Paris 1919
John Cale
1973
Album Summary
Paris 1919 is the third solo studio album by Welsh musician John Cale. It was released on 25 February 1973 by Reprise Records. Musicians such as Lowell George and Wilton Felder performed on the release. It was produced by Chris Thomas, who had previously worked producing Procol Harum.In contrast to the experimental nature of much of John Cale's work before and after Paris 1919, the album is noted for its orchestral-influenced style, reminiscent of contemporary pop rock music. Its title is a reference to the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, and song contents explore various aspects of early 20th century Western Europe culture and history. The album has received critical praise from several publications over the years, including AllMusic and Rolling Stone. It was reissued on 19 June 2006 by Rhino Records.
WikipediaOne of John Cale's very finest solo efforts, Paris 1919 is also among his most accessible records, one which grows in depth and resonance with each successive listen. A consciously literary work -- the songs even bear titles like "Child's Christmas in Wales," "Macbeth," and "Graham Greene" -- Paris 1919 is close in spirit to a collection of short stories; the songs are richly poetic, enigmatic period pieces strongly evocative of their time and place. Chris Thomas' production is appropriately lush and sweeping, with many tracks set to orchestral accompaniment; indeed, there's little here to suggest either Cale's noisy, abrasive past or the chaos about to resurface in his subsequent work -- for better or worse, his music never achieved a similar beauty again.
I listened to this years ago but mostly knew it by reputation, which I can say is well-earned. There's some Velvet Underground in this record's DNA, but it's mostly a dramatic evolution, with orchestrations that compliment the songwriting. A few really excellent tracks, especially "Andalucia" and "Half Past France." Maybe not as enthusiastic a 5 as other records I've given that rating to, but it's more of a grower, which is fine.
I didn't have any witticisms or ironic comments come to mind while listening. I just rrally love this album now
Though this is not my personal favorite John Cale album (that would be "Fear"), I am going to give this a 5 because I'm pretty sure this will be John Cale's only solo appearance on the list. This is a beautiful album and I find his voice oddly comforting.
The music was strong. The instrumentation was expansive giving the album a symphonic feel. There was also a strong sense of melody and whimsy. I only know John Cale through his work his work with the Velvet Underground but though this was very different, this art pop stands very well on its own.
Classic John Cale album. Hard to see why anyone would give fewer than 5 stars for it.
Another day, and another randomly generated album selected for me from the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Todays selection is an album titled Paris 1919 by former Velvet Underground band member John Cale. I’m going to cut to the chase. After having this album in my possession for 24 hours, while being obviously well produced, written, engineered and performed, its mostly forgettable to me, but not completely. There are two extremely good songs on Paris 1919 and I’ll focus on those. This is just my honest opinion. Child’s Christmas in Wales, the album opener, is very warm and welcoming, if it was meant to set the tone for the rest of the experience, it failed. Most following tracks are, to me personally, too slow and sappy. I don’t mind slow and sappy at all, just make it catchy and memorable. As I drudged through about fifty percent of Paris 1919, I was smacked right in the face with the epic title track, Paris 1919. The deep bass of the strings are all it took to hook me. The horns closely following reeled me in closer. I have no idea what this song is about lyrically, seems based on historic events of countries I’ve never visited. Paris maybe? When John Cole sings “you’re a ghost la la - la la la la la” I get a little release of dopamine. So simple, yet so catchy especially in his cadence. Other notable songs are Graham Greene, Half Past France and Antartica Starts here. I totally don’t know what they are about but they sound nice. While the overall production of Paris 1919 is obviously top tier, the only songs I would add to a playlist would be Childs Christmas In Wales and most definitely the title song, Paris 1919. Please share your thoughts, opinions and memories below!
Loved it, dense and powerful orchestration, historical lyrical storytelling, nice arc to the album
I enjoyed this. A Child's Christmas in Whales and Antarctica Starts Here stand out. Artsy, innovative - doesn't always hit the mark for me but never boring. Good listen.
My familiarity with John Cale prior to today was mostly limited to his work in The Velvet Underground, so this turned out to be an unexpectedly straightforward and accessible rock album to listen to. Highly enjoyable art-rock, with beautiful orchestration. I need to check out more of Cale’s solo work.
A playful and incredibly cordial flash of gallic beauty from a true artist. Cale has laundered the Velvet Underground from his system on this record and not so much recorded an album, but painted a musical picture. John Squire once recorded an album based around the paintings of Edward Hopper. It was a bold idea, more miss than hit, but a commendable effort. Paris 1919 seems to achieve Squire's aim almost accidentally. It's short, but any longer and it wouldn't have worked. This isn't something that takes you on a journey - plenty of records do - but instead it takes you out for coffee. If Dark Side Of The Moon, for example, whisks you away into the psychedelic catacombs of your mind, then Paris 1919 treats you to croissants in a delightful little cafe on the banks of the Seine under the romantic stewardship of the Eiffel Tower. C'est merveilleux.
It's fine. There's the odd moment here and there where it's bordering on good, but overall, it's fine, it's listenable, not horrible, not fabulous.
Not feeling this at all. No real good reason. Maybe I'm just not that into Avante Garde.
Paris 1919 by John Cale (1973) Of the three key members of The Velvet Underground (John Cale, Lou Reed, and Nico [1965-1967]), John Cale was the most inscrutable. But on the post-Underground album Paris 1919, John Cale approaches scrutability. If nothing else, the record demonstrated that he actually had musical talent, even if his lyrics remained on the obscure side. With an almost pop sound, utilizing sensible but creative melodies, and backed by the UCLA Symphony Orchestra, Paris 1919 is listenable, even if Cale’s voice leaves much to be desired (I’m being generous on that last bit). From the wacky faux-reggae “Graham Greene” to the almost folk rock anthem “Half Past France” to the delicately pretty and cool “Andalucia”, the musical chops are there, but they seem almost desperate to achieve meaning. The allusions to the overall theme of the album are oh so slight. It takes work to understand, and it’s not quite worth it. The album does prompt some historical reflection, which is a plus. The ‘Paris’ of Paris 1919 was of course the post-WWI Paris, recovering but victorious after the Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia) defeated the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and providing the setting for the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. The conference was marked by the victors’ idealism and hopefulness that sought an international path forward after the “war to end all wars”. Sadly (and due in no small part to the arrogant and vain naïveté of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson), the resulting Treaty of Versailles would be a colossal failure, ensuring the rise of German nationalism and the horrors of WWII just 20 years later. Cale’s lyrics on the title track “Paris 1919” make reference to this ephemeral buoyancy, but they remain indeterminate, so they represent a missed opportunity. But the music captures the mood—the foolishness of those who put bright heads together confident of securing the avoidance of war. As the wise man said, “When will they ever learn?” (Pete Seeger/Joe Hickerson, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” [1955/1960]) An even wiser man said (in 1950), “No one has yet explained how war prevents war. Nor has anyone been able to explain away the fact that war begets the conditions that beget further war.” That ‘even wiser man’ was the American Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. He should know. 2/5
Another one I just didn't get on with. Shame, I like Velvet Underground too.
Absolute waste of time. This was almost unlistenable and even then, it was boring beyond belief. I somehow made it through and I was so angry the whole time that I was forcing myself to finish it.
Great album! All compositions are powerfully connected by the concept, while each one is different. Feel free to listen to this album in its entirety. Cale opened to me this uniqe genre as barocco-pop
Honestly one of my favourite ever albums. I always think of it as underrated so I was pleasantly surprised it made the list. It's a shame he never went back to this style with his later more experimental stuff
kinda unsurprising because i love the Velvet Underground, but man was this a good album
Liked this, but feel I need to listen to it several times get deeper into it. John Cale's voice moves from understated to absurd, but always fascinating.
Absolute perfection. Bliss. Incredible. The title track is genuinely one of the most gorgeous compositions ever put to record. Now THIS is symphonic rock at it's finest. VU alum >>>
Very nice collection of beautiful songs. Cale's singing is a bit wobbly at times, but in this case I can live with that.
Loved this album. I have never heard any of these songs before. Had a great band and vocals. I would buy this album.
Child's Christmas In Wales: interessante, come primo impatto m'ha fatto molto anni '70 ma non in modo negativo. L'arrangiamento mi è piaciuto e il pezzetto col tempo dispari m'ha un po' conquistato. Hanky Panky Nohow: Wtf?? Parte come un pezzo un po' folkeggiante anni 70 ma il testo è totalmente fuori di testa. Il "ritornello" m'è piaciuto e trovo molto azzeccata la durata del brano che più lungo avrebbe perso d'impatto. "There's a law for everything And for Elephants that sing to keep The cows that agriculture won't allow". Ok..? The Endless Plain Of Fortune: Ammazza figo questo, l'orchestrazione m'è piaciuta un sacco. Parte un po' modaiolo anni 70 e invece quando iniziano ad entrare gli ottoni e gli archi diventa un pezzo totalmente diverso da quello che me aspettavo. Bello! Andalucia: L'ho dovuta sentì 3 volte perché non riusciva a catturarmi in nessun modo. Forse bisognerebbe sentì il testo che non ho sentito bene, però m'è sembrato un pezzo folk ballad tipico dell'epoca senza particolari pregi. Machbeth: Figa, l'influenza un po' country rock m'è piaciuta. Non è niente di super originale ma pure la transizione strana in quella sorta di bridge m'è piaciuta. Sta pure nel punto giusto dell'album. Paris 1919: Ho visto che è la title track e che è la più ascoltata quindi ero un po' prevenuto, però invece m'è piaciuta. Orecchiabile ma comunque con elementi stilosi e il bridge orchestrato con gli uccellini e il cambio d'atmosfera l'ho trovato geniale. Graham Greene: Carino il piano scordato però non m'ha detto molto. Half Past France: Niente di sconvolgente e forse un po' più legato agli anni, però m'è piaciuto. Antarctica Starts Here: Nonostante il Rhodes per come è suonato fa un po' David Bowie (e quindi buuu), comunque l'ho trovato un pezzo molto poco anni '70 e pure originale. Forse avrei voluto che ci fosse un po' di più di questo spirito pure negli altri pezzi. Complessivamente: Molto interessante, figlio dei suoi tempi da una parte ma anche con una visione artistica che secondo me regge ancora oggi e c'ha ancora qualcosa da dì. Secondo me se sente che s'è trattenuto un po' e voleva fa un disco più vendibile (tipo appunto considerando i pezzi più sbroccati) ma comunque se sente che c'è una mano esperta sia a livello compositivo che di arrangiamento. Probabilmente ci vorrebbe più di un ascolto e penso che qui i testi siano abbastanza importanti ma non ho prestato sempre attenzione. Quando l'ho fatto però c'erano sempre frasi abbastanza surreali che mi sembravano aggiungere all'atmosfera del pezzo/disco.
Fantastic album, you can see why he went on to do soundtracks etc. Loved the variation of it. Favourites were Hanky Panky Nohow (best song title ever), The Endless Plain of Fortune, Macbeth and Paris 1919. Some really inspiring stuff in there. Highlight was the strings.
Con John Cale è stato subito amore (cuoricino su spotify per Child's Christmas in Wales). Mi ha trasmesso naturalezza e semplicità ma a tratti anche nostalgia (de che? boh!). Ha i suoi momenti geniali sia come testi sia come musica. Machbeth ha un po' interrotto la magia e ci sono rimasto un po' male, ma John Cale è tipo un di quelle persone che ti piacciono a prescindere. Non arriverebbe a 4 (3.75), ma mi ha fatto sentire meglio. Glielo devo. 4
This is a fascinating album that I have never heard before. This is one of those albums that you just need to sit down and enjoy in its entirety. Will definitely put this into rotation. Favorite Tracks: "Paris 1919" "Child's Christmas in Wales"
fun! upbeat! poppy! everything i want in a good daytime music working cd.
If there’s one thing I can always rely on, it’s for John Cale to confound me a little with his music, but I love it. His music can be a bit of a rough listen for some because of his avant-garde sensibility. But this album is probably one of his most accessible and most enjoyable to listen to. The songs are a pleasant listen, with a hint of a pop vibe. Several reviewers compared Cale to Ringo Starr which at first annoyed me, but I can hear it, particularly in the piano. They also have similar vocal ranges, but that’s about it. What Cale is up to is a bit more left field, to put it mildly. There are some stunningly pretty songs on here, mostly with simple but elegant arrangements. In contrast, the kicky rocker “Macbeth” is kind of ridiculous, especially followed up with the masterful “Paris 1919.” It’s a tonal shift that will break your brain on some level. I like to think Cale had a good laugh over it. Speaking of “Paris 1919,” it’s a singularly lovely confection of a song, the best track on the album. I would have loved a whole album of songs in this vein. The lyrics on “Paris 1919” are also quite clever but won’t mean much to a casual listener. As with a number of songs on the album, the lyrics are peppered with historical and cultural references that tend toward the obscure. Cale is not known for his vocal talents, but something in his delivery is enjoyable to me. It's slightly off-kilter and wavering, but conveys a certain pathos that works really effectively with his musical style. Richie Unterberger describes it as a “lilting if thin Welsh burr,” which is about as perfect a description of Cale’s vocal style as I have ever seen. Combined with his beautiful arrangements, that wonderful viola, and a little warmth courtesy of Lowell George’s guitar work, you have a really unique collection of songs here. It may take multiple listens to connect with it, but it’s worth it. Fave Songs: Paris 1919, The Endless Plain of Fortune, Child's Christmas in Wales, Andalucia, Half Past France
Quite pleasant, not sure if I'd put it on again any time soon but wouldn't mind listening again.
I liked this. Stunning instrumentation. And introspective quirky song styles.
I braced myself for the electric viola and was pleasantly surprised. Best track: Half Past France
nostalgic yet hopeful 70s road trip montage music through Europe. Try not to fall over during the first 7 seconds of the opener!
Interesting to hear this one so close to Lou Reed's "Transformer": two former Velvets a few years on, taking the reins of their solo careers and moving in very different directions. Where Reed chased Bowie's glam-rock sounds, Cale (VU's "lunatic" according to drummer Maureen Tucker) also went commercial with a lush, sophisticated half-hour of orchestral pop. "Paris 1919" is a regal, stately album: full of bombast, intricate orchestral arrangements, classical influence and overt allusions to writers from Dylan Thomas to Shakespeare to Graham Greene. It puts its cards immediately on the table and rarely lets go of its dense arrangements and orchestra, used to greatest effect in the stunning title track. The biggest shock is perhaps the most conventional song, rocker "Macbeth". Upbeat, riotous and bringing drums and electric guitar to the fore, it sounds like it belongs on a different album... in the end, it's just another mesmerising trick in Cale's box. "Macbeth" and "Paris 1919" both add to my main take-away of this album: underneath all the sonic ambition, there are some real pop gems here. My favourites boast truly aching melodies: "Andalucia" is a straightforward three-chord folk song that could work as a stripped back, acoustic-guitar-only ballad. "Half Past France" is another winner, its wistful melody surrendering to floods of organ and reverb. Things end on an oblique, mysterious note with "Antarctica Starts Here". If anything lets the album down, it's "Hanky Panky Nohow" and "Endless Plain of Fortune", which don't reach the same heights of the other ballads here- maybe on account of feeling overbaked, over-orchestrated? It's a tricky line to walk. This is nitpicking though- on the whole, this is definitely one of my favourite new albums I've been introduced to on the list and will be added to regular rotation.
Fun stuff, very eclectic but good pop sensibilities throughout. Not sure about the cod reggae track, though.
John Cale, the founder of Velvet Underground, doing a collection of fun catchy pop songs. Nothing out of place. The majority being baroque pop, one of my favorite genres (especially from that era) with a heavy wall of sound, incorporating strings like an orchestra. Different styles here and there like the bluegrass "Macbeth" or psychedelic folk "Hanky Panky Nohow" that never test the boundaries of our comfort zone. Beautiful writing reminiscent of 19th to early-20th century literature. He gets pretty artsy at times, most dramatically in the bridge title track, which draws your attention while still being pleasing and accessible. Has a very British sound, with vocals and writing reminding me of the mods, especially the Kinks. Closer is a satisfying exit. Length and pacing are just right. Favorites: The Endless Plain of Fortune, Andalucia, Paris 1919
Weirdness all round. First, because it sounds a few years out of date, belonging more to late sixties psychedelic orchestral pop. Also, the topics explored make it an album you'd want to have Wikipedia at your side to make sure you get all the references. Picking Lowell George as the guitar player is a shocker since Little Feat (and all the other artists that George accompanied) are the exact opposite of this stuff. That said, I kind of liked it. It's good that there was a time when a record like this, hard to define and out of place, could get released by a major label.
That was surprisingly good. It does beg the question as to why Reed was the lead singer of the Velvet Underground. Because Cale can sing. In tune, even.
John Cale doing almost pop music, it works. Also helps to Lowell George on guitar as well.
This was a welcome surprise. Paris 1919 couldn't be more far removed from the Velvets. It's an uplifting pop album with a wonderful warm and homely production. Not exactly an album in which to take Class A drugs to. I'm never really a fan of concept albums. They require too much investment for a narrative that probably doesn't interest you. But a pop album about the Paris Communes worked well for me.
Been waiting for this one too Love Paris 1919 4 or 5 definitely Not perfect at least 4
Альбом понравился, прослушан был стремительно быстро. Но оказался добротным.
A nice guitar pop record with some well-written songs. I’m sure this album rewards multiple listens.
Jag tycker att det här albumet hade någonting. Var speciellt en låt som stod ut bland de andra.
The album sounds like it was ahead of its time, I was surprised it released in 1973. Actually never mind I was going to say it sounded Beatles-esq but it was actually released afterwards. I do like the orchestral influences. Did not finish last song tho
Never heard any of his stuff before. A quaint album with interesting lyricism. Saved tracks: The Endless Plain Of Fortune, Macbeth, Paris 1919, Graham Greene
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this album, but it was pretty good. Every song started in a way that had me hooked and interested in what was to come. I like his voice too. It kinda reminds me of Morten Harket's voice. It wasn't perfect, but this was a good album. My favourite song was Graham Greene.
its a peculiar album because its described as pop but no one would really think of this when they say pop. It reminds me of simon & garfunkel and john denver. Lyrically very intruing
I fell in love with Child's Christmas in Wales and the title track immediately, such delights which I know for sure will be repeated constantly during Christmas. The album itself is short and sweet, though not as memorable as those two tracks. There are some great album cuts, but the rest blends in the background. Its a bit uncanny this can be compared to Lou Reed's Transformer, as both have are some fantastic highpoints but gets bogged down by some of its meh backbones.
Very nice, almost classical sounding. A very talented guy, I wish he had done more accessible albums like this one. 4 stars.
How peculiar - Cale goes from antagonistic noisenik to auditioning for the Zombies. This rather lovely baroque pop, with the same kind of laser focus on parochial life as the Kinks' ...Are the Village Green Preservation Society. Wry, mournful and wistful all at once - even if the first track does sound a bit like 'Walk Away Renee'.
wonderful and amazing!! Some tracks are unappealing when they start but by the end are simply great. Best tracks: andalucia, Paris 1919, the endless plain of fortune
Lush, delicate arrangements and compositions for interesting pop tunes.
This album is doubly amazing insofar that I find all the rest of Cale’s solo repertoire (and a lot of his Velvet Underground stuff) utterly and unpleasantly impenetrable. Still, I like many of his production projects, so I know he can make an album that I like. And I did, this. I can see the impact of this on many artists. I hear late Beatles, I hear Level 42, I hear Sweet, I hear the Decemberists. I liked it all.
Its like a stepping stome album. The ideas are there but the execution can be just avg. long way to go, but explains why theres a long long catalog in their solo career. So it reassures me that maybe they go forward in experimenting with this folk-classical sound. its very gay and i love it and im here for it. just execute better, show me your glittered face not just the glistening hair