Long before he became a Muslim named Yusaf Islam and reportedly supported the Ayatollah Khomeini's calls for the assassination of writer Salman Rushdie, Cat Stevens was one of the most gifted troubadours of folk pop. In the early Seventies, hit songs such as "Peace Train," "Wild World" and "Morning Has Broken" illustrated Stevens' uncanny knack for sublime melodies and lyrics.

Tea for the Tillerman is perhaps Stevens' finest album. Released in 1970, its 11 tracks spoke to the gentleness, innocence and elusive idealism of the period's youth culture. A far cry from the protest anthems of other folkies, Stevens' deceptively simple and spare tunes tapped more wistful sentiments. It's no wonder, then, that the DVD release of Tea for the Tillerman, a vintage live performance largely made up of songs from that critically acclaimed LP, might be a sort of sonic healing balm for longtime fans.

Other viewers might be unmoved by the tunes, finding themselves amused by the datedness of the setup. Recorded for Los Angeles' public television station in 1971, Stevens sits on a stool and croons for a group of quiet, adoring hippie-fans perched at his feet. Long hair, granny glasses, fringe-laden clothes -- there's no mistaking the show's unabashed grooviness.

The music, however, is timeless. Stevens sails through a set list that includes:

1."Moonshadow"
2. "On the Road to Find Out"
3. "Where Do the Children Play?"
4. "Wild World"
5. "Miles from Nowhere"
6. "Longer Boats"
7."Father and Son"
8. "Hard Headed Woman"

Throughout the all-too-brief concert, Stevens is in great voice. The performance also underscores the singer-songwriter's talent for punching just the right words and phrases. There is an innate sense of drama and wonder in compositions such as "Where Do the Children Play" and "Father and Son," a fact that makes up for the show's bland visual presentation.

Also on the 36-minute disc is "Teaser and the Firecat," a 1971 animated short that showcases the trippiness of "Moonshadow." We follow a placid young man in a top hat as he rides a large white circle (or a moonshadow, if you will) around the globe. A bong isn't required to enjoy the clip, but it couldn't hurt.

A 37-year-old program originally on Los Angeles' KCET, Tea for the Tillerman looks its age. While hardly unwatchable, its visual presentation is soft and colors are generally washed-out.

The 2.0 audio mix is a different story - crisp, clear and altogether impressive.

None.

Where have you gone, Cat Stevens? With eight wonderful songs, Tea for the Tillerman is a sweet reminder of what once was.