Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Oct 17, 2002 13:22:37 GMT -5
Ok what were your favorite bits and pieces of the Ian McCrae interview?
Mine has to be the Elton John interview, when Elton was talking about Cat performing as the opening act for Traffic. When Elton realized Cat was going to make it, he exclaims ALL RIGHT !! I love that part, as he talks abut Cat sticking to his guns so to speak, at the concert, by continuing singing and by the 3rd song having the audience in the palm of his hands..
So what was your favorite part of the interview?
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Post by Aisha on Oct 17, 2002 17:15:40 GMT -5
I think mine was when Neil Diamond was talking about Cat. I love hearing Neil speak and hearing him talk about Cat was so cool. And I love all of the parts where Cat spoke....WHAT A WONDERFUL ACCENT!!!
You know, at the US site there is an article where Cat was excited because he was meeting some popstars. He like Neil Diamond as well.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by Vivian on Oct 17, 2002 21:56:35 GMT -5
I don't know! I really loved both Elton and Neil's parts, as well as Alun! I suppose mine was when Cat was at the airport being chased by screaming girls! I could have EASILY been one of them! That brought back so many memories!!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Girlhowdy233 on Oct 18, 2002 0:12:36 GMT -5
Hi everyone! ;D Speaking of that memorable concert(where Cat was on the same bill with Traffic), I have nice quality REPRINTS of that very concert!  It is a SIMPLE concert poster-basically just a hand holding a stop sign with "Traffic" printed on the sign, and the info). I am also trying to get reprints done for ANOTHER Cat concert poster. THAT poster is for a Northern California concert in which Mimi Farina opened for Cat). I also have ORIGINAL Majikat North American Tour posters for sale, too! ;D Anyone interested, write to me at: Babyhowdy233@netscape.net Hugs, Shirley  |
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Post by Dusty_Day on Oct 18, 2002 4:14:00 GMT -5
Hi All, Well I've got to agree with Christine about favourite (read favorite if you are American  ) bits and I would also like to add Cat's last comment as well:- "I think I'm just here to reflect, perhaps, the views that people already hold themselves . . but they just have to be said by somebody" How true. He could certainly articulate much of what I was going through then. Linda |
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Post by Vivian on Oct 18, 2002 7:07:06 GMT -5
Hi Shirley,
I have that Mimi Farina one! It is GORGEOUS!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by DiddleMingyAdams on Oct 18, 2002 7:17:07 GMT -5
my favourite part of it was .. any point in which he was speaking! even speaking, his voice was lovely (still lovely)
i've said it before and i'll say it again, if he recited the phone book, i'd be captivated, even if i had my eyes closed.
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Post by Justin15 on Oct 18, 2002 9:35:24 GMT -5
I think Steve's voice sounds happier now. More content! Not as nervous!
Justin
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Oct 18, 2002 10:08:32 GMT -5
Jill, I use to worry about Cat and his smoking as well. I never understood how he could smoke with such a terrible lung desease. He had to have scarring on his lungs any way.
But it never affected his singing voice, he always had the most uplifting voices in music. I could recognize his voice any where.
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Post by Vivian on Oct 18, 2002 10:22:09 GMT -5
I must admit that with all the smoking Cat did, he still had THE MOST ANGELIC VOICE I EVER HEARD!! Someone was looking after him, even with that nasty little habit!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by 70sCat on Oct 18, 2002 14:29:43 GMT -5
Well I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.....Maybe next week huh?
peace and love,
sakinah
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Post by Vivian on Oct 18, 2002 15:44:38 GMT -5
I also agree with Colleen! That man could recite the phone book, in chinese, and I would be mesmorized!!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Lucy13 on Oct 19, 2002 10:52:42 GMT -5
OK, Christine... my favourite bits... (ha ha, reminds me of Monty Python) ... (e.g., "naughty bits")... OK, my favourite part is where he's talking about the Greek influence in his songs... especially where Peace Train intros... In the context of his talking about the Greek chord structure you really, really get the sense of Peace Train being a Greek song overlaid by popular English lyrics. And I guess deep down, that's how it's always struck me! It's just so gratifying, somehow, to hear him talk about it. And it's interesting how FAST Elton John talks, contrasted with Cat. Yet their accents and voice qualities are so similar. |
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Post by Lucy13 on Oct 19, 2002 10:55:39 GMT -5
I've always heard it in Bitterblue too (the Greek rhythm and chord structure). This was my favourite song of his when I was a kid!
Same goes for Tuesday's Dead of course... the heavy Greek influence.
Every time I listen to his music after a long absence (esp. Teaser and the Firecat) I just fall in love with it all over again ... my love for this aspect of his music never diminishes.
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Post by Lucy13 on Oct 19, 2002 11:01:50 GMT -5
I also find this part interesting and poignant:
Host: "Cat Stevens is not a happy person..."
At the press conference in Sydney:
(Do you enjoy life?) "No. Yeah.... I think I'll enjoy death even more."
(Why's that?) "Because this is too .....confusing."
Awww! (what a deep, sensitive person....) I can relate.
Life IS too confusing!
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Post by Vivian on Oct 19, 2002 11:51:37 GMT -5
I know what you are saying, Lucy! I could certainly relate to that as well! I suppose that is why I fell so hard for Cat! It was his deep sensitivity! I am exactly the same!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Aisha on Oct 19, 2002 12:04:13 GMT -5
You know, I have been thinking about that interview for the last two days. It is one of the best interviews I have heard from the 'CAT' years. And I agree that his voice was splendid even with the effects of too much cigs. But have you noticed something about Yusuf's voice now....It is very clear without alot of breaths and without the touch of raspiness. He quit smoking and it made his voice smoother. I used to ask myself, "Geez, Cat what are you thinking...smoking like a chimney after having a lung disease." I figured that he was on a self-destructive mode or just too addicted to the smokes.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by Vivian on Oct 19, 2002 12:15:16 GMT -5
You know something, A'isha, one of the dreams I used to have as a little girl, was that if I had asked Cat to quit smoking, he would just for me! Now, I am glad he eventually did it just for himself!!
Peace,Vivian
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Oct 19, 2002 12:24:10 GMT -5
Hello Lucy, nice to see you  I have to agree with lucy on the two different parts on the interview you mentions. The scene you mention about about Life being to confusing. I found it very sad, to think he was so sad yet, producing such masterpieces for other to enjoy. But then his life story reminds me of so many other gifted people who were so sad/miserable in life, but could display their feelings in painting or poetry. Two such people who come to mind right off are Vincent Van Gogh and Emily Dickenson. And Edgar Allen Poe to a certain degree. As for the Ian parting shot, saying in 5 years Cat would be gone fromt he music scene and forgotten because of his take on the media. I have two thoughts on that, one is, yeah Ian was right on the mark since Cat quit the music scene in 1978, but the other thought is.WOW it is 30 years later and look how many people still love and adore Cat Stevens and his music. |
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Post by Aisha on Oct 20, 2002 13:48:53 GMT -5
Hello Lucy, nice to see you I have to agree with lucy on the two different parts on the interview you mentions. The scene you mention about about Life being to confusing. I found it very sad, to think he was so sad yet, producing such masterpieces for other to enjoy. But then his life story reminds me of so many other gifted people who were so sad/miserable in life, but could display their feelings in painting or poetry. Two such people who come to mind right off are Vincent Van Gogh and Emily Dickenson. And Edgar Allen Poe to a certain degree. You know, I have to agree with this statement. For some reason, the pain of life makes for some great creativity. I write my best poetry when I am sad...go figure. Love, A'isha |
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Post by Vivian on Oct 20, 2002 15:07:38 GMT -5
It almost made me want to reach into my real player, put my arms around him, in a hug, and kiss his pain away!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Aisha on Oct 22, 2002 10:39:15 GMT -5
Vivian, I don't think Real Player offers those options yet. Love, A'isha |
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Post by Vivian on Oct 22, 2002 16:13:08 GMT -5
Now A'isha, why doesn't real player offer those options! Don't you know what I would pay to have them! OH NO! NOT DIVORCE COURT!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Girlhowdy233 on Oct 26, 2002 9:58:43 GMT -5
I have to admit, it made me BOTH laugh AND cringe when I heard the Aussie female fan squeal: "I touched his P E C K E R..he's just AHHHHHHH....BEAUTIFUL!"  The mention of his stumbling FREQUENTLY, as he made his way through the crowd to his car:with fans reaching out to touch FAR MORE than just his HAND, is it ANY wonder?!  Hugs, Shirley |
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Post by Girlhowdy233 on Oct 26, 2002 10:00:59 GMT -5
Lucy13: "Every time I listen to his music after a long absence (esp. Teaser and the Firecat) I just fall in love with it all over again ... my love for this aspect of his music never diminishes." I couldn't AGREE MORE, Lucy!!!  Hugs, Shirley |
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Post by Girlhowdy233 on Oct 26, 2002 10:09:11 GMT -5
Hello Lucy, nice to see you I have to agree with lucy on the two different parts on the interview you mentions. The scene you mention about about Life being to confusing. I found it very sad, to think he was so sad yet, producing such masterpieces for other to enjoy. But then his life story reminds me of so many other gifted people who were so sad/miserable in life, but could display their feelings in painting or poetry. Two such people who come to mind right off are Vincent Van Gogh and Emily Dickenson. And Edgar Allen Poe to a certain degree. As for the Ian parting shot, saying in 5 years Cat would be gone fromt he music scene and forgotten because of his take on the media. I have two thoughts on that, one is, yeah Ian was right on the mark since Cat quit the music scene in 1978, but the other thought is.WOW it is 30 years later and look how many people still love and adore Cat Stevens and his music. I agree 100% Christine! ;D Eloquently put! Hugs, Shirley |
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Post by Vivian on Oct 26, 2002 11:01:04 GMT -5
I also agree!! Thanks Shirley!
Hugs,Vivian
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Post by MissKitty on Oct 26, 2002 14:35:07 GMT -5
I have given this a lot of thought and several listens, before I decided to comment. Firstly, anytime we can hear Cat talking about himself from that time period I find enjoyable. Just to get his perspective on himself and his career is fascinating, even with his mild inconsistencies and slight sarcasams. That being said.. I think I understand exactly where Yusuf's distrust and resentment of the media comes from. If Ian Mcrae is an example of the kind of reporter/jornalist Cat had to be interviewed by then I cannot blame him for his attitude. A more self righteous, holier than thou fella I cannot imagine. I thought most of his comments were out of line and inappropriate for any kind of responisible interview. He spent most of the time criticizing Steve, all the while couching it in kind words. It is no wonder that he hid himself behind agents and managers and seretaries to protect himself. I believe I would have too. Steve managed to say many things through his songs and the real fans appreciated those. We did not have to "go inside his head" to love what he gave us. Performers are not obligated to give us "their entire being" for the price of an album or concert ticket. They don't owe us that.
Sorry for the disertation Christine, just something I feel strongly about. As always, I enjoy these little tidbits that you find for us. Keep them coming. I will always get a kick out of hearing Cat, even if I don't like the people asking the questions. Forgive me I am an old Cat Fan.....LOL
~~cheers
MK
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Oct 26, 2002 14:54:24 GMT -5
Mis Kitty,
I totally agree, the first time I heard this interview, I thought what jerk. You can tell Ian didn't care much for his subject. And see why this was Cats only media interview in Australia.
It's a good things Fans don't take the media at face vaue.
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Post by hummingbird on Oct 26, 2002 15:18:36 GMT -5
Hey Miss Kitty I totally agree!! That is exactly how I felt listening to the interview...I just don't think Ian shed any real light on his interviewee. All he did was take jabs at him.
A few comments of interest (maybe)...I was impressed with how consistent Yusuf has been from then till now. Not sure I can explain this fully, but spirit-wise there's something very much the same about him. And that's nice to see, it indicates to me that there's a certain honesty at his core.
The other thing is, with all the poorly behaved rock stars of that era who didn't really give two hoots about their fans, I can't fathom why Ian said some of the things he did about CS. I think he said something to the effect that CS had no regard for his fans??? Really...that's certainly not how I remember it. He certainly seems to have given up umpteen hours of his time doing press...I've never understood the issue here!
Regardless, it is really great to be able to listen back on some of this stuff with the benefit of knowing how things "ended up"
Thanks Christine & friends for bringing this to us!!
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) bits and I would also like to add Cat's last comment as well:-
