Search - Cat Stevens - Majikat (Earth Tour 1976) on DVD

Doesn't get much better than this

Rick Tharp | Plattsburg, MO United States | 12/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is really a two-fer. A superb concert video and also a personal message from Yusuf (Cat) explaining his conversion to Islam.

The concert footage is beautiful and the sound is superb. The set list is pulled largely from his best early 70's albums. The band is tight and Cat is in fine voice. And the crowd shots are a gas, with our goofy Chachi and Afro haircuts and the silly clothes we wore back then.

The personal message from Yusuf was also very satisfying to me. I was a huge Cat fan in the 70's and have puzzled over his withdrawal from the limelight. The mainstream media (which feeds on negativity), has given us a distorted image of Yusuf as a fundamental Islamic radical. The interview showed nothing of the sort. Yusuf is a man who, after a near death experience, had a spiritual awakening. His newfound religious conviction gave him inner peace, something which happens to many of us when we mature and take measure of our life. The only "problem" is, he chose a religion which is unpopular and misunderstood by most westerners."

Beyond Majikal

J. Moss | Redmond, WA United States | 06/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had just turned 16 when I went to my very first live concert - Cat Stevens at Madison Square Garden in NY on 3/5/76. The Williamsburg, VA show on this DVD, with virtually the same set list, was filmed exactly two weeks before that date, and now, 28 years later, I have a permanent souvenir of that cherished memory. But I must admit I had forgotten just HOW GREAT that show really was. I agree with all the praise everyone else has given this disc, and I'll add that after watching/listening to it over a dozen times already, it really does affirm what a unique, gifted performer Cat/Yusuf is. Few performers today deliver such beautiful poetry with such passion and energy. His music is timeless, it is spiritual, spirited, intense, insightful and optimistic. Sadly, many teens have grown up on the "life sucks - woe is me" perspective of the spoiled kids who made rock and roll in the 90's. Cat Stevens' music is a wonderful reminder of a time when more artists saw the glass as half full. The sound on this DVD is stunning, and the DTS-Surround Audio is unbelievable. It really IS just like being there, and yes, I agree this is the best music DVD I've ever seen. So simple and unpretentious, because the music is the star and it is truly stellar. And notice how the guitars were mic'ed with actual microphones! What a concept!To think that this man could put on one show today, singing this material for one night, and probably end world hunger with the proceeds, while giving a whole new generation a lesson in what real songwriting and performing is about. And if he doesn't, at least we have this DVD to turn up and remember a time when music was made more for the heart than the wallet.Please search those vaults for more!"

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING....

Robert M. Fisher | 05/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally and way over due A DVD capturing one of the best Singer/Songwriters in Concert- Cat Stevens Live. This DVD is incredible from the interviews , rare videos, the concert footage and sound -every thing was produced first class. It is incredible to see him perform - Cat lays down one hit after another showing why he was regarded as one of the best. i am glad that after all these years there is a live doucment to showcase some of the best music ever written. For those who are in to Cat Stevens this is a MUST have for your collection. For those who are new here is an artist who was recorded at the top of his Career and listen to one of the true great singer/songwriters of that generation. You do not want to miss this."

Why Cat Stevens is Important ...

Robert M. Fisher | Woodland Hills, CA United States | 07/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... And this CD is one of the greatest archeological folk music discoveries of all time. I never saw Cat Stevens live, but have always loved his music. His conversion to Islam seemed to slam the door shut on his contribution. The media picture we were given was that a bifurcation of the artist had occurred: Good Cat and Bad Cat. But this CD fuses the two into one, as it should be. The music performances are stunning -- Stevens was a VERY dynamic performer, giving everything to his performance. He could be touchy and perfectionistic, something he addresses in the CD's excellent Bonus Material. The audio and video quality are superb. I actually found myself loving some of his later material I hadn't previously cared for. The performance is eloquently framed from the start with a succinct overview of where Cat and world were in 1976. Then he comes out and just BRINGS IT, people. The Bonus Material performances are fantastic. Gorgeous packaging. The release of this CD is wonderfully-timed with respect to the currently divisive world situation. We need to build bridges, not destroy them. And MAJIKAT is built to last."