VOL. XV, NO. 12
MAY 3, 1974
Record Review
By JEFF SCHWARZ
Cat Stevens - "Buddha and the Chocolate Box" - The Cat's newly released album is another example of his wanting to improve his sound and make every album a new and different experience. The song, "Bad Penny," resembles songs from "Teaser and the Firecat"; otherwise, Stevens has added more electric instruments (electric piano, electric organ, and synthesizer, in addition to electric guitars).
"Music" and "Oh Very Young" are excellent songs. They are two of his best because they are different from anything he has ever done, yet they have the great Cat Stevens' flair. "Buddha and the Chocolate Box" is a bright, new adventure with one of the time's best poetic‑rock guitarists.
Cat Stevens - "Buddha and the Chocolate Box" - The Cat's newly released album is another example of his wanting to improve his sound and make every album a new and different experience. The song, "Bad Penny," resembles songs from "Teaser and the Firecat"; otherwise, Stevens has added more electric instruments (electric piano, electric organ, and synthesizer, in addition to electric guitars).
"Music" and "Oh Very Young" are excellent songs. They are two of his best because they are different from anything he has ever done, yet they have the great Cat Stevens' flair. "Buddha and the Chocolate Box" is a bright, new adventure with one of the time's best poetic‑rock guitarists.
Carly Simon - "Hotcakes" On this album Carly and her husband, James Taylor, combine talents on the hit single, "Mockingbird," and also on other numbers on which James sings background vocals and plays guitars.
Ms. Simon writes all of her own material, except for one song, on which she has the help of Taylor. The best number on the album is definitely "Haven't Got Time for the Pain," which relates a true‑life experience Ms. Simon had a few years ago.
Jim Croce - "I Got a Name" Croce's last-to-be-released album ranks with the best he has ever done. The title song and the current favorite, "I Have To Say I Love You in a Song," are two of the best songs ever done by anyone. His soft voice and soothing guitar make this album worth its price.
Ms. Simon writes all of her own material, except for one song, on which she has the help of Taylor. The best number on the album is definitely "Haven't Got Time for the Pain," which relates a true‑life experience Ms. Simon had a few years ago.
Jim Croce - "I Got a Name" Croce's last-to-be-released album ranks with the best he has ever done. The title song and the current favorite, "I Have To Say I Love You in a Song," are two of the best songs ever done by anyone. His soft voice and soothing guitar make this album worth its price.