Matthew and Son (album)

Untitled

Matthew and Son is the first album by English singer-songwriter, Cat Stevens. Stevens begun writing songs during his early teenage years. His earliest influences included the sound of early British bands, like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, influenced by popular American Rhythm and Blues music. At the same time, folk influences from artists like Bob Dylan and Paul Simon left a strong mark on him, along with some of the musicals being performed so close to his childhood home in Soho, that often he could hear the songs drifting up through his room. Stevens' brother, David Gordon, attracted the attention of Mike Hurst, (formerly of the The Springfields) in hopes of finding a producer interested in his younger brother's music, and after a demo was recorded, a deal was struck between the two. The album was not released until 1967, however recording began on July 10, 1966, with a few advance singles appearing around that time.

Advance singles

Although the album was not released until 1967, the first advance single, "I Love My Dog" was released in 1966. It was initially recorded only by Stevens' guitars, piano & vocals. However, Hurst encouraged Stevens to add a staccato, tympani–and–viola arrangement; something not done before on pop music songs. Bassist John Paul Jones makes his debut on the first singles two years before becoming a member of Led Zeppelin. The B-side of the first single, "Portobello Road", was written by Kim Fowley, who encouraged Stevens to write a melody for the song. The single initially reached #28 on the UK charts, followed by "Matthew and Son", the next single and title track, which soared to #2 on the charts there, propelling Stevens into a popular cleancut teenage crooner.

Album release

The Album was released in 1967, with "Portobello Road" continuing to climb up the charts, eventually reaching #7 in the UK. "Here Comes My Baby", released by Stevens, but also covered by the Tremeloes, was a smash hit, reaching #4, while Stevens' "I'm Gonna Get Me a Gun" reached #6.

Track listing

All songs by Cat Stevens, except where noted.

Side 1

1. "Matthew and Son" –2:46
2. "I Love My Dog" –2:23
3. "Here Comes My Baby" –2:58
4. "Bring Another Bottle Baby" – 2:44
5. "Portobello Road" (Cat Stevens/Kim Fowley)– 2:29
6. "I've Found a Love" – 2:32
7. "I See a Road" – 2:11

Side 2

1. "Baby Get Your Head Screwed On" – 2:22
2. "Granny" – 3:12
3. "When I Speak to the Flowers" – 2:25
4. "The Tramp" – 2:11
5. "Come On and Dance" – 2:10
6. "Hummingbird" – 2:36
7. "Lady" – 3:04

2003 CD reissue Bonus tracks

1. "I'm Gonna Get Me a Gun" (Stereophonic Version) – 2:14
2. "School is Out" (Stereophonic Version) – 2:59
3. "I Love My Dog" (Monaural Single Version)" - 2:26
4. "Portobello Road" (Monaural Single Version)" - 2:30
5. "Matthew and Son" (Monaural Single Version)" - 2:50
6. "Granny" (Monaural Single Version)" - 3:12
7. "School Is Out" (Monaural Single Version) - 2:56
8. "I'm Gonna Get Me a Gun" (Monaural Single Version) - 2:16

Personnel

• Cat Stevens: guitars, Piano, Hammond organ, vocals.
• John Paul Jones, Bass guitar (not credited, except by Stevens' biography)
• All instruments arranged by Alan Tew.
• Mike Hurst: Producer, engineer, liner notes.
• Vic Smith: Engineer.

External links

• Official Website