Album Review by EDF
John Cale has reinvented himself for the 21st century. On the strength of this surprising enjoyable album, that is what the headlines would announce for this release. From his ‘60’s background spanning the Velvet Underground and production work on The Stooges, Nico and Patti Smith, composing movie soundtracks and working with Brian Eno, John Cale’s musical background is vast and legendary. Finding himself passing the 60-age mark, Cale’s next challenge was to teach himself and compose on the basic toy for all serious musicians, Pro Tools. The result is HOBOSAPIENS, his first album in seven years.
The opening track, ZEN, opens with a slow beat married to a backdrop tale of international conspiracy. THINGS is the most commercial track here, which does not mean that the rest of the album is not just as good, in fact it would take a lot to stop playing any of these tracks in the middle of the song. A laid-back beat, accompanied by cello and violins greets MAGRITTE; the lyrical scenic landscape is like watching a slow burning thriller. In fact, most of Cale’s music is like an aural cinematic landscape.
It is not surprising to find that Cale has an appreciation for The Beta Band and Beck. This album is somewhat similar to The Beta Band; perhaps even encouraged by David Bowie’s recent output has helped Cale compose to a wider canvas. On LETTER FROM ABROAD, with its hints of Eastern promise and odd percussions is more in the spirit of Beck than anything else. Vocally Cale is similar to Nick Cave, giving his own lyrics weight but sounding more dramatic thanks to his vast musical wealth. This is an important album for Cale that not only marks his return but also proves that John Cale has improved with age.
