Cat Stevens - Catch Bull at Four

Celebrated and adored for his sanguine lyrics and irresistible hooks, Cat Stevens was one of the rare singer-songwriters capable of composing genuinely optimistic songs that didn't leave a sappy residue in listeners' ears. However, even a cursory listen to 1972's Catch Bull at Four proves that the Cat had seen darkness, too, and that those darker elements had become more pronounced than they'd been in the past. His vocal style shifts from the cool croon that made Tea for the Tillerman and Teaser and the Firecat top sellers to a harsher, almost growling delivery. The album's standouts--the wistful reverie "Sitting" and the delightfully infectious "Can't Keep It In"--are resolute in lyric and melody. Rambling, mystical odes such as "The Boy with a Moon & Star on His Head," "Angelsea," and "Sweet Scarlet" offer quaintly romantic imagery and lavishly undulating melodies. But it's the mercurial dynamics and driving melody of "18th Avenue (Kansas City Nightmare)" and the bitter conviction of "Ruins" that give the album a backbone and a sense of balance. --Sally Weinbach Amazon.com

One of the best.

This is not my favorite Cat album, but one of his best by far. Cat's lyrical quality and great folk music ability shine brilliantly on this album almost better than any other.

Check it out if you are a new Cat Stevens or Yusef fan, and if you are an old school fan, then you must own this album. June 9, 2008

Mark Welsh; Angelsea - way off base with the lyrics-

Mark Welsh:[ Supposedly the voices repeatedly chant "Oh, Carly Simon says, oh, Carly, why?]
WRONG.
The lyrics are "Angelsea, Angelsea..Angelsea" (pronounced ahnG - lay-sa(w) June 3, 2008

cat's got the cream with this album

a beautiful album of folk rock ditty's which send you in a daze of happiness
from the opening track "sittin" you know you're in for something special then comes
"the boy with the moon and stars on his head"
a beautiful song i can see myself in a poppy field watching the sunset whenever i play this song..hell i think i'm gonna do that
angelsea beautiful tear jerking
silent sunlight another class song from the cat
18th avenue [kansas city nightmare] my second favorite track on this album
freezing steel good just not great still the steven's
o'caritas another one of my favorites
sweet scarlet my favorite a beauty
ruins no way this is great

catch bull at four 10/5 steven's and his many highs
god bless you cat stevens November 28, 2005

Excellent service and product!

Thanks for the great memories every time I play this CD. Delivered promptly and packed well.


October 25, 2005

Cat's Early Seventies' Transition

Cat Stevens' fourth album for A&M records is a definite treat. The first Cat Stevens LP to feature a promotional label: (2 different labels on one record), and I believe the first of those 4 albums to feature electrical instruments. This album contains the top 20 hit "Sitting" as well as the acoustic masterpiece "Boy with a moon and star on his head". Cat's first big rocker was "Freezing Steel" from side 2. Also included are "Angelsea" and "Silent Sunlight" which i think are the best ones on the album. The remastered CD has brilliant sound, just like the LP right out of the shrink wrap. If you are just discovering the sound of Cat Stevens, "Catch Bull At Four" is an excellent first choice. The musical energy will fill you up. January 28, 2005

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