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UNDERNEATH THE COVERS

A look at the many cover versions of songs by Cat Stevens

BY GEORGE BROWN


CAT BY PROXY – AN INTRODUCTION

Hopefully the following essay gives interest and information on the many Cat Stevens cover versions that have appeared over the years. It should make a nice companion book to Cat Stevens – The Complete Illustrated Biography & Discography!

Right from the outset of Cat’s career, his contemporaries were queuing up for pages of his songbook. Steven Georgiou originally started out as a songwriter. I first decided to write this article after reading an interesting thread on the old UK ‘Remember Cat Stevens’ website. I found that being a sad individual and wearing my Cat Stevens anorak at the time – I was not content with collecting just Cat Stevens’ songs alone! My interests had veered towards the many cover versions recorded by the well known and not so well known artists who had used Cat’s songs.

For me, the best interpretation of any of Cat’s songs is by the man himself. However, it’s always good to hear what other artists have done with his material. Cover versions in general have always fascinated me. Especially in the way that a singer/arranger can reinvent someone else’s work. Two songs that immediately spring to mind are Joe Cocker’s version of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ and Jimi Hendrix’s majestic ‘Hey Joe’. It’s best forgotten that William Shatner tackled ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’! Led Zeppelin based most of their early material on old Blues pioneers work – bringing the genre into the mainstream. Where would the Beatles and Rolling Stones have been without people like Arthur Alexander, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Little Richard, Willie Dixon et al? Some covers have become definitive versions; Robert Wyatt on Elvis Costello’s ‘Shipbuilding’; Harry Nillson on Badfinger’s ‘Without You’; Sinead O’Connor on Prince’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’; P.P. Arnold on Cat Stevens’ ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest’…

Without wishing to go off on too much of a tangent – this account focuses on how the songs of Cat Stevens were developed, stroke, murdered! I have tried to stay as non-judgemental about these as my conscience allows me! The original working title of this essay was in fact called, ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’!

This is by no means a definitive list! I want someone to unearth Barbra Streisand singing some Cat songs, allegedly true, circa 1970/71! Let’s keep the thread going – over to you!

George Brown

December 2001/Updated September 2006

OTHER ARTISTS SONGS BY CAT STEVENS

ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT

Let’s start with two songs by other artists that Cat covered himself! ‘Another Saturday Night’ was of course the great Sam Cooke favourite.

BLUE MONDAY

‘Blue Monday’ was written by Dave Bartholomew and made famous by Antoine “Fats” Domino, a childhood favourite of Steven Georgiou’s. Fats was the king of pre-Elvis rock and is still going strong to this day – thank God he was one of the survivors plucked from the rising New Orleans flood waters. Smiley Lewis recorded Blue Monday exquisitely too, three years before Fats’ version, in ’54. Favoured by Cat during his Majikat concerts in the mid ’70s – Cat has only recently officially released the song on the Cat Stevens box set. The sentiment in the song is the same as ‘Matthew And Son’, ‘Friday On My Mind’, ‘Gold Watch Blues’. Work is a four letter word.

DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

Nina Simone was someone who was greatly admired by the young Steven Georgiou. There was often something in his voice that was reminiscent of Nina Simone (e.g. ‘Image Of Hell’, ‘Miles From Nowhere’). Yusuf’s version is much slower and less raucous than the Animals’ UK hit version but very nicely handled with a great orchestral arrangement. Yusuf chose the song for his first album in 28 years – the lyrics are a good response to his critics.


CAT STEVENS SONGS BY OTHER ARTISTS

BABY GET YOUR HEAD SCREWED ON

Cat’s first producer, Mike Hurst, produced a fine version with the Deram vocal due Double Feature which consisted of Brian Lake and Bill Hall. They were “singing postmen” from Birmingham. Their fine version has an almost psychedelic feel, with soulful vocals and cello. Well worth checking out.

BITTERBLUE

Has been covered in recent years by ’70s singer-songwriter Melanie. Kin Vassy, who’d worked with Frank Zappa, released a fine single version.

BONFIRE

Linda Lewis released the song as a smouldering single, produced by its writer. She was a successful solo artist and provided backing vocals for Cat, notably on ‘How Can I Tell You’ and ‘Angelsea’. She also supported Cat on tour.

CAN’T KEEP IT IN

Sweden’s Kari Fall released the song as ‘En Pida’a’tt’a’a’ M’a’ Voi’!

CHANGES IV

The jubilant New Seekers released this on album. Santana and Martyn Kaye issued it on 7” platters to an unappreciative public. Dipping in to the Google pot, an amateur unsigned artist called The One has done a “Melophonic remix” of the sampled original.

DON’T BE SHY

Top UK band Travis recorded the song on their ‘Re-Offender’ CD single.

FATHER & SON

It’s hard to believe that this song has been around for over 30 years. In recent times, UK boy band Boyzone had a massive hit with it. Their lead singer, Ronan Keating, issued the song again in 2004 with Yusuf Islam’s paternal vocals. It reached number 2 in the charts. The delightfully named Me First & The Gimme Gimmes also tackled the song. They released it with ‘Wild World’ on the flip side and affectionately entitled their single ‘Stevens’. The picture cover features a concert photo of a young Ravi Shankar and colleagues. The song lends itself more to the style of late ’70’s new-wave “power-pop”. Not a single sitar is heard!

Other paternal celebrities who’ve seen the worth of the song include: Berni Flint, Johnny Cash & Rosey Nix – the “father and daughter” team called it just that. They handled the sentiment impeccably. The song was also released just after Johnny Cash died on the ‘Johnny Cash – Unearthed’ box set collection – this time with Fiona Apple. Richie Havens recorded it as ‘Fathers & Sons’. Sandie Shaw released it as a single in ’72 – from a “mother and daughter” perspective. Production was by Herbie Flowers, of Blue Mink and coincidentally the bassist on Cat’s ‘How Many Times’. There’s quite a strong rumour that The Smiths recorded a version too, as both Morrisey & Marr were huge Sandie Shaw fans – although said to have got no further than rehearsals. The Barron Knights, the ’60’s comedy band that used to send up pop hits of the era, sang it straight – using Cat’s trick of having two different pitched voices. Rod Stewart, who has fathered 7 children and knows a good song or two, has recorded ‘Father & Son’ on his #1 selling Classic Rock Hits CD collection – he’s a masterful interpreter of other artists songs. Some Rod & The Faces era fans are saying that Maggie May is turning in her grave! Rod’s voice has changed following surgery – his version has stupendous production.

FILL MY EYES

Linda Rondstadt recorded this in country style with banjo accompaniment, as a guest on Cat’s ABC Moon & Star concert in ’73. Recently it has been immortalised on Youtube. A great performance and a great cause of frustration to Cat fans – the campaign for the release of the entire show never dwindles.

THE FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST

Consistently good cover versions abound for ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest’. Cat’s song sat modestly on his first Deram album. Andrew Loog Oldham, Rolling Stones’ manager and Immediate label boss, liked the song and passed it to P.P. Arnold. Pat was the petite American ex-Ikette with the huge voice. She sang on some classic tracks such as ‘Tin Soldier’ by The Small Faces. She had her debut top 20 chart success with the song – which was also produced by Cat’s first producer, Mike Hurst. The combination of Pat’s breathtaking vocal and Small Faces’ Ian MacLagan’s piano work, makes this the finest Cat cover moment. A true ’60s pop classic. The Koobas (formerly Kubas), handled the song in a very raw manner. Rod Stewart took the song to number 1. The ’60s band Love Affair, fronted by Steve Ellis, also cut a version. The Dutch band called Danish Lost & Found, Keith Hampshire, David Essex, Gene Pitney and an unknown, called Martin Simpson, all had a bash at it. Terence Trent D’Arby confined his recording of the song to a concert video. Many reggae artists seem to favour the song, i.e. I-Roy, K.C. White and others. A very dubious handling of the song exists on a CD by The Sweet! Linda Rondstadt sang it as her second Cat song, on the ABC Moon & Star Concert, a real treat. Sheryl Crow released the song as a single in 2003, using more of the Rod Stewart arrangement than any of the other hit versions.

HARD HEADED WOMAN

Another talented Island artist, Mike Harrison, recorded a cover of this, after disbanding Spooky Tooth to pursue a solo career.

HERE COMES MY BABY

In swinging London – during ’66, Cat wrote the bitter-sweet ‘Here Comes My Baby’. The Tremeloes had a ball on their number 4 hit version, prior to Cat’s release. It was almost Cat’s first single, but ‘I Love My Dog’ was thought to be stronger – on both songs you only have to hear the melody once and you’re humming them for the rest of your life! Cat’s jazzy original of “Baby” sounded sombre by comparison to the Trems’ cut – with their whistling and jollity. Their live take in cabaret was hysterical, when they sang the line “…I try to call you names”, they inserted the phrase “parrot-face”!

Joe Loss & His Orchestra released it the same year as a “Quick-step” along with other ’67 hits, sanitised as dance arrangements. The veteran Phil Spector produced band, Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans did a version too. During the ’70s, new-wave bands such as The Jags and The Smith (not the plural, with no relation to the Morrisey & Marr band) picked up on the merits of the song with their jerky treatment. Dottie West and later, The Mavericks issued country arrangements. James Last, who must be a record holder for the amount of cover versions physically possible from one man and his orchestra, issued “Baby” on his James Last Goes Pop album.

HONEY MAN

Never officially released until the 4 CD box set release by Cat in 2001! Elton John & Cat Stevens first recorded it in ’70, but record company politics prevented its release originally. Two cover versions did get released as singles to a complacent record buying public – the first by Sweet Salvation in ’70 and then by Brotherly Love in ’72. Cat had co-written the song with his friend Ken Cumberbatch, who had contributed the piano based riff.

HOW CAN I TELL YOU

Recorded sensitively by Herb Alpert’s Mrs. – Lani Hall in ’72, on her debut album. Prior to this, she was lead singer with Brazil ’66 for almost six years.

HUMMINGBIRD

Jackie Trent issued this early Cat song, about the demise of a young girl, as a single in March ’67. Hard to believe that Steve Georgiou wrote this song aged 17.

I LOVE MY DOG

There’s some canine affection by way of cover versions for Cat’s first single, ‘I Love My Dog’. One Carolyn Hester has recorded the tune. Also, covered in ’69 by Lynn Randell – a Liverpudlian-raised-in-Australia recording star and ex girlfriend of Davy Jones of The Monkees and former Melbourne hairdresser; Theo Bikel, folk singer, theatre, film and television actor, radio presenter, political activist, Jewish spokesperson and guest murderer on ‘Columbo’, also lays claim to covering the song. Funky soul diva, Sweet Linda Divine (Linda Tillery), recorded her version in ’69 on her self-titled album. Mike Batt, famous for those furry children’s TV characters, The Wombles, and most recently Katie Melua’s mentor, recorded a version too. In fact, he produced, arranged and conducted a whole album of Cat covers in ’71. He also pilfered the back catalogues of The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and George Harrison in his ‘Portrait Of…’ series of budget priced instrumental lp’s. Only for the most dedicated Cat junkies.

I LOVE THEM ALL

Ayshea Brough was once married to Cat’s ’60’s co-manager, Chris Brough. She presented a children’s TV pop show called ‘Lift Off With Ayshea’. She’d introduce hit-makers of the time and also had her own singing slot. She made several singles and a couple of albums. Her version of ‘I Love Them All’ is poppy and sweet, with some giggles at the end!

I’M GONNA GET ME A GUN

New wave/power pop version by Dirty Tricks in ’79.

I’VE FOUND A LOVE

Operatically trained Liverpudlian, David Garrick recorded it with Cat’s arranger/conductor Alan Tew. It deviates only very slightly from Cat’s original arrangement.

LADY

During ’67, everyone who was anyone wanted to dip into Cat’s box of songs. Wayne Thomas recorded Lady as ‘I’ve Never Known A Lady’ in April ’67. Dave Walton was another contender in the same year.

LADY D’ARBANVILLE

Surprisingly, there are some diverse versions of this one! An overstated gothic version was recorded by the cult band And Also The Trees. There’s also a Gregorian chant of the song on a CD recorded in Hamburg! One Reg Dwight, aka Elton John – recorded the song during his pre-fame days. He recorded anonymous sessions just prior to hitting the big time – his work can be found on a number of budget priced “Hits” lp’s. The record sleeves tried to entice buyers with pictures of scantily clad women, plus the challenge – “Can you tell the difference between these cover versions and the original artists?” Usually in very small print!

Another foreign oddity, in 1970, Gigliola Cinquetti, Italian 1964 Eurovision Song Contest winner – released an Italian language version of ‘Oh (sic) Lady D’Arbanville’.

MATTHEW & SON

The first known cover of the song was by Mike Vickers (of Manfred Mann) – on his solo album in ’67, entitled ‘I Wish I Were A Group Again’. He was also Cat’s musical director on his last couple of Deram 45 sides. Some obscure artists have also covered the song. It was recorded in ’82 by a band called Hey You. ’60s producer Miki Dallon recorded a version with a band called Apollo 100 in the same year. Another cover exists by The Cuban Heels! The popular ’60s band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, recorded the song too.

MONA BONE JAKON

A&M stable-mates Hater, recorded this track with additional lyrics by Ben Shepherd. They tagged on quips like “I’ve got no songs in my heart – they’ve all gone away.”

MOONSHADOW

Cat was flattered to hear that ‘Moonshadow’ was re-worked into a lengthy soul version by Labelle. Their live 9:24 minute cut was recorded live at the Record Plant in L.A. and included on their album entitled ‘Moonshadow’. Cat went to see them in concert to check out their performance of his song. British “folkie”/entertainer Roger Whittaker whistled his way through the song too! US actor/singer and Cat fan Mandy Moore used the song in her collection of true classics entitled ‘Coverage’. The song has also been covered by Berni Flint and allegedly sung in concert by British punk band the U.K. Subs!

MORNING HAS BROKEN

The song depicts God’s creation - life, awakening and growth are celebrated in its verses. Probably the best-known cover version of this song was by the Cat himself! It was originally a poem by Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965). The lovely Eleanor was a writer of tales and light verses for young children. She was commissioned to write ‘Morning Has Broken’ for Songs Of Praise editor Percy Dearmer to an old melody. She was paid Three Guineas for it (£3.15/$4.50)! The tune came from a Gaelic melody from the 1880’s, called ‘Bunessen’. It had first been used on a Christmas Carol. On numerous post 1971 vinyl releases, credits range from; Stevens/Farjeon, Stevens/Trad. Arr., or Trad. Arr./Farjeon. “Traditional Arrangement” usually means borrowed/stolen! Cat certainly was responsible for its arrangement but the tune and words are from someone else. He’d never heard of the song when he discovered it while flicking through a hymn-book in Foyles bookshop in the West End! Alun Davies, his guitarist, recognised it from morning assembly at school. Rick Wakeman, majestically caressed the ivories on Cat’s “hit hymn”. The single was released in earnest and not a gimmick, coming from someone set on a spiritual search. Maybe Cat was impressed with Judy Collins’ update of ‘Amazing Grace’, issued a little earlier. Judy Collins herself has covered “Morning Has Broken”!

To this day, people would not be requesting the song at weddings and funerals if not for Cat’s version. It reintroduced the song to the Christian and agnostic masses. Out of Cat’s entire repertoire, it’s the one that has attracted the most cover versions. It’s also the one possibly most played on the radio, largely on Sunday mornings.

Another contender was Mike Sedgwick. His version gallops along with harpsichord and determined vocals. He was once a member of George Mitchell’s Singers and had honed a recording career alongside ’60s novelty releases from singing nuns, postmen and three legged men. As a presenter on the Five To Ten Show on BBC radio, he’d play devout popular hits every day.

The New Seekers, released the song in typically twee fashion. Irish singer Dana, who won the Eurovision song contest in ’70 with ‘All Kinds Of Everything’, interpreted the song when her career blossomed.

Ex-Goon and religious TV presenter, the late Sir Harry Secombe released it with hearty operatic tones. As kids in England, we always hoped he’d lapse into his Neddy Seagoon guise and blow a raspberry during his “serious singing” on TV – it would’ve helped! Actor turned singer, Edward Woodward – TV’s ‘The Equaliser’, gave it similar treatment. A gifted rendition came from the then Welsh schoolboy, Aled Jones, now a broadcaster on BBC Radio 2.

The Beverley Sisters, one of Britain’s most famous sister acts, absolutely adored the song. They sang it regularly on TV’s ‘Stars On Sunday’ programme and also committed it to vinyl. In ’92, Neil Diamond covered the song as a single release (produced by Peter Asher) with a vocal choir, lifted from his Christmas album. You can imagine him singing it by the Christmas tree, seated in a rocking chair, roasting chestnuts on a huge log fire! Vinyl releases are also abundant by ten thousand grizzly elderly gentlemen with the sweetest voices, with Cat aspirations – sung by male voice choirs the world over!

The above is just the tip of the iceberg, obsessed completists should look out for the following ‘Morning Has Broken’ cover artists at their next charity shop or flea market excursion; Tommy Darky, Valerie Dunbar, Mary O’Hara, The King Singers, Val Doonican, Acker Bilk, Roger Whittaker, Bert Weedon, Kenneth McKeller, Ralph McTell, Mark Robson, Jimmy Shand Jnr., Ann Williamson, Harold Winkler, Nana Mouskouri, Art Garfunkel, not to mention a Moog Synthesizer version by The Elektronic Cokonut… and there’s even more! The most recent version is by the stellar Celtic band, The Chieftans (also aided with Art Garfunkel and Diane Krall). Their chilling version was recorded on an Antarctic cruise with the seals and penguins of Deception Island as their audience.

Suzanne Lynch may be a familiar name. She was a success at 14 in her native New Zealand. She was the blonde member of vocal duo The Chicks. She went solo in ’69 and a regular performer on the hit TV show ‘C’mon’. She was voted N.Z, entertainer of the year in 1970. She headed to London in the early ’70s and lead Cat’s vocal group for 5 years including 2 world tours and 4 albums. She recorded ‘Morning Has Broken’ in ’72 with hubbie Bruce (producer and one of Cat’s bassists).

On ‘Teaser & The Firecat’, ‘Morning Has Broken’ nestled so unusually between ‘Tuesday’s Dead’ and ‘Bitterblue’. It was so refreshing and remains timeless by Cat Stevens, the song is now an institution… and if you own just a fraction of the above releases, then you should be living in one!


PEACE TRAIN

10,000 Maniacs released the song to the masses as a single and on their ‘In My Tribe’ album in ’87. Peter Asher produced the recording with Natalie Merchant’s strikingly evocative vocals. Dolly Parton also had a soft spot for the song and its sentiments. Her rendition was recorded with the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. All manner of “Holy Roller” mixes and radio edits of the song were issued on the CD single. Yusuf supported their version with an interview that was run on a TV show that featured Dolly’s favourite songs, called ‘Treasures’. Johnny Hammond, the soul-jazz organist, also issued the song on album. Richie Havens covered it too. He was very much a covers artist, his soulful renditions added a whole new dimension to other artist’s rock, folk and country tunes. A fine example on George Harrison’s ‘Here Comes The Sun’. Brit-folkie Roger Whitaker, who’d also covered ‘Moonshadow’ and ‘Morning Has Broken’ also did a passable rendition of Peace Train on his ’78 album ‘Imagine’. Regrettably, he also covered Morris Albert’s ‘Feelings’, blowing all credibility!

POP STAR

The Louisiana high priest of Gris Gris music, Dr. John guested with Linda Rondstadt on the ABC Moon & Star concert in ’73. Largely re-worked into his unique mystical voodoo style! It’s essential that the entire concert is restored and issued!

PORTOBELLO ROAD

Cat’s right hand man, Alun Davies recorded the song on his solo album – produced by Cat and Paul Samwell-Smith. It’s a gem – with nice banjo by Charlie Gaisford. Ellie Janov (her father also fathered Primal Scream therapy) recorded the only other known ’60s version.

(REMEMBER THE DAYS OF) THE OLD SCHOOLYARD

Linda Lewis had a minor hit with the song in ’74. Like her version of ‘Bonfire’, it doesn’t differ greatly in arrangement but it’s a great treatment.

SAD LISA

Female vocalists seem to like this song. Once covered by Angels Of Venice. Marianne Faithful recorded a version. Sarah McLaughlin, who as a teenager used to shut herself in her bedroom listening to Cat’s music, also favours the song. Franck Pourcel, the French easy listening guru covered the tune with scrumptious strings.

SILENT SUNLIGHT

Yusuf’s friend and fellow British Muslim, Dawud Wharnsby Ali has done an amazing rendition of Cat’s old song. The song always seemed reminiscent of a hymn. Dawud’s version has beautiful harmonies and subtle percussion.

TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN

How incredible that the agonising but truly inspirational Ricky Gervais comedy series Extras should have Cat’s ‘Tea For The Tillerman’ as its theme tune! Each episode ends with Cat’s uplifting vocal which works so brilliantly after so many embarrassing tensions unfold in each story. Chris Martin of Coldplay appeared in Episode 4 of the second series and his version of “Tillerman” is heard at the end, with Ricky Gervais on backing vocals! A wonderful happy day for Cat and Coldplay enthusiasts.

TROUBLE

Never committed officially to CD or vinyl – but both Pearl Jam and The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used this song in concert and have been heavily bootlegged! Kristin Hersh, from the Indie band Throwing Muses, tackled the song on her solo CD ‘Sunny Border Blue’. A poignant, minimalist version – Kristin exorcised some of her own personal mental health demons using Cat’s fine song. When one hears Cat’s sorrowful version of the song it immediately strikes you down with that weary vocal from someone who’s clearly had enough. It was one of the last songs ever recorded by Elliot Smith, the song struck a chord with him and tragically he recorded it just weeks before committing suicide in 2004. He was also working on a cover of John Lennon’s ‘Isolation’ in his last few days.



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WAS DOG A DOUGHNUT

John “Jellybean” Benitez released a hypnotic version on the rear of his version of the Madonna song, ‘Sidewalk Talk’. The writer credits go to Yusuf Islam. Possibly Cat’s most uncharacteristic tune!

WHERE ARE YOU

Craig Scott (who?) recorded this on the B-side of his single called ‘Smiley’ - a couple of years after Cat’s release. Obscure, but not essential!

WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY

Ireland’s Jakoma and Leona Daly recorded this as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hour charity. Tim Russ, who plays the Vulkan in Star Trek Voyager, has recorded ‘Where Do The Children Play’! He issued a CD of his own original songs and a few favourites. Horace Andy, a highly rated Jamaican ska/reggae artist, recorded the song with some amended Kingston Town lyrics. More recently recorded reggae-style by Big Mountain. One of the best tracks on Dolly Parton’s ‘Those were The Days’ CD is a great version of the song, with one Yusuf Islam contributing acoustic guitar. A great 60th birthday gift! This was sent by email, from Yusuf in London to Dolly in Nashville.

WHISTLESTAR

Herb Alpert puckered up for some instrumental quasi-Latin rhythm and re-titled it ‘Whistle Song’. Possibly approved by Cat through his US association with Alpert & Moss (Trivia note: A&M Records’ founders – they had developed their famed record label from Herb Alpert’s converted garage! A parallel, almost, with UK Island Records’ boss Chris Blackwell who had sold discs from the boot of his Mini Cooper!)

WILD WORLD

Now, ‘Wild World’ is an interesting one. Cat said that at the song’s induction that it was “just another song, in with all the others.” It was a big hit for him in the US. At its outset in England, it was given to Chris Simmons. His was a polite but unexciting interpretation, which sounded more like one of those cheap “sound-a-like” albums. Jimmy Cliff, on the other hand, understood the song perfectly. Jimmy and Cat got together a small band, which included Doris Troy on backing vocals. Cat played piano and produced it quickly and simply. The song’s spirited vocals and spontaneity ensured a top 10 hit – quite different from Cat’s strummed version. The Gentry’s recorded their string-laden version at Sam Philips’ famed Sun Recording Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.

Maxi Priest continued the reggae tradition with his “long and saxy” engaging skank of the song. Recorded also by; Mr. Big, Tito Simon, Steve Young and sacre bleu! Sacha Distel!

The Pet Shop Boys were accused of plagiarising the song when their single ‘It’s A Sin’ was released. Strongly denied by Messrs Tennant & Lowe, Cat was flattered whether it was a coincidence or not. Jonathan King engineered the controversy in his tabloid newspaper column and The Pet Shop Boys tried to sue him. King courted publicity further – capitalising on both versions merged into one with his own single, ‘Wild World/Ways To Be Wicked’. Both his interpretation and sleeve illustration by are totally bizarre!

Jose Feliciano recorded the song too in ’71, on his ‘That The Spirit Needs’ album. Coincidentally, this had an equally strange gatefold cover painting, later withdrawn and replaced with a more appropriate image! Jose’s album contained a few originals with Cat’s tune and a couple of Elton John/Bernie Taupin numbers.

Willie Ellison did a truly appalling bare-chested electro/rock version in ’80. Franck Pourcel’s Orchestra gave ‘Wild World’ the sunshine orchestral sound.

A recent and radical version of the song is by an unsigned, independent US Rap artist: E-Real of Cleveland, Ohio. He uses the lyrics of the song in what most Cat fans, would probably view as a taboo medium. The song is refreshing however, it brings Cat’s legacy right up to date and makes his words accessible to a totally different audience – from the CD entitled ‘In My Mind’, which is highly recommended. Beth Orton recorded a husky cover of ‘Wild World’ exclusively for the film ‘How To Deal’, which also features Cat’s original version.

THE WIND

An exquisite version, with a string quartet, of ‘The Wind’ appears on Mary Hopkin’s ‘Earth Song, Ocean Song’ album. The song turned full circle when Yusuf Islam covered it too!

CAT STEVENS SONGS RECORDED BY OTHER ARTISTS BUT NEVER BY CAT

To finish off, some Cat Stevens songs only issued by other artists! These are the holy grail of cover versions and very hard to track down:

DEAR – MIKE STUART SPAN

An early rudimentary Cat song, released in June ’67. The gifted Brighton-based psychedelic band had little success and later became Leviathan. EMI dropped the band after the Cat cover flopped.

GONE GONE GONE – CHRIS SIMMONS

A Howard, Blaikley, Cat Stevens number, produced by Mike Leander on the poppy B-side of “Soraya”, in ’69. Another flop, the obscure Cat collaboration is likely to contain some of Cat’s words and melody. It’s opening line is “When I was a child, everything was crystal clear…” which is typical of Cat’s outlook. As mentioned earlier, Simmons had released the earliest known cover of ‘Wild World’, just prior to Jimmy Cliff.

THE JOKE – ALLAN NICHOLLS
/HOWL THE GOOD

There’s an expression that goes “you wait for a bus and then three come along”! The Cat Stevens box set contained an interesting and uncharacteristic unreleased ’70 song called ‘The Joke’. It had previously existed in single form covered by Allan Nicholls in ’72 and as an album track in ’72 by Howl The Good. Both offer impressive rock cuts, the former produced by Eddie Kramer, and the latter by Gary Wright.

KEEP IT OUT OF SIGHT – PAUL & BARRY RYAN

The identical twin sons of ’50s singer, Marion Ryan, released the song in February ’67. A hit at number 30 UK chart placing. The Ryan brothers had been given some dreadful songs to cover previously – fortunately this was not one of them. It’s a great piece of pop in the same style as ‘Matthew & Son’.

LONDON AT NIGHT – PETER & GORDON

The obscure US only album ‘In London For Tea’, by the “British Invasion” duo of Peter Asher and Gordon Waller – contained the very pleasing sounding ‘London At Night’. A “lost” Cat song, never etched onto vinyl by its composer. Written about searching for love in the beautiful city.

Note: There are two other Peter & Gordon songs with a ‘Stevens’ credit. ‘Brown, Black and Gold’ (Lease/Stevens) & ‘Sally Go Round The Roses’ (Sanders/Stevens). No Cat connection is likely on these – the former was a US R&B hit, previously recorded by the Jaynettes and produced by Phil Spector.

MOUNTAIN – MILTON NASCIMENTO

This co-written Nascimento/Stevens track appeared on Milton Nascimento’s CD/album ‘Yauaretê’ in ’87. The spiritual song is sung jointly in English and Brazilian.

NEVER PLAY A B SIDE – SASHA CARO

Sasha Caro (real name: Caro Minas) was one of two artists’ that Cat had produced and supported during ’67 and ’68. The other was Peter Janes (aka Peter James Horgan). ‘Never Play A B-Side’ was the novelty flip of ‘Molotov Molotov’. Cat is featured on the A-side and “introduces” the song with a Russian accent! The Cat-written A-side is an off the cuff piece of humorous word play.

PEOPLE PEOPLE – NORMAN OLIVER

In ’68, Oliver Norman recorded the Cat-song ‘People People’. A true oddity, with lots of tempo changes. It’s only recently been discovered as a lost Cat song. Produced by famed US producer Shel Talmy, responsible for production on the Who and Kinks early 45s and a shoal of shimilarly shtunning shingles.

SUN’S IN THE SKY – PAUL & BARRY RYAN

Another rare gem handed to Cat’s buddies Paul & Barry Ryan for inclusion on their rare and collectable 1968 album entitled ‘Paul & Barry Ryan’. Cat took some liberties with the rhyming, “I still don’t know why you left me here, in the darkness of monotony, I tell myself I really don’t care but I know you’re still red hot on me”!

TIU RU RU – CHICO BATERA

Chico Batera’s name may sound familiar to Cat fans as percussionist on Cat’s ‘Numbers’ album. He also toured with Cat during the mid ’70s, which is how this collaboration came about. It was co-written with Gilberto Gil and was released in Brazil only, both as a single and on the compilation album ‘Cuca Legal’.

Finally, there’s a rather intriguing l.p. by a gentleman called David Gordon of Cat Stevens covers! As Cat fans know, David Gordon is the name of Cat/Yusuf/Steven’s older brother. But purely by coincidence?!


© George L. Brown September 2006


CAT STEVENS COVER VERSIONS – DISCOGRAPHY

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A DEFINITIVE LIST, IT’S JUST A SELECTION, BUT HERE’S WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THOSE ELUSIVE CAT COVERS CAN BE LOCATED:

CAT STEVENS COVER VERSIONS listed alphabetically * = picture cover single, song never issued by Cat Stevens **, albums/CD titles in capitals, followed by year of release where known.

AND ALSO THE TREES
Lady D'Arbanville 12" Reflex 12 RE 15 (U.K.) .89

HERB ALPERT
Whistle Song (Whistlestar) A&M AMS 7207 (U.K.) .75

HORACE ANDY
Where Do The Children Play
from THE BEST OF HORACE ANDY Liberty LT 51159 (U.S.) ?

APOLLO 100
Matthew And Son from MELODIES WITH A BEAT
Young Blood International SSYB 300

APOLLO 100
Matthew And Son from TELSTAR MFP 5574 (U.K.) .82

P.P. ARNOLD
The First Cut Is The Deepest Immediate IM 047 (U.K.) .67
The First Cut Is The Deepest reissue with p/c Immediate IM 047 (U.K.)
The First Cut Is The Deepest
From P.P. ARNOLD GREATEST HITS Immediate IML 2006 .77
The First Cut Is The Deepest Nems SV103 (U.K.) .80*
The First Cut Is The Deepest (promo.) Nems IMS 109 (U.K.) .82
The First Cut Is The Deepest Nems IMS 109 (U.K.) .82
(contains a slightly different version to the original)
The First Cut Is The Deepest
From KAFUNTA: THE FIRST LADY OF IMMEDIATE
See For Miles SEE 235 .89
The First Cut Is The Deepest
from THE IMMEDIATE COLLECTION CD Summit SUMCD 4036 (Fra.) .95 .
The First Cut Is The Deepest
from P.P. Arnold THE FIRST CUT CD Castle Comm. CCS CD 819
(U.K.) .98

AYSHEA
I Love Them All from AYSHEA Polydor 2384 026 (U.K.)
.70

BARRON KNIGHTS
Father And Son from SONGS FROM THEIR SHOW Tavern MTA 1001
(private pressing, many signed by the Barron Knights!) (U.K.) .71

CHICO BATERA
Tiu Ru Ru**(Cat Stevens/Gilberto Gil)
from CUCA LEGALSom Livre 403.6065 (Bra.) .75


MIKE BATT PORTRAIT

OF CAT STEVENS DJM DJSL 023 (U.K.) .72

THE BEVERLEY SISTERS
Morning Has Broken THE WORLD OF STARS ON SUNDAY Vol. 2 (U.K.) .72

THEO BIKEL
I Love My Dog Reprise RV. 20228 (Fra.) .69*

BOYZONE
Father And Son (radio edit)/Father And Son (album version) CD single Polydor 544574-2 .95
Father And Son (radio edit)/Father And Son (live)
CD single Polydor 577576-2 (U.K.) .95

BROTHERLY LOVE
Honey Man (Cumberbatch/Stevens) Maple Annie MA 103 (U.K.) .72

JOHNNY CASH
Father And Daughter
from THE JUNKIE AND THE JUICEHEAD AND ME CBS 80347 (U.K.) .74

CAT PEOPLE
CAT STEVENS - CAT PEOPLE - A TRIBUTE METRO 444 (U.K.) .00

JIMMY CLIFF
Wild World from GOODBYE YESTERDAY Island 85 568 ILPS (Hol.) .71
Wild World from IN CONCERT THE BEST OF JIMMY CLIFF
.Reprise K54089 (U.K.) .76
Wild World from THE BEST OF JIMMY CLIFF CD Mango RRCD 50 842 773-2 (U.K.)

JUDY COLLINS
Morning Has Broken
from AMAZING GRACE Telstar STAR 2265 .85

SHERYL CROW
The First Cut Is The Deepest A&M 9813556 .10.03

THE CUBAN HEELS
Matthew & Son
flexi disc Virgin VS 440 .81

DANA
Morning Has Broken from EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL Warwick WW5099 (U.K.) .80

DANISH LOST & FOUND
The First Cut Is The Deepest Laurie LR 3492 (U.S.) .67

DAVE DEE, DOZY BEAKY, MICK AND TICH
Matthew And Son
from GOLD CD GOLD 105 (Holland) .95

NEIL DIAMOND
Morning Has Broken Columbia 658826 7 (U.S.) .92*
(no Cat reference, Farjeon/traditional)

DIRTY TRICKS
I'm Gonna Get Me A Gun Polydor 2058 739 (U.K.) .76

SASHA DISTEL
Wild World
from MORE AND MORE WBK46117 (U.K.) .71

VAL DOONICAN
Morning Has Broken
from RELAX WITH VAL DOONICAN MFP 5575 (U.K.) .82

DOUBLE FEATURE
Baby Get Your Head Screwed On Deram DM 115 (U.K.)
.03.67
Baby Get Your Head Screwed On Deram DM 115 (U.K.)
(reissue)
Baby Get Your Head Screwed On
from THE BRITISH PSYCHEDELIC TRIP Vol. 4 See For Miles SEE 206
.87
from THE GREAT BRITISH PSYCHEDELIC TRIP Vol. 2 CD SEE CD 226 (U.K.) .88

WILLIE ELLISON

Wild World Redbus RBUS 50 .80

DAVID ESSEX
First Cut Is The Deepest
from MISSING YOU CD Polygram 529 582-2 .95

MARIANNE FAITHFULL
Sad Lisa (n.b. orig. '71)
from TRUE CD Music Club 50150 (U.S.) .00

KARI FALL
Can't Keep It In RCA YFPA 1-604 (Swe.) .73

JOSE FELICIANO
Wild World
from THAT THE SPIRIT NEEDS RCA LSP 4573 (Ger.) .71

BERNI FLINT
Moonshadow
from I DON'T WANT TO PUT A HOLD ON YOU EMI EMC 3184 (U.K.)
.77

DAVID GARRICK
I've Found A Love Piccadilly 7N.35371 .67
I've Found A Love
from DON'T GO OUT IN THE RAIN SUGAR PYE NPL 38035 (U.K.) .67

THE GENTRYS
Wild World Sun SI-1122 (U.S.)
(promo, yellow vinyl, Stereo/Mono version)

DAVID GORDON
INTEGRAL COVER VERSION OF CAT STEVENS
Musidisc 30 CV 1979 (Spa.)
(not Cat's brother of the same name!)

GREGORIAN MASTERS OF CHANT
Lady D'Arbanville
from GREGORIAN MASTERS OF CHANT CHAPTER II
Edel LCO 16 (Ger.) .03

LANI HALL
How Can I Tell You
from SUNDOWN LADY A&M AMLS 64359 (U.K.) .72
LANI HALL
How Can I Tell You
from SUNDOWN LADY A&M SP 4359 (U.S.) .72

KEITH HAMPSHIRE
First Cut Is The Deepest (Stereo)/(Mono) (promo.) A&M 1432 (U.S.) .73

RICHIE HAVENS
Father And Son from THE GREAT BLIND DEGREE Polydor 2480 049 (U.K.) .71

HEY YOU
Matthew And Son EPIC EPC A2126 (U.K.) .82

MARY HOPKIN
The Wind from EARTH SONG OCEAN SONG Apple SMAS 3381 (U.K.) .71

HOWL THE GOOD
The Joke from HOWL THE GOOD Rare Earth R5371 (U.S.) .72

HOUSEBOYZ
Father & Son/Cat's Groove 12" Club Zone LC 3579 (Ger.) .95

MIKE HURST
I Love My Dog/First Cut Is The Deepest
from MIKE HURST AND HIS ALL STAR BAND
DVD Angel Air Waves NJPDVD612 07 .03

JAKOMO/LEONA DALY
Where Do The Children Play? CD Irma Trust CH 001 .99

JELLYBEAN
Was Dog A Doughnut from WOTUPSKI EMI EE 24 02311 (U.K.) .84
Was Dog A Doughnut 12" EMI 12 EA 210 (U.K.) .84*
Was Dog A Doughnut 12" EMI 12 EAX 210 (U.K.) .84*
Was Dog A Doughnut EMI EA 210 (U.K.) .84*
Was Dog A Doughnut (Frontline Mix)
from JELLYBEAN 12" MIXES Chrysalis CJB 1 (U.K.) .88

ELTON JOHN
Lady D'Arbanville
from CHARTBUSTERS GO POP! Delta 47 001(U.K.) .99
Lady D'Arbanville
from LEGENDARY COVERS SUNG BY ELTON JOHN Vol. 1 & 2
Daily/Sunday Express promotion disc 04/05.06.05

MARTIN KAYE
Changes B&C CB 180 (U.K.) .72

RONAN KEATING
Father & Son from 10 YEARS OF HITS CD Polydor 9868455 11.10.04

JONATHAN KING
Wild World UK POO 1 (U.K.) .87*

KOOBAS
The First Cut Is The Deepest from LIVERPOOL 1963-68 Charly CM 118 (U.K.) .83

LABELLE
Moonshadow from MOONSHADOW WB BS 2618 (U.S.) .72

JAMES LAST
Here Comes My Baby from JAMES LAST GOES POP Polydor 249 160 (U.K.)
.67

LINDA LEWIS
(Remember The Days Of The) Old Schoolyard Bell 1405 (U.K.) .74
(Remember The Days Of The) Old Schoolyard
from NOT A LITTLE GIRL ANYMORE Arista ARTY 109 (U.K.) .75

JOE LOSS AND HIS ORCHESTRA
Here Comes My Baby from TOP DANCE TIME HMV CLP 3644 (U.K.)
.67

SUZANNE LYNCH
Morning Has Broken HMV EA-10124 (Australia) .73
(produced by Bruce Lynch, both Suzanne & Bruce were in Cat's Bamboozle/Majikat band)

MAVERICKS
Here Comes My Baby (promo.) CD single MNCD 260 (U.S.) .99

RALPH McTELL
Morning Has Broken from AT THE END OF A PERFECT DAY Telstar STAR 2263 .85
(features Gerry Conway & Alun Davies on the album)

MIKE STUART SPAN
Dear** Columbia DB 8206 .06.67

MR. BIG
Wild World CD single Atlantic A7310 (U.K.) .93

ALLAN NICHOLLS
The Joke (Stereo/Mono) US Polydor PD-1412 (DJ promo) (U.S.) .72

OLIVER NORMAN
People People** Polydor 56247 12.04.68
(produced by Shel Talmy, never issued by Cat himself)

BETH ORTON
Wild World from HOW TO DEAL SOUNDTRACK
(Advance) CD Capitol DPRO 7087 6 17834 2 1 .06.03

GENE PITNEY
First Cut Is The Deepest from GENE PITNEY BACKSTAGE
Polydor 847 119-1 .90
First Cut Is The Deepest from GENE PITNEY BACKSTAGE CD
Polydor 847 119-2 .90

FRANCK POURCEL
Sad Lisa/Wild World from THINKING OF YOU Columbia TWO 355 .71

MAXI PRIEST
Wild World from MAXI with bonus extended remix disc 10 Records
DIXG 64 .88
Wild World 10 Records TEN 221 (U.K.) .88*
Wild World (Long & Saxy)/Wild World (Instrumentally Saxed)
(poster cover) 12"10 Records TENTP 221 (U.K.) .88
Wild World (Long & Saxy)/Wild World (Instrumentally Saxed)
12"10 Records TENTP 221 (U.K.) .88

NANA MASKOURI
Morning Has Broken
from SONGS FROM HER TV SERIES Fontana 6312 036 (U.K.) .73

HUGO MONTENEGRO
Peace Train from MAMMY BLUE RCA LSP-4631 .71

MILTON NASCIMENTO
Mountain** from YAUARETE CBS 231023 (Brazil) .87
Mountain** from YAUARETE CD CBS CK 44277 (U.S.) .88

DOLLY PARTON
Peace Train from CD single (6 different mixes) (U.S.) Flip It 61868 44000 2 5 .97
Where Do The Children Play
from THOSE WERE THE DAYS (U.S.)
CD SUGAR HILL RECORDS/BLUE EYE RECORDS SUG-CD-407 11.10.05

NEW SEEKERS
Changes IV from WE'D LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SING
Polydor 2383 103 .72
Morning Has Broken from IN PERFECT HARMONY Polydor 2383 226 .73
Morning Has Broken
from LOOK WHAT THEY DONE TO MY SONG, MA
Contour 2870 342 (U.K.)

PAUL & BARRY RYAN
Keep It Out Of Sight** Decca F 12567 (U.K.) .02.67
Keep It Out Of Sight** Decca DL 25 288 (Germany) .67*
Keep It Out Of Sight** Decca ME 329 (Spain) .67*
Keep It Out Of Sight** ( mono. 2'44)
from BARRY RYAN THE SINGLES + CD BR BX 520-2 (Holl.) .98
Keep It Out Of Sight**
From MIKE HURST - Producers Archives Volume 1
(U.K.) Angel Air SJPDCD123 .02
The Sun's In The Sky** from PAUL & BARRY RYAN MGM-C(S) 8081 .68
(latter song is a major rarity, never issued by CS)

PETER & GORDON
London At Night**
from PETER & GORDON IN LONDON FOR TEA Capital T 2747 (U.S.) .67
(major rarity, never issued in U.K.)

SANTANA
Changes IV

from ZEBOP! Columbia FC37158 (Canada) .81
Changes IV (promo.) CBS A 1388 (U.K.) .81

CRAIG SCOTT
Where Are You Columbia DB 8832 (U.K.) 22.10.71

HARRY SECOMBE
Morning Has Broken
from BLESS THIS HOUSE Warwick WW5052 (U.K.) .78

MIKE SEDGEWICK
Morning Has Broken President PT 348 (U.K.) .71

CHRIS SIMMONS
Gone Gone Gone** MCA MK 5009 (U.K.) .69
(major rarity)
Gone Gone Gone** KAPP K-2070 (U.S.) .69
(Radio Station Copy)
Gone Gone Gone** MCA SN - 20275 (Spain) .69*
Wild World MCA MKS 5051 (U.K.) 24.07.70

THE SMITH
Here Comes My Baby Rarn 1.S (U.K.) .81*

ROD STEWART
The First Cut Is The Deepest Riva 7 (U.K.) .77

STUDIO 99
PERFORM A TRIBUTE TO CAT STEVENS GFS531 (U.K.) .01
SWEET SALVATION
Honey Man (Cumberbatch/Stevens) B&C CB 136 (U.K.) .70

10,000 MANIACS
Peace Train Elektra ED 5239 (U.S.) .87
Peace Train Elektra EKR 61 (U.K.) .87*

WAYNE THOMAS
I've Never Known A Lady Coral Q 72491 (U.K.) 07.04.67

LINDA TILLERY
I Love My Dog
from SWEET LINDA DIVINE Columbia CS 9771 (U.S.)

TRAVIS
Don't Be Shy CD single Independiente MCPS/ISOM 78SMS (U.K.) .09.03

TREMELOES
Here Comes My Baby CBS 202519 (U.K.) .02.67
Here Comes My Baby CBS 202519 (U.K.) .02.67
Here Comes My Baby CBS WB 728 (U.K.) .67*
(Pepsi-cola offer mail order single, Simon on Garfunkel on A-side)
Here Comes My Baby
from THE TREMELOES LIVE IN CABARET CBS 63547 (U.K.) .68
Here Comes My Baby
from THE TREMELOES GREATEST HITS Pickwick SHM 3097 (U.K.) .81
(new recording of the song)

Here Comes My Baby
from THE TREMELOES - BBC SESSIONS Castle CMEDD 939 (U.K.) .05.04
(nice 12.04.67 recording from Saturday Club - Brian Matthew introduction)

JACKIE TRENT
Hummingbird (demo.) Pye 7N 17286 (U.K.) 24.03.67

KIN VASSY
Bitter Blue (sic!) Bell 45,244 (U.S.) .07.72

DAVE WALTON
Lady CBS 2709 (U.K.) .04.67

DAWUD WHARMSBY ALI
Silent Sunlight from THE PROPHET'S HANDS Sound Vision .10.02

ROGER WHITTAKER
Morning Has Broken/Moonshadow
from FOR MY FRIENDS... Columbia SCX 6512 .72
Peace Train
from IMAGINE RCA AFL1-3077 (Canada) .78

EDWARD WOODWARD
Morning Has Broken
From THE EDWARD WOODWARD ALBUM JAM JAL 103 .72

VARIOUS
Matthew And Son from TOP TEN SPECTACULAR TTS001 .67
Lady D'Arbanville Avenue AVE 97 (U.K.) .70
Lady D'Arbanville from HOT HITS MFP 1399 (U.K.) .70
Lady D'Arbanville from ENGLAND'S TOP 12 AVE 055 (U.K.)
.70
Wild World MFP 1426 (U.K.) .70
Morning Has Broken from NON STOP TOP 20
Plexium PXMS 1008 (U.K.) .71
Can't Keep It In Avenue AVE 0130 (U.K.) .72

 

 
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