|
|
Post by k@tmandu on Jul 30, 2006 14:21:52 GMT -5
Now that there are three biography books out there on Cat (Charlesworth, David Evans, and the new one by George Brown) I was wondering if anyone has reviewed or compared the three ? I know the first two are hard to find, but I was very impressed with the new bio by George , which seems to be very comprehensive and provide the most complete discography including some info on songs I did not know about before. Also some very interesting interviews with some of Cats collaborators, which suggest to me the beginning of a big project to interview all the band members and people who worked with Cat in the 60s and 70s !!! I hope there is even more to follow - what do others think of Georges book ?
|
|
|
|
Post by Vivian on Jul 30, 2006 15:15:50 GMT -5
George's book is excellent and very well done. But the other two have something great to offer as well, and are well worth getting if you can. Yes, they are hard to find, but they have been sold on E Bay, so that would be a good place to look. Unfortunately, they can get expensive, though.
Peace,Vivian
|
|
|
|
Post by whitesatin on Aug 1, 2006 15:25:54 GMT -5
are these any good to read Vivian......
Jan
|
|
|
|
Post by Vivian on Aug 1, 2006 15:41:07 GMT -5
I enjoyed them very much, Jan. If you can find them and get them at a reasonable price, I would.
Peace,Vivian
|
|
|
|
Post by brumben on Aug 4, 2006 3:11:01 GMT -5
I was a Cat fan in the 70's (actually saw him on the Majicat tour) and have just bought George's book, which I am completely delighted with. I thought I'd seen just about everything Cat-related, but George has managed to come up with some stunning photo's and memorabilia, most of which I've never seen before, and the best and most comprehensive discography ever published, no doubt. I particularly enjoyed the interviews (including the notoriously difficult Kim Fowley) that shed new light on the early days, and I found the spiritual element fascinating. Best book on Cat I've read, well done George - essential reading for anyone with an interest in Cat/Yusuf.
|
|
Chris
Oh Very Young
Posts: 0
|
Post by Chris on Aug 4, 2006 23:03:02 GMT -5
I have to agree with this review. I thoroughly enjoyed Georges book. There are many new incites to Cat. I especially enjoyed the interviews. the David Hurst and Peter James interviews are gems. It is so nice to hear old friends and colleagues talk about Cats early days. and they really seemed to enjoy talking about him.We don't often get to hear about Cats early days. So this is a real treat. The rare photos are nice touch a swell. Anyone who is interested in Yusuf career as Cat Stevens and his music, really will enjoy reading this little treasure.
|
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Aug 18, 2006 2:42:17 GMT -5
Thanks very much. Mike Hurst, Cat's 60s producer, gave some very interesting recollections. Hearing Kim Fowley talking about the day he wrote 'Portobello Road' with Cat/Steve was fascinating. Peter Janes, who was best mates with the young Steve gave a great account of how Cat coped with early stardom and about their work together. Thanks to everyone who has supported the project including Paul Carugati and his sister Denise Carter who gave me some great material about Steven's school days and setting up the Pause Cat fan-club.
There's plenty of copies left by the way ;-) Plug over, thanks Christine.
|
|
|
|
Post by 1976 on Aug 18, 2006 2:53:01 GMT -5
"There's plenty of copies left by the way ;-)"
I'm game .
|
|
|
|
Post by cristalina on Aug 18, 2006 18:56:02 GMT -5
I'm still reading George's book which I'm enjoying and despite being a very early Cat fan, he still has info in the book I didn't know about, such as the early fan club (and lots of other stuff too )  Very interesting reading. I bought the David Evans book and although I enjoyed it, I was left feeling that Cat was a very difficult person, which is what seemed to come over more strongly than anything in the book to me. Maybe thats because I was blind to the 'real Cat', as he himself often said fans were, which disappointed me a bit  I always imagined this wonderfully happy calm person and maybe that is what he has become now, I don't know. The David Evans book has been available quite frequently on ebay recently and selling for very reasonable prices. Never managed to get a copy of the Charlesworth book, missed the last one on ebay because I forgot and logged on 5 minutes after it'd finished  |
|
|
|
Post by Lucy13 on Aug 18, 2006 19:55:38 GMT -5
I'm still waiting on my copy........................................................ .................................................................................................. .......  |
|
|
|
Post by SuzieQ on Aug 19, 2006 6:39:26 GMT -5
I'm still waiting on my copy........................................................ .................................................................................................. ....... When did you order it? George is usually very good, infact he sent mine out before he received my cheque! Bless him. SuzieQ |
|
|
|
Post by Lucy13 on Aug 19, 2006 14:15:40 GMT -5
Well, I think George did the same for me, Susie. Anyway, it doesn't matter. I specifically requested surface mail, thinking I could wait a few weeks. That there was no rush. Knowing full well it could be 6-8 weeks, maybe longer. (Hoping it might come in 2-3!) Well, it's been almost 2 months now since I sent the check and ... well........ it's starting to feel as if that ship is never going to get here! Ah, well.... maybe next week.... (Something to look forward to at least!) (George did tell me it took at least one other person 10 weeks to receive their copy, so I'm not worried yet) (just getting "antsy") |
|
|
|
Post by Lucy13 on Aug 21, 2006 18:15:47 GMT -5
I received it today. What a beautiful little tome. Off to read it now..... aaaahhhh..... Beautiful. Just beautiful.... Cute little picture on the back cover too.... (of the little boy with guitar). |
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Sept 9, 2006 15:47:53 GMT -5
Many thanks all, Lucy, glad you liked the back cover pic of the boy with the guitar. It was one of me taken in 1963 by my dad, a little indulgence. Note Beatles fringe which is now fine, and fly away!
|
|
|
|
Post by brumben on Sept 12, 2006 6:49:37 GMT -5
George -
I'll say it again, a superb book - can we expect an update now there's a new album?
|
|
|
|
Post by Vivian on Sept 12, 2006 8:48:56 GMT -5
George - I'll say it again, a superb book - can we expect an update now there's a new album? I think George is ALWAYS updating. How about it, George? Peace,Vivian |
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Sept 12, 2006 13:12:17 GMT -5
Thanks Brumben, Vivian. It was hard holding on for the new album with the book. I just wanted to get it done and dusted after working on it for ages. It did shorten my life ever so slightly. I think an update so soon after it's very recent release will have to be written in crayon on the inside back cover! Seriously, in a few years time, certainly, if things go well. One thing I would like to do, one of these days, is update the Underneath The Covers project. It's a very light hearted look at Cat's cover versions. There are so many more that have come to light now. There's now Yusuf cover versions, which is great too - e.g. Silent Sunlight by Dawud Wharnsby Ali which is quite beautiful. If I'm not digressing too much. There's still a few surprises out there. I hope I'm not being too flippant but for those people in the UK who are fed up (Blair and Gordon, Gas bills and the world at war) and need a good laugh, Extras is back on Thursday!! Have a great week.
|
|
|
|
Post by flemmishfan on Sept 12, 2006 13:15:28 GMT -5
George i'm really in shame i haven't order the book yet.Tomorrow i will go to my postoffice.Regine
|
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Sept 12, 2006 13:24:22 GMT -5
Thanks Regine :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by cristalina on Sept 13, 2006 5:39:30 GMT -5
I hope I'm not being too flippant but for those people in the UK who are fed up (Blair and Gordon, Gas bills and the world at war) and need a good laugh, Extras is back on Thursday!! Have a great week. Thank god you never mentioned the price of fuel too, lol then I'd have been really fed up. With predicted gas bills we'd all better hope we have a mild winter. Never got into Extras, last good comedy I really enjoyed was Everbody Hates Chris. Oh really enjoyed your book by the way  |
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Sept 13, 2006 12:31:52 GMT -5
Thanks Cristalina :-)
I'm thinking of opening up the fireplaces in my house! I'd have solar panels if they were reasonably priced. Things need to change. Cars can run on vegetable oil! The world has gone mad and the news is so grim.
I watch so little TV these days, I've never seen Everybody Hates Chris. I'll look out for that. Extras I guess is one of those sitcoms you either love or hate. Like Little Britain, if it goes any further it could end up as being not funny at all! I'm looking forward to the Extras episode with David Bowie.
|
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Dec 4, 2006 1:36:47 GMT -5
Since I've been asked, it's shameless plug time and thank you for all recent enquiries! The book is still available and I send super-fast and carefully: www.majicat.com/Fan%20page/gbrownbio.htmThe best news for me of late is the nomination for the Association for Recorded Sound Collections 2007 award for "outstanding writing and research". I must thank Lucy13 . Here are a few comments from my In Box these past couple of months:
Thanks for sending the book so quickly!
I love your journalistic approach, it's so easy and interesting to read. It is amazing research that you've done.
Such hard work and a great book.
I thought your book was great and was pleased that the interview you had with me was portrayed almost word for word with no 'poetic licence' chucked in for good measures!
Your book is great. You really seem to be a true expert. I guess I've read pretty much everything there is about Cat Stevens but you told me so many things I didn't know, all those details about rare records and all those interesting witnesses. I think you put everything in the right words. It is truly a wonderful book.
A neato book that will fit in nicely with my other Archive treasures.
Just a quick email to say that I have read your book and really enjoyed it, you did a great job.
Brought back some memories. I suppose my first thought of Cat Stevens will always be Matthew & Son. I was 15 and just starting to buy records. 6s  each springs to mind. I had a Saturday job in Boots earning about 15 shillings, so could buy a record, go to the pictures (sixpence plus bus fare) - oh those were the days.......
i just received it today when i arrived home from work
what a great supirse...
i love the way it looks
i just read the frist few pages
it reads great.........
How do you know this stuff?!!!!
The interview with Peter Janes was truly wonderful, what a great piece of history you have recorded there. I also loved the comments from Kim Fowley on writing Portobello Road with Cat.
As an obsessed collector, it has given me great knowledge and my only grievance is that it will reduce my bank balance when I find some of those rarities!
It's very skilful how you've interwoven the spiritual and material aspects of the man's life.
I sent for the book Tuesday and got it in New York on Saturday!!
The visual material is stunning and printed so charmingly.[/color] ANYWAY, modesty forbids me cutting and pasting any more of these but again, thanks to everyone for such great support and if you've been considering purchasing, I hope you are able to. Peace, George |
|
CatLike75
Bitterblue Member
So on and on I go, the seconds tick the time out...
Posts: 123
|
Post by CatLike75 on Dec 4, 2006 9:51:56 GMT -5
Great to see there is at least one other big CS fan in NY. Got my copy a while back. Wonderful job, George.
|
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Dec 27, 2006 9:34:43 GMT -5
Several people have written recently asking how they can purchase 'CAT STEVENS - The Complete Illustrated Biography & Discography'. Details are here and please note that PAYPAL is accepted and makes life much easier. Happy new year to everyone. www.majicat.com/Fan%20page/gbrownbio.htm |
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Mar 7, 2007 1:18:23 GMT -5
Shameless plug time! I'm placing a few copies on eBay without a reserve, so a good opportunity to pick up the book very cheaply.
|
|
|
|
Post by 1976 on Mar 7, 2007 2:20:03 GMT -5
student.
broke.
some other time, mate.
|
|
|
|
Post by m@kansascity on Mar 7, 2007 6:01:41 GMT -5
where is the good tradition of sending free copies for reviews gone?
:-)
damn i'm such an idiot george
i got a bunch of pounds for days in my pocket and finally went for euro/change yesterday and completely forgot that i still have to order your book
what a stuned i am
|
|
muse
Oh Very Young
Posts: 18
|
Post by muse on Mar 9, 2007 18:08:39 GMT -5
Thanks! I'd been meaning to order one anyway and am happy to save a little.
Just a thought, it would be nice if there were a link on majicat's homepage to the information about the book rather than having it buried in the message board.
|
|
|
|
Post by Daddy-o on Mar 11, 2007 11:19:34 GMT -5
There is a link muse, on the 'New Updates' section. Unfortunately, with news, the details on the book have been buried there. Possibly Christine might be able to oblige with a permanent icon on the homepage. Please forgive the shameless hint Chris! Anyway, sorry I can't be more generous to students and reviewers!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lucy13 on Mar 11, 2007 11:43:21 GMT -5
George,
I may have a couple of other potential publisher prospects to pass on to you. Don't have the info in front of me right now; check with me tomorrow. (it's one of those serendipitous things.)
|
|
Very interesting reading.
I always imagined this wonderfully happy calm person and maybe that is what he has become now, I don't know. The David Evans book has been available quite frequently on ebay recently and selling for very reasonable prices.
each springs to mind. I had a Saturday job in Boots earning about 15 shillings, so could buy a record, go to the pictures (sixpence plus bus fare) - oh those were the days.......
