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Post by m@kansascity on Aug 1, 2007 7:46:19 GMT -5
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Post by suncatcher on Aug 1, 2007 12:09:54 GMT -5
Why all the faces, Max? I think that Bob Hill makes some good points. For instance, I understand what he means when he says that “. . . Islam is Cat Stevens, despite all his protests to the contrary.” Yusuf is simply the “purified” Cat – i.e., the negative lifestyle-choices of Cat have been replaced with the positive ones of Yusuf. I can also see that it's important to Yusuf for him to mark this distinction in lifestlyes by using a new name. But, the soul of Cat and Yusuf is one and the same. And it’s that soul that is able to find inspiration and transform it into beautiful lyrics and music. Did you notice that in some reviews of Yusuf’s recent performances, the reviewers were downright disrespectful to him about his life and beliefs? But, without exception, their tone totally changed and became filled with awe when they heard him sing! (It’s like us Majicat fans when we marvel at his Live Earth performances of Saturn and Peace Train.) That’s because we all saw and heard the beautiful spirit of Cat(!) And this happens now, when he calls himself Yusuf. The name doesn’t really matter. I have to admit that Bob Hill doesn’t seem to realize that Yusuf is already reconnecting with those glorious, creative aspects of Cat that produced his best songs ever. These are the same pure, creative forces of Muslim Spain that Yusuf often refers to – and they are holy and good. If he continues reconnecting, then I think we’ll find that An Other Cup was Yusuf “just warming up,” and some really passionate new songs are yet to come. When they do come, I wonder if any of us will really care what name is on the album (?)  (Oops! Edited to change Another Cup to An Other Cup!  |
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lil
Oh Very Young
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Post by lil on Aug 9, 2007 23:10:54 GMT -5
I read that article with mixed feelings... but I think in the end it comes down to the fact that Sujfan already had his beliefs established when he walked onto the stage... Cat was still searching for his and I think the "stage lifestyle" had beaten him up enough and moved him toward being someone that at the core, he really wasn't, that he had to walk away in order to discover who he really was...
I did a bit of research a little over a year ago on the metamorphosis of Steven Demetre Georgiou to Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam... I choose the word metamorphosis because he hatched, was a fun loving (albeit introspective) cat-erpillar, and then flew away... I'm glad he has chosen to light once again on blooming flowers and sip the nectar of music...
It seems to me he always had a lot to say to the seeking heart and although I am not a Muslim, I believe he still has words of truth and comfort and encouragement to speak to the seeking heart...
I for one, am glad he has come back... not only for his fans but for himself... seems he has truly made peace with not only his Creator but himself... now he is fully himself... and I can't help but feel overjoyed for him...
-Lil
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Post by Daddy-o on Aug 10, 2007 1:33:20 GMT -5
Well said Sun and Lil. The more I hear An Other Cup, the more I am amazed. It is one of his best pieces of work. As fans yearning for Cat of old, we could not wish for more. He's done a great job of meeting with himself again, with integrity. The second cup is the sweetest :-)
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Post by helen on Aug 10, 2007 2:57:11 GMT -5
I agree with everything that is said.
We as Cat fans don't care what Steve/Cat/Yusuf calls himself or what religion he is, as long as he continues to sing.
We often read that Yusuf is Yusuf and no longer Cat Stevens.
But its rare to see anything advertising Yusuf Islam name either a record or a performance without the word Cat Stevens next to it.
Even on the Islamic sites.
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Post by Vivian on Aug 10, 2007 6:43:15 GMT -5
Beautifully said, everyone. I couldn't agree more.
Peace,Vivian
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Post by SuzieQ on Aug 10, 2007 7:46:44 GMT -5
Very well said, I also agree. And a warm welcome to Majicat Lil  |
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bigbad
Oh Very Young
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Post by bigbad on Aug 10, 2007 8:46:24 GMT -5
I agree with everything that is said. We as Cat fans don't care what Steve/Cat/Yusuf calls himself or what religion he is, as long as he continues to sing. We often read that Yusuf is Yusuf and no longer Cat Stevens. But its rare to see anything advertising Yusuf Islam name either a record or a performance without the word Cat Stevens next to it. Even on the Islamic sites. Bravo! Well said. |
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Post by helen on Aug 10, 2007 9:48:10 GMT -5
Thank you bigbad
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bigbad
Oh Very Young
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Post by bigbad on Aug 10, 2007 9:55:18 GMT -5
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Post by suncatcher on Aug 10, 2007 11:58:54 GMT -5
I did a bit of research a little over a year ago on the metamorphosis of Steven Demetre Georgiou to Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam... I choose the word metamorphosis because he hatched, was a fun loving (albeit introspective) cat-erpillar, and then flew away... I'm glad he has chosen to light once again on blooming flowers and sip the nectar of music... -Lil Well said. Here it is in Yusuf's words: WHEN BUTTERFLIES LEAVEWhen butterflies leave their silk palaces
And the scent of the garden blows
Towards heaven's way,
Like the toils of man,
Those who worked for tomorrow
Will not miss the dreams of yesterdayYusufAn Other Cup |
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izitso??
Katmandu Member
True Love is like an appearance of spirits: everyone speaks about it but few people saw it
Posts: 85
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Post by izitso?? on Aug 10, 2007 13:12:54 GMT -5
If he continues reconnecting, then I think we’ll find that Another Cup was Yusuf “just warming up,” and some really passionate new songs are yet to come. When they do come, I wonder if any of us will really care what name is on the album (?) oh yes!!, he keeps getting better. coming back after 30 years without music, really it was a challenge and yusuf/cat takes up. very well said everyone!! peace and love Linda |
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Post by Daddy-o on Aug 10, 2007 14:49:21 GMT -5
It's just so well said it's untrue! Anyway, Sufjan Stevens... funny old article, very negative. Who cares, when you're flicking through the CD's in yer local megastore, Sufjan Stevens, or any by; Shakin' Stevens, Ray Stevens, April Stevens, Even Stevens... they just get in the way!
The Beloved I've had buzzing around my head all week!
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Post by suncatcher on Aug 11, 2007 10:39:09 GMT -5
It's just so well said it's untrue! Anyway, Sufjan Stevens... funny old article, very negative. Who cares, when you're flicking through the CD's in yer local megastore, Sufjan Stevens, or any by; Shakin' Stevens, Ray Stevens, April Stevens, Even Stevens... they just get in the way! The Beloved I've had buzzing around my head all week! Ha! ha!  "  I go where true love goes, I go where true love go-oes" buzzes around my head after I listen to Heaven/Where True Love Goes. Darn! I wish you didn't remind me!! |
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Post by kareema113 on Aug 11, 2007 11:23:17 GMT -5
I think that it's unfortunate that the author used the journalistic device of the last name "Stevens" in this article. Sufjan Stevens has not chosen the road less traveled and the most unpopular. Although I know virtually nothing about Matisyahu besides that he converted to orthodox Judaism, I think he is a better choice for comparison. In both cases, the artists literally wear their faiths on their sleeves.
On second thought, maybe a comparison with Sami Yusuf would be more appropriate. But I suppose that the author might not even be familiar with Sami Yusuf's work...
Kareema
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Post by kareema113 on Aug 11, 2007 11:27:21 GMT -5
Now that I think about it a bit more, I think that for Islamic music Yusuf Islam might be considered the "Father" who dared to choose a different path than the one he was on... and Sami Yusuf would be the "Son" who has grown up in awareness of the path he was born upon.
Kareema
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Post by Daddy-o on Aug 11, 2007 14:31:09 GMT -5
It could be worse Sun, I've had James Blunt slip into my subconscious... and that is bad! |
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Post by suncatcher on Aug 12, 2007 11:22:20 GMT -5
And this is why Yusuf is unique. Unlike anyone else he is compared to, Cat/Yusuf is hugely popular in both the East and the West, and this makes him the "bridge" that touches both sides. He also has the unique ability to connect both sides through the universal language of music and song, at which he is a master. I hope we Majicat fans can be supports under the "bridge," and keep encouraging Cat/Yusuf to write new songs. In that way, we can do our part for world peace and the future of humanity . . . ~Sun~ |
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sojourner
Oh Very Young
...everyone jump on the peace train
Posts: 7
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Post by sojourner on Aug 15, 2007 20:20:12 GMT -5
I am so very taken by all of your comments and it makes me so happy to hear all of you praise him & his work. The thing is, Yusuf is new to so many and it is still an introduction to the world to call him Yusuf/Cat. Eventually Cat will be dropped and Yusuf will be recognized. We all know him and anyone who has followed him knows him now. He is so gentle and humble and emits peace. Just love him.
There was a great piece on him on the last "Sunday Morning" show and he explained how all this happened. He had a near death experience (an illness)very young, recovered and took up singing and the guitar out of gratitude for his life being spared. Yusuf came into his spirit and soul because of another near death experience later on,where he was about to drown in the ocean, and he prayed to God and said "if you save me, I will work for you". He said a little tiny wave pushed him back towards shore and his journey into the spiritual world led him through Buddhism, Tao, Zen, Christianity, everything, until he found Islam and so he became Muslim. This is when he put his guitar down for over 20 yrs. He is a true Muslim, not condoning any holy wars or Hamas. He is in the light of God. I hope many of you saw this piece on tv. I know a lot of you sleep in on Sundays, lol, but it was worth it. He had another call to pick up his guitar again and here he is. JOY!!! I think he sounds his best now. Double JOY!
I'm sure all of you know this and sorry if it is a repeat. "ANOTHER CUP" is sooooo awesome, I play it very loud when in my car and home. I have had the pleasure of seeing him many times in the past, and look forward to seeing him in the future.
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sojourner
Oh Very Young
...everyone jump on the peace train
Posts: 7
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Post by sojourner on Aug 15, 2007 21:13:55 GMT -5
Oops, I am sooo feeling this. It is "An Other Cup". I do not type well, andmessing up the title name got to me. |
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lil
Oh Very Young
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Post by lil on Oct 10, 2007 3:02:31 GMT -5
Well said Sun and Lil. The more I hear An Other Cup, the more I am amazed. It is one of his best pieces of work. As fans yearning for Cat of old, we could not wish for more. He's done a great job of meeting with himself again, with integrity. The second cup is the sweetest :-) I should have credited you... reading your wonderful book was part of my research : ) Thanks again for writing it. |
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lil
Oh Very Young
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Post by lil on Oct 10, 2007 3:04:45 GMT -5
I did a bit of research a little over a year ago on the metamorphosis of Steven Demetre Georgiou to Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam... I choose the word metamorphosis because he hatched, was a fun loving (albeit introspective) cat-erpillar, and then flew away... I'm glad he has chosen to light once again on blooming flowers and sip the nectar of music... -Lil Well said. Here it is in Yusuf's words: WHEN BUTTERFLIES LEAVEWhen butterflies leave their silk palaces
And the scent of the garden blows
Towards heaven's way,
Like the toils of man,
Those who worked for tomorrow
Will not miss the dreams of yesterdayYusufAn Other CupI knew there was a reason that out of all the magic on An Other Cup... When Butterfiles Leave is my favorite : ) |
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lil
Oh Very Young
Posts: 6
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Post by lil on Oct 10, 2007 3:06:19 GMT -5
Very well said, I also agree. And a warm welcome to Majicat Lil Thanks Sue... I don't know why I didn't join a long time ago... I have got to get back here more often : ) |
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Post by suncatcher on Oct 11, 2007 13:51:50 GMT -5
Very well said, I also agree. And a warm welcome to Majicat Lil Thanks Sue... I don't know why I didn't join a long time ago... I have got to get back here more often : ) It's nice to hear from you again, Lil. I hope you will "get back here more often!" BTW, are you a songwriter? I ask because you are poetic and you live near Nashville . . . ~Sun~ |
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Post by margiaustralia1 on May 10, 2008 4:36:22 GMT -5
Who cares what Cat/Yusuf calls himself. He is a brilliant musician and we all hold him very dear in our hearts. Keep pouring out that music. Love you heaps.
Peace
Margi
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I go where true love goes, 
