It’s no exaggeration to say that John Cale has worked with some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. During his early years as a classical musician he performed with John Cage and drew compositional inspiration from contemporary Aaron Copeland. From there, he went on to co-found the Velvet Underground with Lou Reed. He’s collaborated with Brian Eno, Nick Drake, Patti Smith, The Stooges, and LCD Soundsystem, to name a few. Since his departure from the Velvet Underground in 1968, Cale has released countless solo and collaborative albums, and, if there’s one quality that applies to his music, it’s his demand for originality. Now John Cale is coming to you with his newest solo record, Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood. The album’s first track “I Wanna Talk 2 U” was co-produced by Danger Mouse and features a thoroughly modern take on his classic sound. The pounding drums and dark melodies bring you one step closer to Nookie Wood. As Consequence of Sound put it: “the shimmer of the soul-inspired guitar and Cale’s murky croon combine to form a deviant dance number sure to be blaring from Nookie Wood’s seediest discos.” This vibe continues on “Scotland Yard“, but takes you further into the mythology of Nookie Wood, among it’s neo-noir heroes and villains, along it’s streets, and through it’s dark alleys.
Recommended Tracks: 1, 4, 2
RIYL: Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Velvet Underground
FCC CLEAN
LABEL: Double Six / Domino
