Though he’s had a long and storied career since, the first hit that Yusuf / Cat Stevens ever released was an ode to a household pet of a different kind. “I Love My Dog” came out in 1966, but it contains many of the sentiments that have grown exceedingly popular with — gasp — millennials!
The song is predicated on the idea that dogs are more dependable than humans, and don’t hurt us like other humans do. Plus, they ask very little. It’s a sweet and slightly tongue-in-cheek track that appeared on his debut Matthew And Son and earned him a No. 28 slot on the UK chart. Which proved his point — people really do love dogs.
Fifty years later, Stevens has opted to remake the song via a direct-to-acetate recording process at Jack White’s Third Man Records Blue Room. It seems like the studio is appealing to musicians who maybe weren’t able to work with such incredible equipment when they first started out, but now have accumulated quite a following.
Kudos to White, too, for continually seeking out talents like Stevens who deserve to be highlighted late in their careers. Hey, not many people get to work with a 1955 Scully lathe disc cutting machine in their lifetimes.
It’s not surprising Stevens and White teamed up for a special release given White’s recent appearance at Stevens’ Nashville date at The Ryman. Prior to joining him for “Where Do The Children Play?” White requested Stevens come down and record with him.
The result is this new updated version of “I Love My Dog” which will be backed with “Matthew and Son,” his second-ever single and first true hit, which went to No. 2 in the UK. NPR shared the track today, and you can stream it below.
Those familiar with Stevens later hits might not know about his early ode to our feline friends, so the remake might also serve as an introduction for some fans. Listen to “I Love My Dog” below and watch for the 7-inch out 11/25, just in time for Black Friday. Also check out the full, gorgeous hand-drawn artwork by Jess Rotter just below the track.
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