Fantastic essay on an all-time favorite album. It’s been on my mind after Chalamet sang “Tomorrow is a Long Time” on SNL; the Rod version on this album is fabulous, one of the best Dylan covers ever.
Rod’s first four albums, coupled with the first four Faces LPs represent an incredible stretch, the likes of which he would never again match.
Also, you understate his chart success. He actually became the first artists to have the No. 1 single AND album on both sides of the Atlantic simultaneously.
Wooow, John, what a beautiful essay. It made me listening the entire album, in proper order, and not only Maggie May. I will need some time to digest it, but I’m already trilled to hear Rod’s version of ‘Tomorrow is a long time’.
Absolutely fabulous article! Went back and read it again. Amazing how music just bonds with a place and time, especially in your youth when everything is fresh and new!!
Absolutely!!! He’s done a lot of great work and while I personally wouldn’t go for The Great American Songbook stuff, millions did. I saw him in Jacksonville last year. Thanks for the comment. Glad you liked the story
The greatest opening song on one of the - if not THE - greatest rock albums of all time. I never, ever tire of it, and you're description made me want to play it again.
A wonderful autobiographical piece, for Stewart as well as you John!!! I remember so much of what you recalled here, it was like a peek into yesterday !!!
We drove around in a VW van listening to that 8 track tape nonstop! Love Rod! Happened to catch him last night live on Fire Aid - he’s still got it! 🔥❤️🎶
Love Rod Stewart too. Saw him at the Old Atlanta Stadium in the 70s. One of my favorite albums was Every Picture Tells A Story . My sister's boyfriend at the time borrowed the album and never brought it back. Got the digital CD years later! Thanks for taking me back !
Great read! Such a fun reminder of what laid ahead for all of us at such a young age. Full of hopes and dreams and fearlessness for many of us. Leaving home and venturing out into the world to find the joys of living life and all the adventures we could only imagine. One of the perfect albums at the perfect time for me!
Fantastic essay on an all-time favorite album. It’s been on my mind after Chalamet sang “Tomorrow is a Long Time” on SNL; the Rod version on this album is fabulous, one of the best Dylan covers ever.
Rod’s first four albums, coupled with the first four Faces LPs represent an incredible stretch, the likes of which he would never again match.
Also, you understate his chart success. He actually became the first artists to have the No. 1 single AND album on both sides of the Atlantic simultaneously.
Hope you’re well.
You're right, Sean... Big Rod fan all my life. Seen him eight times... You're on the list to get my new baseball book...Diamond Duels... Hope you like it.. https://johnnogowski.substack.com/p/diamond-duels-digs-in-deep?utm_source=publication-search
You captured how a song can shape a life beautifully. Thank you.
Great album. Played the Grooves off of it in 1972 at Ole Miss.
Wooow, John, what a beautiful essay. It made me listening the entire album, in proper order, and not only Maggie May. I will need some time to digest it, but I’m already trilled to hear Rod’s version of ‘Tomorrow is a long time’.
That’s so kind, Sabina. I seemed to go deeper than I imagined or intended which is really cool So nice of you to write. Great album.
Absolutely fabulous article! Went back and read it again. Amazing how music just bonds with a place and time, especially in your youth when everything is fresh and new!!
Am I allowed to express enthusiasm for Rod Stewart in 2025?
Absolutely!!! He’s done a lot of great work and while I personally wouldn’t go for The Great American Songbook stuff, millions did. I saw him in Jacksonville last year. Thanks for the comment. Glad you liked the story
When the news of Garth’s passing reach me, first music I played was Music From Big Pink. Opening track Tears of Rage hit really hard
We’re so alone
And life is brief
The greatest opening song on one of the - if not THE - greatest rock albums of all time. I never, ever tire of it, and you're description made me want to play it again.
Great piece!
A wonderful autobiographical piece, for Stewart as well as you John!!! I remember so much of what you recalled here, it was like a peek into yesterday !!!
We drove around in a VW van listening to that 8 track tape nonstop! Love Rod! Happened to catch him last night live on Fire Aid - he’s still got it! 🔥❤️🎶
Hi John !
Love Rod Stewart too. Saw him at the Old Atlanta Stadium in the 70s. One of my favorite albums was Every Picture Tells A Story . My sister's boyfriend at the time borrowed the album and never brought it back. Got the digital CD years later! Thanks for taking me back !
Great read! Such a fun reminder of what laid ahead for all of us at such a young age. Full of hopes and dreams and fearlessness for many of us. Leaving home and venturing out into the world to find the joys of living life and all the adventures we could only imagine. One of the perfect albums at the perfect time for me!
Lovely comment. Thanks