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| Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens | |
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| Topic Started: May 6 2009, 11:23 AM (150 Views) | |
| Andy | May 6 2009, 11:23 AM Post #1 |
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I don't know if everyone is aware, but Yusuf Islam (the artist formally known as Cat Stevens) has a new album out, called Roadsinger. Although he returned to contemporary music in 2006 with An Other Cup, his latest album is an incredible return to the singer/songwriter material for which he is best known and loved. I've written the following review for amazon which I'll share with you all. Yusuf Islam - Roadsinger Well, what a real treat this album is. I saw Yusuf perform a couple of songs on BBC’s “Later With Jools Holland” and they sounded pretty good, so I was looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered copy of “Roadsinger”, but I honestly wasn’t expecting an album this great. As much as I enjoyed his 2006 return to contemporary music, “An Other Cup”, to me “Roadsinger” is a full return to the classic acoustic guitar singer/songwriter music which won Yusuf his army of fans and, without any hyperbole, this is a piece of work equally as good as Yusuf’s very best releases as Cat Stevens. It’s wonderful that he has embraced his past as wholeheartedly as he has on this album, even to the extent of borrowing the intro from “Sitting” (from “Catch Bull At Four”) for the intro to “Be What You Must”, a gently inspirational song augmented by a tasteful children‘s choir. Also, an instrumental based on the musical theme of this track appears at the end of the album as “Shamsia”, a tribute to a young girl who was blinded by the Taleban but refused to give up on her education. This is a very thoughtful album, tackling issues of selfishness (The Rain), isolation (Every Time I Dream), rejection (Roadsinger) and diversity (All Kinds Of Roses) whilst the music remains creative, melodic and truly beautiful. His acoustic guitar work is really quite lovely throughout the album and each of the tracks are arranged and instrumentally embossed perfectly. The wonderful opening track, “Welcome Home” seems entirely appropriate, as this album is a return to a musical home all of Yusuf’s fans will recognise and appreciate. There is a sadness about the state of our world, highlighted in songs such as “World Of Darkness”, which runs as a recurring theme throughout the album and yet Yusuf’s hopes for peace and harmony seem to speak for more voices than just his lone vocal, so the tone is always hopeful, no matter how bleak things may seem. If you have enjoyed any of Cat Stevens’ music or albums, then this is an essential purchase. This is a tremendous piece of work and will thrill every single fan of his wonderful 70’s albums. Those unfamiliar with his earlier work but who appreciate the singer/songwriter style will also be likely to fall in love with “Roadsinger”, as it is one of the finest examples of this genre from this decade. The only (minor) disappointment is that “Boots & Sand”, a song about being refused entry into the US in 2004 which features Paul McCartney, Alison Krauss & Dolly Parton on backing vocals, is not included on this disc because it was deemed not to fit in with the rest of the album. So, if you want that, you will have to download it from iTunes. Still, what is on this album is excellent - every single brilliant track. Amazon haven't published my review yet, so you all get to read it first. Aren't you lucky!? :P ;) |
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| BeatleBarb | May 6 2009, 11:32 AM Post #2 |
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Very nice review, Andy. I wasn't aware of a new album. So glad you are keeping abreast of these things and letting us know. I love Cat Stevens (will always be Cat to me!) and will definitely check this out. You haven't steered me wrong yet. On another note...wondering what you think of Morrisey? I was sorely disappointed in what I saw of him at Coachella. |
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| Andy | May 6 2009, 11:37 AM Post #3 |
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Thanks Barb. I'm confident that any fan of the "old" Cat Stevens will love this album. :) As for Morrissey, I've really enjoyed his last few albums and I think he is in good songwriting form, but I've heard some live performances of Smiths classics which have been butchered, mostly by heavy-handed guitar. As for Morrissey himself, he's who he is. Not always right, uncompromising and likely to put people's backs up. The "human flesh" comment was very unwise and he probably knew that most people in the audience would be against it, but that's him. Controversial and provocative. I still love the guy. I just don't always agree with him. :P |
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| FamousGroupie | May 6 2009, 08:20 PM Post #4 |
Obsessive Saddo Fangirl
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I love Tea For The Tillerman and Teaser And The Firecat, so I might just have to have a listen to this new one. |
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Youth truth beauty fame boredom and a bottle of pills | |
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| Bill | May 6 2009, 09:45 PM Post #5 |
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Glad I'm not the only one who thinks so - and that's an appropriately ironic description. I'm doubly disappointed because I've liked Jesse Tobias ever since he played with Angie Hart. I've spent the best part of 20 years trying unsuccessfully to match the nuance and fluidity of Johnny Marr's work on This Charming Man (which, just to rub it in, he did when he was 20!) and now to have Morrissey's own band play it like it's a rip-off of Lust For Life is rather insulting to say the least. But back to Yusuf.... |
| Put a puppet on it. | |
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| Andy | May 7 2009, 07:34 AM Post #6 |
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If you love those two albums, you will love this one. The phrase "return to form" is overused, but this is one of those occasions. If this album had been released in the 70's, it would be held in high regard today. As it is, I'm not sure that it has received many professional reviews as positive as mine, but it deserves recognition. :) |
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| Andy | May 7 2009, 07:36 AM Post #7 |
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That's a great description! I was completely appalled, like it was a conscious attempt to take the Marr touch out of the song. |
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| Jacaranda | May 14 2009, 09:11 AM Post #8 |
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I am eagerly looking forward to getting this album. The songs I've heard are fabulous. As a huge fan of the old Cat, I am so jazzed about this, it is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Andy for the review. I am very enamored of his video and single "Boots and Sand" which is backed by Paul [!] and Dolly Parton. Yusef, Paul and Dolly sound lovely together. Who would have thought? Interesting too is that Jesse Dylan (Bob's son) directed the video. Very wry and understated, about Yusef's being refused entry into the U.S. in 2002 (I think that when it was)...listen closely at the end you hear the opening of "Peace Train"... Yusef's video "Boots and Sand" Edited by Jacaranda, May 14 2009, 09:20 AM.
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 "If nothing else works, a total pig-headed unwillingness to look facts in the face will see us through." General Melchett, Blackadder Goes Forth | |
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| ogoble | May 15 2009, 01:54 PM Post #9 |
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;) You know what would be wonderful?...If someone would create an mp3 link and post it here for "Boots and Sand"...HINT...HINT! |
 Beatles/Paul McCartney & Wings Fan 
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| Gary | May 15 2009, 09:35 PM Post #10 |
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We bought the CD the other day and both love it. It's such a shame so many years have passed without his gift being more prevalent to our ears. I'm sure his music would have shaped the music industry in an inspirational way. Well-structured, philosophical lyrics within beautifully crafted music - and such a great voice. I'm hoping for more. Beautiful. Andy, I appreciate your review and agree. |
| M, I Love You | |
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| Andy | May 15 2009, 10:22 PM Post #11 |
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I'm really pleased that you and Merry have enjoyed the album. It has to be one of the very best of the year, so far. :) |
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| ogoble | May 15 2009, 11:02 PM Post #12 |
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I agree...an album of powerful lyrics with peaceful melodies. And his voice is still fresh as ever. B) |
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Beatles/Paul McCartney & Wings Fan
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| beatlechick | May 19 2009, 09:36 PM Post #13 |
In Paul's Arms!
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I just placed my order on Amazon. Unfortunately that means I also placed my order for a few other cd's and mp3's. Thanks Andy! :nono: :giggle: |
  
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