We have already been treated to a number of singles from Yusuf / Cat Stevens‘ forthcoming 50th-anniversary new release ‘Tea for the Tillerman²’ which revisits his groundbreaking 1970 classic album for a retelling of songs through not just older and wiser eyes but also relating to a changing world.
Where Do The Children Play? depicted modern man’s disregard for nature and it’s disastrous implications for our future on this precious planet, while On the Road to Find Out we were offered an allegory for humanity’s journey of self-discovery and the historical events, art, and music that have influenced life and culture. While these reinterpreted songs carry the weight of time, none have turned time to such a tangible advantage as his latest single ‘Father and Son‘ featuring a recording of his younger self takes on the voice of the son, originally recorded at his historic premiere performance in the legendary Troubadour, Los Angeles in 1970. The effect of the two generations of one man duetting is hauntingly uncanny and gives a whole new level of rarity to this most profound song…
Talking about the song, Yusuf / Cat Stevens explains “Father And Son’ feels pretty appropriate for what’s going on right now, if you take the father figure as being the establishment. However, I don’t think revolutions are that kind to the previous order, its main objective is to turn it around and to get rid of them. Whereas I don’t personally believe in that; I believe in a kind of a change that would not necessarily destroy everything.”
The new release is accompanied by a stunning stop-frame animated video from acclaimed director Chris Hopewell, Jacknife Films and Black Dog Films. Relocating the narrative into a modern suburban setting, the result is another moving piece of filmic art. Admirers of Yusuf / Cat Stevens music will undoubtedly relish watching as another of his most quintessential songs is enchantingly brought to life in this magical medium.
Speaking about the creation of the video, Hopewell said: ‘It’s not often in the world of music videos that you get the chance to work with a truly iconic song not to mention artist. This track is so well known worldwide and means so much to so many people.
Yusuf came up with the premise of the two characters living detached, remote lives in the same home and I built the narrative around that. We wanted to get across the frustration that the two generations often feel with each other but them have a coming together and mutual respect at the close. The track is sung from two very different perspectives hence our portrayal of the two separate lives lived under one roof. The video was shot with a social distanced crew of six over three weeks just after the lockdown was lifted. Producer Rosie Brind and I designed and fabricated the majority of the props, sets, and the characters. It was a tough old job with such a small crew but also nice to be very hands on with all the elements.
The song is an anthem and a call to freedom, tempered with a plea to take one’s time and to be more considerate of others – particularly one’s own family.
Tea for the Tillerman², Reimagined – Available From 18th September on UMC
Pre-Order Tea for the Tillerman 2 via Amazon