Cat Stevens: “Teaser And The Firecat”
Secondhand Vinyl
Album: (Puchased at Ernie November, Sioux Falls, SD)
Original Release
Date: 1971 A&M Records
(My Rating: 5 Stars also THIS IS AN END OF THE
WORLD SURVIVAL PICK!!!)
Side 1
The Wind
Rubylove
If I Laugh
Changes IV
How Can I Tell You
Side 2
Tuesday’s Dead
Morning Has Broken
Bitterblue
Moonshadow
Peace Train
To begin,
I feel it’s necessary to confess that I may not be the most impartial person to
review a Cat Stevens album. Basically, I
want to fess up to the fact that every time I listen to a record by this artist
I get all gooey inside and find myself eventually morphing into one big
emotional pile…of love…and hope…and even sadness. However, Cat’s music has a way of making one
feel extremely peaceful toward any emotion he may ignite in a listener. Actually, this blogger is willing to wager that
spreading the feeling of inner harmony was always the end goal for such an
introspective artist. This last
statement reminds me that my brother once confessed he had spent an entire
afternoon listening to the music of Cat Stevens. As a result, he stated that he was, “So damn
happy he just wanted to find something to punch.” This statement stuck with me. I eventually constructed the hypothesis that
listening to a Cat Stevens record is like taking anxiety medication. It immediately forces a listener to calm down
despite any present tension. It just
makes sense that certain individuals may experience a feeling similar to panic
as a result of just how comfortable they can become. In other words, happiness does not come
easily to all of us.
This being said, from the sounds emanating
from my turntable these last two weeks I can confidently state that the artist,
Cat Stevens, makes the topic of joy seem effortless. I can’t think of better proof of this statement
than the opening lyrics of the album’s first song. During, “The Wind,” our singer proclaims, “I
listen to the wind, to the wind of my soul.”
It’s my opinion that this one lyric sums up the entire feel of the
record, “Teaser And The Firecat.” So, if
you happen to be one of those people who hear this type of thing and think, “Nah,
I’m not game for that hippie shit,” walk away.
Seriously, just walk away now.
However, if you thrive under the spell of mysterious songwriter types
who tackle weighty topics like spirituality through the simplicity of acoustic
guitar, then hold on to your undoubtedly patchouli soaked hat because you’re
about to meet the king of this genre.
Significant highlights during the album,
“Teaser And The Firecat,” include the song, “If I Laugh.” During this piece a listener is reminded that
this artist’s enormous talent is not only evident in his guitar playing, but also
his singing. I found myself surprised to
realize that the strongest part of this particular song was not while Cat was
actually reciting his lyrics. Instead I favored
the spaces in between. Here, the artist
filled lyrical voids with some rather impromptu sounding, “da, da, da, da, da,
dasss…” that possessed enough casual grace to actually spotlight this
song. In this blogger’s opinion, not
every artist can hum a little tune and make it sound legitimately passionate.
Later in the album the song, “Morning Has
Broken,” takes the topic of passion to a new level by introducing the theme of
spirituality. The thing I appreciate
most about Cat Stevens’ obvious loyalty to his faith is his ability to make it
accessible to an individual belonging to any denomination. During this song it becomes clear that Cat
believes God can be found all around a person, especially in aspects of
nature. He sings, “Morning has broken,
like the first morning. Blackbird has
spoken, like the first bird.” While
listening to Stevens’ joyous prose, accompanied by crystal clear piano, this
blogger couldn’t help but acknowledge the beauty all around her. I too began to contemplate who may be
responsible for the wondrous things in the universe. What did I tell you folks?, “hippie shit.”
In addition, hints of introspection continue
throughout this album’s duration. Classic
songs like, “Moonshadow,” and, “Peace Train,” concentrate on themes similar to
spirituality. These topics often regard
the idea of finding beauty in the unexpected.
A solid example of this can be found during, “Moonshadow,” where almost
ominous lyrics create a kind of fable that eventually transforms into the
simple lesson that there’s a good side to every situation. Likewise, the song, “Peace Train,” tells a similar
story. Here Stevens’ lyrics concentrate
not only on the sadness of, “the world as it is,” but also the joy of, “good
things to come.” No matter what way Cat
Stevens tosses it, one can’t help but feel like this coin is going to land face
up.
Lastly, my favorite song on the album,
“Teaser And The Firecat,” is, “How Can I Tell You.” Much like the first song on the album, this
song expresses great beauty through total simplicity. To clarify, a casual listener may interpret
the lyrics of this song as nothing special.
However, it’s this blogger’s opinion that these lyrics possess the
honesty of someone having a private conversation with another individual. It’s this honesty that reflects a feeling of
true love. I guess when it comes down to
it, I seriously suspect Cat Stevens was in love when he originally sang this
song. In fact, to expand on this
statement, I really believe this artist praises the morning. I believe he listens to the wind of his soul,
and he still waits to catch the peace train…and you know what, this hippie
can’t quit smiling about all of it.
-r.