Search - Cat Stevens :: Majikat

Stands test of time

A congregational leader | from Dayton, Ohio | 03/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cat Stevens, now Yosuf Islam, is slowly making it back into the public eye - carefully. One way he is testing a new phase of life is to release this life CD (previously released as a DVD). No wonder he is willing to risk an entrance back into a more public life - this work stands the test of time. Back in the 70's Cat Stevens' music was thought of as either highly charismatic and musically tight (Teaser and the Firecat, Buddha and the Chocolate Box) or a bit shallow and sentimental (Numbers and Izitso). This collection shows his work to be charismatic, melodically rich, and performed with something close to studio precision. The strongest songs - King of Trees, The Hurt, The Wind, Moonshadow, have no trouble standing on their own as excellent pop songs. The songs that aren't quite as melodic are performed so well that they contribute to a sense of a coherent body of work captured with grace on this live album. How did they get this thing to sound so good given that it is almost 30 years old?"

Excellent Live Album

WMC | Los Angeles, CA | 08/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I learned to play guitar by imitating early Cat Stevens music. This recording fills me with both joy and sorrow. Joy that this wonderfully lyrical and tightly arranged music stands up well to the test of time. Sadness that such a considerable musical talent has been silent all these years. We are impoverished.



This is a terrific live recording, played with studio precision and energy. Some songs seem a bit rushed compared to their studio versions (especially "Oh Very Young"), but this was typical of Cat Stevens in live performance. The DVD is equally impressive. If you want one, definitive Cat Stevens album, this would be the one."

Wonderful

algabal | 05/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had always thought of Cat Stevens as being a pop-folk singer for teenage girls in the 70s, never thinking his music had much substance. But ever since I bought his 'Very Best of' CD that came out a few years ago, I have been addicted to his music. It is full of a mature yearning for spiritual truth and a deep compassion for humanity, as well as a strong sense of humour (all wrapped up in great melodies).

This album, recorded on his 1976 tour, is the perfect encapsulation of his talent. Full of both hits (Wild World, Moonshadow etc.) and wonderful album tracks like the Hurt and Ruins, every performance is strong. Cat is vocally in great shape and his band is crack.

Overall, this is a perfect introduction to the music of Cat Stevens, and serves as a wonderful supplement to the box set."