Thursday, August 5, 2010

Catch Bull At Four CD Review

Cat Stevens, 1972.

After the huge albums, Tea For the Tillerman and Teaser and the Firecat, the charts were ripe for an album to go straight to Number One and sit there for several weeks.
Catch Bull at Four was the album - what does the title signify?
The set of songs had slightly less commercial appeal than those on the aforementioned albums - nevertheless we have the staples of Sitting and Can't Keep it In.
We also have the Greek-based Angelsea and O'Caritas.
O'Caritas is one of my favourite Cat songs, in a minor key which links the Greek through to the English and with bouzoukis, clapping and a 3/4 into 6/8 rhythmic flow.
I reconciled myself long ago to the possibility and indeed probability that I would never get to hear O' Caritas live...and that of course has been the case.
Another favourite song, telling a story and incorporating an adventurous instrumental tapestry, is the song about The Boy With A Moon and Star on His Head - just enjoy the story, and see where it takes you...
An album filled with musical gems, which I encourage you to explore in your pursuit of aural pleasures!

9/10.

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