Now known as Yusuf Islam after his conversion to the Islamic faith in 1977
CAT STEVENS - Teaser & The Firecat
Island Records
Cat# IL24323
19xx (not indicated on the packaging but the original release was 1971)
Australian reissue release
Standard clear cassette case is in very good condition, meaning there are no cracks or pieces missing, practically without any scuff marks or scratches at all. Light Grey clamshell has a Tan coloured paper label with Brown text print on each side of the shell. I also noticed the clamshell has JAPAN impressed into it.
The clamshell is the screw type, which is great if you need to get inside, and in the case of this tape it was a life saver!
Each end of the tape had clear leader spliced onto the magnetic tape. I discovered that the splices (yes both of them) had given way which leaves the tape "dead in the water" as it will not move in that condition.
Instead of remaking the splices, I simply cut away the leaders and connected the magnetic tape to the hubs using the nifty friction lock fixing system this clamshell has incorporated into it ... this worked fine and the tape is now secure.
Before playing I repacked the tape (wound fully forward then backwards to the beginning so that the tape is re-tensioned) and carefully visually inspected the clamshell, rollers and head pressure pad - no issues with the shell or tape at all.
I have played the ENTIRE tape, all program material, and the audio is clean and the sound quality is very good ... no problems heard at all with "drop outs" but I did get the impression that the "high end" may be a little lacking - not so much for the music to be badly affected but it didn't sound as "bright" as I thought it should. I have played the tape entirely, both sides.
TRACKS: The Wind, Rubylove, If I Laugh, Changes IV, How Can I Tell You, Tuesday's Dead, Morning Has Broken, Bitterblue, Moonshadow, Peace Train
