John Cale – 1919 – 1971

[Roland Bru]

John Cale was the musical genius of Velvet Underground. Period. No, comma, and he was also important for the artsy image, together with Nico and Andy Warhol on the first album. However: Lou Reed was the main composer, the lyricist and, generally, more of a pain in the arse / captain of the crew. So this great, very melodic album comes as a great surprise.

The first song, Child’s chistmas in Wales (Johns’ place of birth) is a very appealing song. The next, Hanky panky nohow is slightly more experimental, what with the repetitive piano motif. The Endless plain of fortune is again a little weirder, but his sweet voice and the string arrangements (and do I hear a flute?) make for easy listening. Andalucia is a gentle song, nothing more, nothing less. Macbeth breaks the flow, is some kind of rockabilly, and also complete Dren. Paris 1919 is a work of art. The strings invite you to listen to a song that makes you happy. This could be a children’s song, or the title song in a great, misunderstood musical. Grahame Green introduces electric guitar somewhat more prominently in a syncopating song that is interesting rhythmically. The mandolin adds a nice touch. Antarctica starts here is not sung, it is whispered.

All in all, this is a very European album, one can hear John go back from the USA, use his experiences there to integrate in his perception of ‘our’ European heritage.