Isn’t this the way of things? A conversation with a lovely friend about C. S. Lewis:
D: We watched a documentary years ago on his and Tolkien's relationship. Me: That was a room I'd love to be in D: So true Me: I think they were called "the inklings" D: Yep! Me: Those two and a couple others…can you see sitting in a big comfy leather chair in an English library and just talking about stuff like they did? … Me: I looked them up online and some dude name C.E. Stevens was there occasionally and I thought "Cat Stevens"
And so I had to go listen to some Cat Stevens.
I believe Cat Stevens was one of the most incredible song-writers of his time, and his music is still most excellent. His use of the guitar as a true percussive instrument (not like Antoine Dufour, but rather with the power of every note and chord on the strings) is one of the things that is so attractive in his music. And his lyrics are absolutely beautiful, poetic, and meaningful.
Cat Stevens converted to Islam at a high point of his popularity. You could tell from his music that he was looking for something, and it seems Islam filled that void for him. He left it all behind for nearly 30 years, selling his guitars and working in the Muslim community. He’s come back now, but I personally don’t think he’s done anything close to the music of his youth in power and beauty. As a matter of fact, in a way reflecting my thoughts on that, he re-imagined one of his best albums — Tea for the Tillerman — in 2020, and I found it lacking. He softened the edges far too much. Listening to it was like muddling through thick syrup.
But the good stuff is still there. You just have to go back half a century…
Tea for the Tillerman was one of my favorite albums.