Harold And Maude

Tea for the Tillerman is an album by singer-songwriter Cat Stevens. This album, Stevens’ second during 1970, includes many of Stevens’ best-known songs including “Where Do the Children Play?”, “Hard Headed Woman”, “Wild World”, “Sad Lisa”, “Into White” and “Father and Son”. Four of the tracks (“Where Do the Children Play?”, “On the Road to Find Out”, “Tea for the Tillerman” and “Miles from Nowhere”) were featured in the Hal Ashby and Colin Higgins’ black comedy film entitled Harold and Maude, in 1971. The track “But I Might Die Tonight” was featured on another 1971 film: Deep End by Jerzy Skolimowski.

Completists will be happy to own many of the rarities on this four-disc set, including Stevens's first demo session, an unreleased 1970 duet with Elton John, a cover of Fats Domino's "Blue Monday," and several choice live cuts from the late '70s. And it's nice to have an overview of the artist's entire career–from late '60s pop-star wannabe to '70s folk-rock superstar–in one place. But the difference between early Cat Stevens (despite composing hits for others) and post-Tea for the Tillerman Stevens is substantial. The two follow-up LPs were part of a trilogy of brilliance–both musically and lyrically–and any Stevens collection must start there. Nevertheless, surprises and some gems are to be found throughout all four discs–even his most recent recording (as Yusuf Islam) isn't bad. This box set also offers a choice opportunity to reassess a deserving career. (All royalties go to New York City relief victims and orphans and homeless families in underdeveloped countries.)

Remember Cat Stevens: The Ultimate Collection features 24 tracks culled from the popular singer/songwriter’s '60s and '70s heydays, including radio staples like “Moonshadow,” “Wild World,” “Morning Has Broken,” and “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” as well as fan favorites “Another Saturday Night,” “Here Comes My Baby,” “Oh Very Young,” and the Harold & Maude classics "Where Do the Children Play” and “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out.” …