Lifeline
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1 9 6 7
March : March.
LP: Matthew & Son. Although the album is heavily orchestrated, many of Steve’s songs stand above their busy arrangements, particularly the melancholy “The Tramp,” which Hurst uncharacteristically trims with just Steve’s guitar and a muted trumpet, the poppy “Here Comes My Baby,” and the folky “Portobello Road.” reaches No. 7.March : March.
The Tremeloes (without recently departed leader Brian Poole) take Steve’s “Here Comes My Baby” to No. 4.March : March.
Single: I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun/School is Out. The third Cat Stevens single – a bit more aggressive but still grandly theatrical in its arrangement—is promoted with a series of PR photos featuring the artist cradling a six–shooter (he is at the time writing a musical based on the life of Billy the Kid). The record is another hit (#6).March : March.
Cat Stevens begins a 25–date package tour on a bill that also includes Engelbert Humperdinck, the Walker Brothers and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.June : June.
P.P. Arnold, once a member of the Ikettes, has a Top 20 hit with “The First Cut is the Deepest,” produced by Hurst.July : July.
Single: A Bad Night/The Laughing Apple. Reaches No. 20.December : December.
Single: Kitty/Blackness of the Night. Reaches No. 47.December : December.
LP: New Masters. A darker, deeper album than its predecessor, with better songs—notably Steve’s own version of “The First Cut” and the widescreen “Kitty” and “Northern Wind.” The artist’s serious disagreements with Hurst over the heavy–handed production had come to legal blows, and the sessions were tense at best. The album fails to chart, and then it’s back fulltime to the singles game, which Steve is starting to actively detest. -
