Yusuf Islam: The Website

         Are you a huge fan of Yusuf Islam?  How about a die hard Cat Stevens fan?  Well, if you were unaware of the fact that they are the same individual, you probably shouldn't claim publicly to be either.  But if you are a die hard, a music fan, or just a person looking for a cool website to check out, the Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens website is a must see.  This website is dedicated to all things Yusuf Islam(Cat Stevens).  The page contains all kinds of information, music, videos, audios of his work, archives and a great deal more. This homepage also provides links to humanitarian and other, thought provoking sites that provide further insight into the interests of Yusuf Islam.  Presented in such an artistic and inviting form, this website is a great experience even for younger generations who haven't a clue who Yusuf Islam is. 

           As you enter the website, you are immediatly presented with a scene of Yusuf sitting at a table, having tea in a very serene, Middle Eastern backdrop. To the left of the page is a bulliten announcing up- coming additions to the page, while at the top of the page are listed four words: Sing, Think, Give and Bazaar.  Bazaar is apart of the up- coming additions to the site and will probably be, as the name would suggest, a place to purchase Yusuf Islam products.  Both, Think and Give, are links to websites dedicated to charities and issues Mr. Islam shows interest in.  Under Give, you are linked to www.smallkindness.org, which is a childrens charity Mr. Islam is very involved with.  Under the catagory, Think, you are taken to www.mountainoflight.co.uk, which has an opening statement that reads, "Mountain of Light is dedicated to those who think and wish to use their reason as well as their hearts to find peace and light in this deep, mystifying universe."  This quote speaks volumes about the link. The site is full of quotes, questions and mind benders fit for any philosophy junky.  It also offers Mr. Islam a great outlet to promote his work further.

             The most detailed section of the Yusuf Islam website is the one entitled, Sing.  Under this section, viewers are presented with a very modern, animated scene of a crowded living room.  Around the room are various objects that, when clicked on, will take the viewer further into the specified area of observation.  For instance, clicking on the newspaper will link the viewer to the newsletter, clicking on the record player links to audios, the television, video and so on.  This section provides biographical information, archives, news,a discography,an art gallery, an area for members and even a section called, "Mr. Ho-Ho's FAQ"(find out for yourself!).  My personal favorite part of this website were the video links.  Performances ranging from the 70's to the nobel Prize Peace Concert in 2006.  All the videos are entertaining, but the best is the 1971 televised performance of Wild World. An Awsome song.

               Overall, this is a very cool website. You don't have to be a Yusuf Islam fan to enjoy it. You don't even need to be a Cat Stevens fan to enjoy it.  It really does contain alot of interesting and entertaining material.  At the very least, it offers links to other sites that promote worthy causes and interesting points of view. Although I am already a fan, I encourage others to check it out for themselves.