Cat Stevens - Teaser and the Firecat

The third album Cat Stevens put out in a 15-month burst that began in the summer of 1970 with Mona Bone Jakon, Teaser and the Firecat is where the enigmatic folk-pop idol crested commercially, if not artistically. Its immediate predecessor, Tea for the Tillerman, possesses an air of mystery and unforced whimsy that proved impossible for Stevens to replicate. That said, the singer-songwriter had it in him to pull together a captivating collection that boasted two of the biggest hits of his meteoric, if self-inhibited, career--"Peace Train" and the sublime hymn "Morning Has Broken." "The Wind," "If I Laugh," and "Moonshadow" are every bit as tuneful and appealing as the hits, while "Rubylove," "How Can I Tell You," and "Bitterblue" would be standouts on Stevens's less accomplished later albums. In fact, only the bellicose social statements "Changes IV" and "Tuesday's Dead" ring hollow. --Steven Stolder Amazon.com essential recording

Teaser is great!

I love this album -- and it, along with "Tea for the Tillerman", makes up the 'Quintessential Cat'. My older friends and my very young neighbors all comment on how beautiful the music is, even if they are not familiar with Cat Stevens -- and the use of Greek instruments blends beautifully. September 19, 2008

The purpose of music

I recently heard an events promotor interviewed. When asked why we keep bringing song artists from the 60's & 70"s back he said - "because these people can still fill the big venues - yes, there are younger artists producing good songs but not enough producing a whole lot of good songs".
Some how Cat Stevens was not part of my adolescence [yes that is true] so when I saw a documentary on Josuf islam in which some of his music was featured the tunes were appealing and the lyrics interested me. I bought two albums - one of which is Teaser and the Firecat.
Marcia Hines [Australian music icon and Australian Idol judge] says - "the purpose of music is to inspire and uplift people" - well this album is inspirational - the lyrics are even more valid today than they were then. I have no doubt should Cat/Josuf ever choose to tour again - he would fill those big venues - three times over - all over the world. In the meantime we have the recording. March 29, 2008

I owned this album in my youth.

I was a Cat Stevens fan 30 years ago( or more) This was a gift to my daughter who has recently discovered Cat Stevens and Dylan and others. She loved it. March 10, 2008

Love this CD

Its a great CD. I love it. To Bad GWB and the axis of evil will not let him back into the states. December 25, 2007

Avoid the Greatest Hits

In general, I think Greatest Hits albums are to be avoided, and nowhere is that more true than with Cat Stevens. "Teaser and the Firecat" and "Tea for the Tillerman" beg to be listened to in their original form. Otherwise, you'd miss "Rubylove" and "If I Laugh".

Other than that, what can I add to what's already been said? Truly a landmark album, and one of the most sonically important albums of the era. Want a real treat? Pick up a copy on 180g vinyl; pure magic. October 3, 2007

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