosphere. Obviously Al evolves his sound and the things that really work on this album carry into his later works. There are a few songs on here that don’t demand to be replayed. Some kind of fade away into the genre and blend together.
There are quite a few, though, that either lyrically or melodically stand out and will get many replays from myself. Especially some of the instrumentals like “Denise At 16” and “Ivich”. These really showcase Al Stewart’s signature guitar style and amazing musical prowess. “Lover Man” even sounds like it could’ve been an early Beatles song with a slightly different arrangement and Al’s folky voice.
While not a perfect album, "The First Album (Bedsitter Images)" remains a significant milestone in Al Stewart's career and a testament to his talents as a storyteller and musician. Despite its criticism, it captures a fascinating glimpse of a bygone era, inviting you to immerse yourself in its poetic and melodic charm.
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Highlight Songs:
Bed-Sitter Images
Samuel, Oh How You’ve Changed!
Beleeka Doodle Day
Clifton In The Rain
Scandinavian Girl
Denise At 16
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
If you like folk music or songs that tell stories then this is a fantastic album for you. Way more interesting, in my opinion, than other folk/folk pop artists of the era. If that isn’t your cup of tea then I suggest stream it and see if anything on it scratches your brain the right way. If it’s not for you, that is totally understandable but don’t write of Al Stewart entirely! There is much more brilliance to come.
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Overall Rating
3.5 Stars
