Cat the LP artist

[Bootmiester]

Cat was never noted as a singles artist, he never had a number 1. Conversely, his LP's were huge sellers, especially his early post T.B./re-invention LP's (MBJ. Teaser, Tillerman). However, throughout his career there are certain tracks that would have been huge sellers if issued as 45's. I would be interested to know the LP tracks that you think would have achieved that elusive No. 1 spot for Cat if only he decided to release them as a 45.

[Daisy]

Hard Headed Woman

[Chris]

I personally think "How Can I Tell You" would have made # 1 status.

Also "Tuesday Dead" with it's catchy tune and lyrics may have been another posibility.

[Lucy13]

HHW wasn't a single?  I always assumed it was.  I heard it a lot on the radio as a child!

I agree with you Christine, about Tuesday's Dead.

I also think Bitterblue would have been successful!  That was my fave track on the album when I was a kid.

[Bootmiester]

Personally, I agree with Christine with regards How Can I Tell You. This track would/should have been a huge hit. Maybe I am being slighty subjective because I really do rate this song. If someone were to ask me of my top 10 favourite Cat tracks, I probably would be unable to give an answer, due to my mood at any given time, but How Can I Tell You would feature in the top three regardless.

[Daddy-o]

Ironically, Tuesday's Dead was a single in the UK - it fell on deaf ears! Morning Has Broken couldn't fail I suppose but I always thought its b-side was more interesting. I Want To Live In A Wigwam would've made a strong a-side. Can't Keep It In did reach #1 in South Africa! LP tracks as single contenders:

When I Speak To The Flowers/Moonstone/I Think I See The Light/Longer Boats/Bitterblue...

There's more...but singles...I'm not sure! You immediatly think of commerciality and the dance floor! How do you twist to Bitterblue!?

[Daddy-o]

Oh well, at least I haven't been censored again. A nice
f l o w e r!

[hummingbird]

The two that come to mind for me are Where Do The Children Play and Can't Keep It In.  Both are strong songs and can stand alone.  Both are 'radio friendly' as far as track time goes (i.e. not too long, not too short).  There's a completeness about them...they provide total satisfaction in themselves even without the support of an album.

-jen.

[Chris]

Really George? I never realized that Tuesday's Dead was a single in the UK. Though I did hear he used Father and Son as a single in the UK  but it never went any where. Which is a shame. I guess it was because people were more into love songs at that time.

Another song, which is one of my favorite and I can't see how it wouldn't have been a smash hit  was " Child for a Day" I know it was written by David and not Cat, but it is such a beauty. And so heart felt and personally I feel it is as powerful today as it was in 1977.

[Chris]

But thinking more on this... I am in aggreement with Jen & George with 'Can't Keep it In' with it's upbeat tune, plus the surmize of being a romantic song. It was more in the line of what Radio stations were playing. One of those happy go lucky type of songs that has the listener singing along with it.

[hummingbird]

Christine, I love 'Child For a Day' too.  I've said this before...I think if it had come along a year or two earlier when Cat's popularity was riding high, it would be remembered today as one of his classics.  It just never got much exposure coming when it did.  

I think it has the makings of a good single...simple lyrics, good structure, a tune that just feels familar instantly.  It's the type of song that stays with you.

Oh and George...what do you mean you can't dance to 'Bitterblue'?  Really?  Give it a try sometime...hahaha.  Oh don't mind me...I think 'Bismillah' is a 'hot' tune...o.k., just kidding (ummm...well, half kidding!)

[Daddy-o]

Hummimgbird - I will try and perfect a jerky jive to Bitterblue - I'll let you know how this goes!!

[Jancat]

I agree with those who have said that "Can't Keep It In" and "Bitterblue" would have made good 45's.  Both songs were bright and bouncy and, I hesitate to say it but it's true, "commercially viable".  I think they would have received a lot of airplay.

[that’sDOCTOR2u]

Though I love everyone else's suggestions, my pick would have to be "Where Do the Children Play" .  That song has it all.  Has been my favorite since the first time I heard it over 30 years ago.....kim

[Lucy13]

Jen and George,

Bitterblue is great in the car.  You get one foot going on the floorboard, one on the gas (or brake) and slap your palms alternately against the steering wheel.  It's great!  Or try it with a stick shifty.

Great beat-y song.   Always one of my faves.

[that’sDOCTOR2u]

I agree Lucy.  !!!!    It's one of those that has you singing so loudly it has the folks in the next car wondering about you...kim

[ocaritas]

Personally I think Bitterblue is the perfect choice.  I have always loved that song and as soon as the first note is played it's rocking!

On the other hand, though, I think that Ready would be another great choice -- I just love that song -- plus it could be a good 'romancin' song to boot!!!   ;D

[Aisha]

"Sun/Suite C/79" has always captivated me.  It is so hot.  It literally sizzles because it always made me think of Cat in a more heated way.  Look at him and you will realize that any woman will buy a record about a man who looks like that singing about an affair.  Of all of Cat's songs that song seems the most explosive in the sensual sort of way.  It would sell because sex sells and  that song is very sensual especially when he says. "A thousand hours I've looked in your eyes and still don't know what color they are".  Does that sizzle or what?  There was many a time when I was sixteen that I imagined him singing that to me or being the woman in the song.  Oh geez, what memories doth this old chick have.

Now I have always thought that "Daytime" should have been released as a single.  It was totally beautiful and is my favorite on "Back To Earth".

Love,
A

[Katmandu]

I definitely believe that Can't Keep It In would have at
least been a moderate hit in the USA, just as Sitting
was. Can't Keep It In was a top 20 hit in the UK. It is
definitely a radio friendly tune. However, after Cat
stopped writing his "ditties" (his words) of the 60's, he
became more of an album artist. However, eleven top
40 hits during the 70's is nothing to sneeze at.