Description
Growing up above his parents' cafe in London's West End, Cat Stevens stepped out of the folk - club scene. In 1967, he released his debut album, Matthew & Son, on the new Deram label (a Decca subsidiary). It hit number 7 in the UK charts, boosted by singles like 'I Love My Dog' and 'Matthew & Son' (the latter reaching number 2). This made him a teen idol. Meanwhile, other artists like The Tremoloes had a hit with his 'Here Comes My Baby' in 1967, establishing his songwriting talent. That same year, Deram quickly released a second album, New Masters. But there were artistic differences between Cat, who wanted a simple acoustic sound and more career control, and producer Mike Hurst, who pushed a pop - crooner style with lavish orchestration. New Masters features 'The First Cut is the Deepest', a 1967 hit for P.P. Arnold and a timeless heartbreak song covered by Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, and Keith Hampshire. In 1968, Cat got tuberculosis, pausing his career. During recovery, he read 'The Secret Path', starting a spiritual journey that shaped his life and music. After the illness, he was determined to follow his artistic instincts and make music his way.
To enjoy this Cat Stevens vinyl LP, simply place it on a record player. Make sure the turntable is clean and the needle is in good condition. When handling the vinyl, hold it by the edges to avoid fingerprints on the playing surface. Store the LP in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping. After each use, return the LP to its sleeve to protect it from dust. And remember, this is a piece of music history, so handle it with care to keep it in good shape for years to come.
