Yusuf Islam ... sounds a lot like Cat Stevens

[Contrary1]

:applause:

"DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Yusuf Islam, the former Cat Stevens, has quietly returned to music with a new album and concerts. And he’s sounding a lot like ... Cat Stevens.

Thirty years after the folk singer converted to Islam, changed his name and dropped out of music, calling it un-Islamic, he has picked up the guitar once more. He has reconciled pop music with his faith and wants to use it to spread a message of peace.

“When I come out now, I sound quite similar. For some people, it’s a welcome return to the sound of my voice and my music,” says Islam, who as Cat Stevens sold 60 million albums with songs like “Wild World” and “Peace Train.”

In an interview with The Associated Press, Islam said he’s trying to make amends for dropping out all those years ago — and he admits he might have hurt some feelings. He said his break might not have been as complete had the press been more understanding about his conversion to Islam, he says..."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18357635/

[lse7581011]

1. Glad He's Back!

look forward to hearing the new work!

[Joe Fields]

2. Hot damn! Glad to have him back. Missed him.

[Metta]

3. Yes, the paradox of unity and separation.

Without judgement, no comparisons, no bargaining, no need to understand.


:donut: :donut: :)

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

4. He called music un-islamic?

Because what I thought he called un-islamic wasn't the music, it was the scene- the booze, the drugs, the groupies, the touring, etc. etc.

[Cassandra]

7. I remember him saying the music...

and it pissed me off for years......but I still have his albums and love them. I'll give his new work a listen.

[redirish28]

5. Ashame he can't come into this country. My wife would have loved to seen him just once.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

8. You might get that chance

Second page of the article, first paragraph:

Islam says he holds no grudges against U.S. immigration authorities who denied him entry into the United States in 2004 because his name appeared on a terror watch list. When he tried again in December, he got in no problem.

(Emphasis mine)

[Annces]

6. I heard his recent CD

He is good, but more subdued. Glad he is making music.

[bigtree]

9. I heard him perform Peace Train on the radio

beautiful . . . full circle from the first time the song inspired me in 5th grade

[ms liberty]

10. Links to his websites here!

I looked these up the other day - VH1 had an episode of BBC Crown Jewels that was an old Beeb performance of his, and I was compelled to look for him on the web. I loved Cat Stevens and he's still got it, if the YouTube videos I've seen are any judge.

http://www.catstevens.com/

http://www.majicat.com/

[Contrary1]

11. Here's a link to a VH1 special about his life

in case you are interested. It's just over an hour long.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6157965900354777626