John Cale - 'blackAcetate' (EMI)
4/5
By: Clara Burtenshaw
To say that John Cale has had a prolific musical career does not do justice to a musical leviathan who boasts twenty-two solo albums to his name, production credits for Nico, Patti Smith and the Stooges, and membership of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
So when the former Velvet releases a new LP it's no wonder that the music world gets a little excited and, intriguingly, 'blackAcetate' doesn't disappoint. The album, both written and produced by Cale, undulates and whirrs, taking the listener on a weaving journey of the unexpected, assimilating influences as wide as Bloc Party and Pharrell, whilst sounding completely unique.
'Outta The Bag' sees Cale's cavernous baritone replaced by a falsetto that sails over the funkiest groove you've ever heard, replete with deep sax and instrumental trills, and 'ForARide' follows with a distinctively eighties feel, seductive Robert Palmer beats fronted with Bryan Ferry-esque quivers. Elsewhere, the impact of Dre's production is evident as things take an experimental ensemble turn.
A true, oft unrelenting voyage of sound; and for those who prefer to be aurally challenged rather than spoon-fed music of a very literal sense, it is a true delight.
Artists in this article: John Cale
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment