Gizmo
Bitterblue Member
Posts: 145
|
Post by Gizmo on Oct 24, 2006 16:11:10 GMT -5
Sup blud. Yusuf is ghetto bredren, dont ever dowt it holmie, he iz da don innit. Lets all chill, relax and have a cold beer like my cat (whose name is Gizmo by the way ......... which is merely a bizarre coincidence ;D). And just put on some laid back Yusuf music and flex. I'm totally lovin his new stuff, speshly the Heaven song...totally rules man. Peace out Majicat holmies! I will talk 2 ya all laters mi bredrens! Maybe we should all hook up some day!  I think I've had too much of that wackie Backie!  By the way, I hope you like my Queen's English Bernadette  |
|
|
|
Post by bernadette on Oct 24, 2006 16:17:41 GMT -5
Oh yeah, it is rilly god reedin' ur qenn's inglush.
|
|
salsabil
Katmandu Member
Salsabil: One of the rivers in paradise from which the faithful may drink (Qur'an 76:18).
Posts: 88
|
Post by salsabil on Oct 24, 2006 16:26:38 GMT -5
This wonderful place will never be a battle ground. If anyone wants that, they have dashing. Peace,Vivian If you don't want a battle field, then why try to create one? Enough of the dashing snipings or against anyone else on the site. Right, Christine. You've done such a nice job here, I wish for it to be respected and taken care of, by all of us. And, I don't know if I have done so yet, but I thank you for this site and your dedication to it!  |
|
Gizmo
Bitterblue Member
Posts: 145
|
Post by Gizmo on Oct 24, 2006 16:42:47 GMT -5
I totally agree with salsabil. Big up 2 Christine! This site owns! I love the 'child for a day' realplayer clip! Top notch! Vivian is also a legend, she's pure class and she personifies dedication and loyalty, big up to her aswell and all the majicat bredrens. RESPECT 2 ya'all! I missed you all like the desert misses the rain, I'm glad to be back with my holmies! Nuttin better than being back at home. woooooooooooot. I promise I'll be off the wackie backie tomorrow ............ Honest! |
|
Ruins
Wild World Member
Posts: 286
|
Post by Ruins on Oct 24, 2006 17:38:13 GMT -5
you say it the "say" way. I don't think so. My Yoga instructor speaks Arabic and he doesn't say it the "say" way. He says it HIS way. i don't know about your "teacher", maybe he's not arabic in the first place, and oh, by the way, don't take the spelling seriously |
|
|
|
Post by bernadette on Oct 24, 2006 20:02:57 GMT -5
Yes, my teacher (without parenthesis) is Arabic. He speaks it very well. He is only in this Country since three and a half years. And by the way, I never take anyone's spelling seriously. |
|
|
|
Post by Starlight on Oct 26, 2006 3:35:36 GMT -5
Jennyany-I really like your analysis of Yusuf's voice and singing style. You put into words what I was sensing but having difficulty defining. George-I agree with you that we really have to watch ourselves so that we don't slip into the pattern of becoming disageeable with each other. It is so easy to do and so difficult to reverse once it starts. Good points from both of you! Vaun
|
|
Huru
Majik of Majik Member
Ishq!
Posts: 536
|
Post by Huru on Oct 26, 2006 12:46:16 GMT -5
And as far as the tolerance of non-native speakers of English goes, better get used to it because I hazard to guess that there'll be a large influx of them in about a month. You can cross a bridge 2 ways. Br. Yusuf has a considerable 'following' in the Muslim world. They'll be listening to his new album too. And perhaps discovering CS for the first time. --kareema
Breathe, Brace, Breathe. |
|
salsabil
Katmandu Member
Salsabil: One of the rivers in paradise from which the faithful may drink (Qur'an 76:18).
Posts: 88
|
Post by salsabil on Oct 26, 2006 12:56:33 GMT -5
To me the difference you guys are commenting on in the CS vs YI voice characteristic is this. CS was 'lost', Br. Yusuf is 'found'. And for almost 30 years. kareema I hazard to guess that being "Lost" would bring more intensity to one's music/voice, if indeed being lost or found does have an affect (Or is it effect, I always confuse those two!?) on one's voice. |
|
|
|
Post by bernadette on Oct 26, 2006 12:57:59 GMT -5
Well I was misunderstood if it is implied that I have intolerance for non-english speaking people. That could not be further from the truth. My God and I both know that so naturally that is all that matters. I was not talking about someone of a different language when I made my comment. This person is of the english speaking persuasion just as much as I am. It went over everyone's head because they don't know the whole story. But fine, carry on. Make categories galore. Miss Jennyany will not be a part of them. Love ya, Love ya, Love ya.   |
|
|
|
Post by bernadette on Oct 26, 2006 13:53:57 GMT -5
I sincerely hope that there is no fallout when his new CD comes out. Why on earth should there be? Am I being naive here? I must be. I wonder why Muslim people would object to his new "secular" music. I don't even see any that I have heard as being particulary secular nor denominational for that matter. Rather it appears to be modified to enhance his spirituality and I can't see why everyone can't accept it. If you don't like it, don't buy it is what I say. (not you, the general public). No need for erudite discussions and biased opinions strewn all over the place. What the heck good would that do? It's a launching of a new CD, people, not a Meeting of the Summit. |
|
|
|
Post by Starlight on Oct 26, 2006 14:01:02 GMT -5
Yusuf is making music beause he loves music , not to promote any religious propaganda . Music transcends religion,politics,philosophy,language,etc. We can expect to see people of all persuasions to listen to Yusuf's new release, that is the whole idea behind his going secular. He has catered to the muslim community for years. Now he wants expand. Muslims need to accept that not everyone who is a fan of Yusuf's music is going to be muslim,just as we have to accept that some fans are. Religion really shouldn't even be an issue. Nor should language. Yusuf has always had fans from many different countries.
|
|
|
|
Post by Vivian on Oct 26, 2006 16:09:52 GMT -5
I sincerely hope that there is no fallout when his new CD comes out. Why on earth should there be? Am I being naive here? I must be. I wonder why Muslim people would object to his new "secular" music. I don't even see any that I have heard as being particulary secular nor denominational for that matter. Rather it appears to be modified to enhance his spirituality and I can't see why everyone can't accept it. If you don't like it, don't buy it is what I say. (not you, the general public). No need for erudite discussions and biased opinions strewn all over the place. What the heck good would that do? It's a launching of a new CD, people, not a Meeting of the Summit. If there was to be any kind of major fallout, I think it would have happened by now. I assume that it's already common knowledge in the Muslim world that Yusuf has returned to secular music. Of course, there will always be the exception who will object: But that happens in all areas of life. Peace,Vivian |
|
|
|
Post by Starlight on Oct 27, 2006 1:55:32 GMT -5
You see it from your perspective , I see it from mine, If I want to enjoy the music without thinking about the "religious implications" I will. I do not care what the women are wearing or how often people are praying or who they are praying to. As for the music being secular, I have seen many articles referring to it that way. If you want to wrap everything Yusuf does in religion, go ahead, but personally I have no interest in Yusuf's personal life religious or otherwise. I am interested in the music he makes. To you his music is inseperable from your mutually shared religion, to me it isn't. I have no interest in becoming a muslim and the more you preach how it affects every little tiny aspect of your daily life, the less interest I develop.
|
|
|
|
Post by aween on Oct 27, 2006 2:55:22 GMT -5
You see it from your perspective , I see it from mine, If I want to enjoy the music without thinking about the "religious implications" I will. I do not care what the women are wearing or how often people are praying or who they are praying to. As for the music being secular, I have seen many articles referring to it that way. If you want to wrap everything Yusuf does in religion, go ahead, but personally I have no interest in Yusuf's personal life religious or otherwise. I am interested in the music he makes. To you his music is inseperable from your mutually shared religion, to me it isn't. I have no interest in becoming a muslim and the more you preach how it affects every little tiny aspect of your daily life, the less interest I develop. I agree. My intention was never to come here or CS.com to talk about him being a muslim or not being a muslim. I don't care what anyone wants to with their life regarding religion. I am interested in all of the CAT STEVENS music that always gave me a spirtual joy. Now that Yusuf is putting a new CD out for the world to hear, I am really happy and anxious to hear it!! We all know he is a Muslim,Kareema. No need for you to remind us on everyone of your posts. We all have a pretty good idea of what he is all about, but, Can't we just sit back and talk about his music, new and Old and just have fun with that? You really don't have to remind us all of his religion. He's a wonderful man and I bet some of us are more concerned about his music rather than the religion he chooses to be. I don't even think he would worry about my religion. It's his music that I am here for, not the fact that he is a muslim. I respect all faiths, but when it seems to overpower the reason why I am here, then, I just tune out. |
|
|
|
Post by italianrover on Oct 27, 2006 3:43:27 GMT -5
is he a muslim??
I'm shocked!
:-)
|
|
|
|
Post by michaelb on Oct 27, 2006 5:12:18 GMT -5
no...it is a typo He is a musician |
|
|
|
Post by fulaluv on Oct 27, 2006 6:45:43 GMT -5
Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy.....
|
|
|
|
Post by bernadette on Oct 27, 2006 8:36:02 GMT -5
A kiddle eat ivy too...wouldn't you?
|
|
Huru
Majik of Majik Member
Ishq!
Posts: 536
|
Post by Huru on Oct 27, 2006 10:22:27 GMT -5
Well, I agree and disagree with Vivian's comment about fallout. We all know the absolutely acerbic and vitriolic tendencies that many trolls, bloggers and other critics have. (And people who are not trolls, bloggers or critics will also take issue with things.) We can certainly hope for the best, and mind our manners when there is an influx of those types on this board. Thankfully, the firestorm will die down soon enough.
There will no doubt be people who believe that "Cat" has "waffled" on his decision to leave music, and they'll say all kinds of things, including spouting their opinion that he will use profits to feed terrorist organizations. (Keep in mind that I am a very long-time Cat fan, a Yusuf fan, a student of religious studies, and am extremely open-minded toward Islam, to say the least.) While WE here all know that nothing could be further from the truth - those critics don't know it and more importantly they don't want to admit it.
There will always be people looking to talk s---, no matter what's going on. Even his cover of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is going to be raked over the coals. I'm just waiting to see the creative comments on that one (not that I'll dwell on them, mind you).
Most of us here have dealt with, resolved and moved beyond all the changes and transitions and phases of Yusuf's life. However, many people haven't. And many people don't even know there is a CD coming out. They are so busy or preoccupied with survival and dealing with everyday life that many pieces of news and events seem to come out of nowhere. That right there creates a knee-jerk reaction. Then there are the haters who hate for absolutely no reason other than they love to feed on negative energy and they're unfortunately addicted to it.
So while I would like to believe what Vivian says, I think it's wishful thinking, which is very good, but not all that realistic. Mind you I am NOT saying Vivian or anyone else is being unrealistic.
As for Yusuf being Muslim, all Kareema is really saying is that you can't separate the man from the absolute essence of his life. It's OK to be interested in him without being interested in his religion, though personally I would prefer if the message were caught -- music being the best way for that to happen -- as bards, ashiks (esoteric minstrels), singers and musicians well know. Respectfully, I think he would too, but instead of cramming it down peoples' throats, he inspires by example.
I certainly don't want a religious person of any sort trying to influence me about a personal matter -- a matter that is only between me and God. I think it's very important, though, to remember that this current music from Yusuf and the music to come in the near and distant future is a direct result of Yusuf's faith and his intentional (if not downright devout) practice of that faith.
Cat/Yusuf has always written songs that have a deep searching meaning, obviously that is nothing new. The difference is that, in my opinion, his former songs were about working things out in his own mind and he happened to be sharing them with the world (never mind that he wanted to be a star when he was really young, OK?!) His later songs are about catalyzing people and inspiring people to do something, whether it's about their own lives or the suffering of others.
On an other board there were a lot of people who got out of hand by drooling over the former and even the current man. That is just as offensive to me as someone who is perceived as coming on here and "trying to push Islam down people's throats". I'll tell you why: because frankly, at best it's silly and at worst it's inappropriate and offensive to the man and his family. Also, there are people enduring great suffering while we engage in that useless frivolity. That may seem harsh, but that's the reality. I certainly drooled over Cat when I was much younger, right along with the rest of my girlfriends. And I can still look at a photo of Cat and appreciate the beauty that was there (and still is there in a different way). But that foxy phase of his life is over now and quite frankly it's a bit frivolous to focus on it -- especially given the truth of where the man has been at in his life for 27+ years and what he has been/is now working to accomplish.
Respectfully, I don't think Kareema is trying to push the religion of Islam on people here, although to some people it may seem like that's what she is doing. Many of you have made particularly good and articulate comments on this thread supporting your own opinions about why you are listening to his current music. I really hope that this latest discussion will not cause a division here that happens on so many other message boards on the internet.
When a person has found deep meaning and satisfaction from a practice and/or a lifestyle, it is only human to want to share it. I think that is all that is going on here. And I think Kareema deserves kudos for being willing to be unpopular for the sake of drawing attention to certain things. If it seems like Kareema is being overbearing (which I personally don't believe she is), then just ignore it. Obviously, there is some pushback on her and it is a reminder that all of us, not just Kareema, need to be mindful of the preferences of others on this message board.
Everyone -- not just people here -- needs to remember that Yusuf's most fervent wish is for great numbers of people to work to end the suffering of others[/b]. The music is simply a vehicle. And he himself has suffered a lot in order to bring aid to others through his music, whether that takes place by inspiration alone or by funds funneled into appropriate charities. No matter what your interest is in Yusuf, that is his ultimate goal.
Please accept my apologies for the length of this post.
Huru[/color]
|
|
Huru
Majik of Majik Member
Ishq!
Posts: 536
|
Post by Huru on Oct 27, 2006 12:22:46 GMT -5
P.S. It also strikes me that as devoted Cat/Yusuf fans, we owe it to the man to behave in utterly appropriate and respectful manner toward trolls and other vicious critics who might show up here. I have found it very impressive when I have seen many of the long-timers here and on other boards treat jerks with respect without letting them get away with their behavior, their attitude or a completely misguided opinion.
The behavior of an artist's fans reflects upon the artist. Since it appears this will be the official message board for Cat/Yusuf, that makes the above doubly true.
Huru
Sorry to take this thread off topic. I just didn't feel it was appropriate to make a big splash with a new thread about the subject.
|
|
|
|
Post by Starlight on Oct 27, 2006 20:47:55 GMT -5
Huru; You only read part of Kareema's posts. The post I most recently responded to she deleted as soon as she read a couple of negative responses to it. It was far more extreme then the post she left up. I am not here to discuss religion. As far as silly comments about Cat's looks 30 years ago, I see nothing wrong with that. If you do, too bad. Life doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, all the time. There is room for light hearted play. I agree with your last paragraph about Yusuf using the music as a way to help alleviate suffering in the world. That is why I admire him so much, and profoundly hope his latest musical endeavor will be a success.
|
|
Huru
Majik of Majik Member
Ishq!
Posts: 536
|
Post by Huru on Oct 28, 2006 13:52:23 GMT -5
Starlight,
In reading your post and your comments about kareema's posts, it would seem to me that you are insinuating to me and possibly others what topics I/we can or cannot discuss on a message board. I am not trying to be rude or offend you, but when I read the message that's what I took from it. You wrote that you are "not here to discuss religion." Fine, then. Just move along to the next post or thread. If people want to make comments about religion, they are entitled to do so within the guidelines and terms of use for this official archive and message board for Yusuf Islam.
Message boards are about engaging in discussions and expressing opinions. I did not write that people should not be discussing Cat's looks or drooling over him – only that it seemed silly to me. (Actually, it was the extent of the drooling on another website that caused my reaction.) We all have a right to our opinions. I have not outright stated or even insinuated that people cannot or should not post about their feelings about Cat's looks. I have expressed my opinion about it, without being offensive. If you find it offensive, I can't help that.
I, along with many others, don't appreciate someone telling me what topics I can and cannot discuss on a message board. From the tone of your post, it's pretty obvious you wouldn't appreciate it either. Yet that is, in essence, what you are insinuating by stating "I am not here to discuss religion." Just ignore it then! Move along and don't concern yourself with it. I have couched my very few statements here about religion in an acceptable form and I didn't write that you are required to engage in a discussion about it. I'm not interested in every topic on here and while I read most everything, I often don't post about it - and I don't insinuate that people shouldn't bring up things I'm uninterested in.
As long as we are respectful to others, we have a right to bring up a topic. Religion, politics and money are topics that someone once said to me they don't ever discuss at the dinner table. That probably holds true for message boards as well, and indeed it is part of the Terms of Use of this site. However, comments are bound to come up because of the current and ongoing nature of Yusuf's life. Indeed, it would be quite odd if comments did not come up about it! It would also be incomplete and unnatural for people not to bring up his religious life in terms of his music, which is why we are all here. Whether you like it or not, that's the reality.
Your resistance to discussing religion or any given topic is your business, not ours. I expect not to come here and be told what I can or cannot write about simply because someone is uninterested or it bothers them in some way. Quoting something you wrote recently in another thread: "George-I agree with you that we really have to watch ourselves so that we don't slip into the pattern of becoming disagreeable with each other. It is so easy to do and so difficult to reverse once it starts. Good points from both of you! Vaun"
I have always been respectful to everyone on this message board, and I will continue to do so. So far, you have been respectful to me while stating your opinion. Yet I'm getting the feeling that if I bring up religion - in particular, the Muslim religion - even one more time, there's going to be some negative energy and another comment from you about it.
I have never been disagreeable with anyone here, and I don't intend to start. I feel it is appropriate, however, to write this response to you. If I write something about religion in the future, I think it is quite reasonable to expect that I will not receive any "pushback" from you telling me what you are or aren't interested in. You've told me (us) already and there will be no need to reiterate your position.
Lastly, the fact that you perceive my thinking that certain things are silly, and the insinuation that religion is "doom and gloom" is most unfortunate as well as inaccurate. I am all for lighthearted play, within acceptable bounds. My life is certainly not about doom and gloom – quite the opposite, in fact. There are many colorful and meaningful things in my life, mostly having to do with all forms of middle eastern music, dance and esoteric poetry. I am also in a very lively and dynamic religious studies program where people who are Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Sufis, Wiccans, Pagans, Buddhist, gay, straight, bi, and other persuasions discuss, work together, learn, grow and enjoy each other.
By the same token, we have many more kinds of people here. Obviously, some people take issue with others – whether it's their goofy communication style, their staunch opinions or even their utter cluelessness. When somebody here says something here that seems to me goofy or arrogant or incendiary, I just move along -- the one exception being the item discussed in the second paragraph of this post.
It is not my intent to be blunt with you in this post. Words on a message board without a face always seem to come off that way, and it cannot be helped. I also have no intention of entering into any further debate with you about this. We obviously disagree on certain points, so it is my intention to be polite and respectful to you while not always agreeing with your point of view. I suspect that if I ran into you on the streets or in a coffeehouse of Portland, the encounter would be quite pleasant.
Respectfully,
Huru
|
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Oct 28, 2006 14:43:11 GMT -5
This whole thread is way too intense. It started out with a discussion on Yusuf's voice, now we're getting into a whole different area. It's not good for Majicat. Ironically, the person that brought people from all walks of life here was Yusuf Islam. I'm respectfully closing this discussion.
|
|
