Sunday, April 26, 2020

More U.K. Tracks On U.S. Labels: Cat Stevens "Matthew And Son"

CAT STEVENS-Matthew And Son/Granny US Deram 45 DEM 7505 1967





















We discussed Cat's debut 45 in an earlier post, "Matthew And Son", was his second single. It was issued in the U.K. as Deram DM 110 in December 1966. It's US release was delayed until January. It was a huge hit in the U.K. reaching #2, sadly it did nothing in the U.S.A.

"Matthew And Son" works on so many levels, from it's brilliant orchestration by Alan Tew to the lyrics perfectly chronicling the daily woes of the everyman delivered rapid fire on the upbeat.  Despite it's slightly sweet pop psych backing its an amazing track, especially the lines:
"he's got people who've been working for fifty years, no one asks for more money cause nobody dares even though they're pretty low and their rents in arrears".

Plugging "Matthew And Son" on Dutch TV's "Fan Club" 1966


























The flip is equally amazing. "Granny" is one of my favorite Cat Stevens tracks. Once again its the musical backing that really makes the track.  There's a brilliant bit in the middle where the horns get powerful and this jazzy little guitar solo comes in after some cool chords.

Both sides are available on the deluxe edition of Cat's debut LP "Matthew And Son".

Hear "Matthew And Son":

https://youtu.be/rizQ54pVq2M

Hear "Granny":

https://youtu.be/qiMHvjg4_jQ

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