Cat Stevens Numbers CD

Subtitled "A Pythagorean Theory Tale," Stevens' follow-up to the relatively conventional BUDDHA AND THE CHOCOLATE BOX is a semi-concept album with a sort of science fiction theme. The songs are set on the faraway planet Polygor, which "existed to give numbers to the universe," and they are sung from the point of prominent inhabitants of the planet, including the wise and deep-thinking old Novim ("Novim's Nightmare") and cranky emperor Monad ("Monad's Anthem"). The story line isn't easy to follow, but the songs themselves are in Steven's signature folkie pop mode, and the one non-story song, "Banapple Gas" (a distant relative of Donovan's "Mellow Yellow") is as catchy as anything in his catalogue.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Reissue producer: Bill Levenson.

Personnel: Cat Stevens (vocals, guitar, 12-string guitar, piano, grand piano, electric piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Alun Davies (vocals, guitar, 12-string guitar, 12-string bass); Gerry Conway (vocals, drums, snare drum); Barbara Massey, Anna Peacock, Vincent Beck, Venette Gloud, Melba Joyce, Art Garfunkel, Suzanne Lynch, Tasha Thomas, Lewis Furey, Brenda Russell, Carl Hall, Carmen Twillie (vocals); Simon Nicol (guitar, 12-string guitar); Jean Roussel (strings, brass, piano, electric piano, harpsichord, organ, keyboards, synthesizer, string synthesizer, vibraphone); Gordie Fleming (accordion); David Sanborn (saxophone, alto saxophone); Chico Batera (congas, ganza, triangle, percussion, wind chime, waterphone); Chris Batera (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Gary Ulmer; Gerald Block; Nick Blagona; Rene Ameline ; Ron Saint Germain; Bart Chiate.

Illustrator: Cat Stevens.

Arranger: Jean Roussel.

Personnel: Cat Stevens (acoustic & electric guitar, 12-string guitar, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, ARP synthesizer); Magic Children of Ottawa, Barbara Massey, Carl Hall, Tasha Thomas, Art Garfunkel, Lewis Furey, Melba Joyce, Carmen Twille, Brenda Russell, Vennette Gloud, Suzanne Lynch, Anna Peacock, Vincent Beck (vocals); Alun Davies (vocals, guitar, 12-string); Gerry Conway (vocals, drums); Simon Nicol (guitar,12-string guitar,); Gordie Fleming (accordion); David Sanborn (alto saxophone); Jean Roussel (piano, Wurlitzer piano, harpsichord, Hammond B-3 organ, organ, string synthesizer, vibraphone); Bruce Lynch (bass); Chico Batera (congas, percussion, chimes).

Producer: Cat Stevens.