AVIDIGI

Catch Bull is impeccably produced. Its musical contents are like those of Teaser and the Firecat—simple, short-phrased melodies and spare and vibrant arrangements. There are, however, notable differences between Catch Bull and its predecessor. The instrumental repertoire has been widened somewhat: three cuts make minimal use of a synthesizer, and on four cuts Cat plays piano. The result is a definite relaxation from the rigorous simplicity of Teaser—a simplicity that, for me, was just one step away from monotony, especially since it underscored the shallowness of Cat's appealing but essentially frivolous, unfocused lyrics. Happily, the greatest difference between Teaser and Catch Bull lies in the lyric themes of the songs. Though some of the lyrics retain Cat's fanciful imagery—word poems so dreamily obscure as to defy interpretation—he shows a new emotional directness, especially on side two, the album's "down" side. This is reflected in Cat's singing, which becomes more assured and more emotive with each album. Alas, what is missing throughout Catch Bull is any single tune with the distinction and sweeping grace of "Morning Has Broken," the most memorable cut on Teaser.
STEPHEN HOLDEN.

(Posted: Nov 23, 1972)