Paris 1919

Goofy English shit. Fella sounds a bit like Ringo.

This was fine. I didn't hate it. Didn't love it. Largely forgettable.

Cruise ship lower decks lounge music. At best.

Cale > Reed :)

It's just kinda there.

At least with Kale you get the feeling you’re doing something good for your body, even if you don’t enjoy it. Unlike this Cale.

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.

The brain behind Velvet. Brilliant guy.

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!

I didn't have any witticisms or ironic comments come to mind while listening. I just rrally love this album now

Meh… sounds like badly jerked-over Beatles tunes, but less interesting.

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.

One 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.

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.

Pretty solid album. Started a little slow but ended up enjoying it more than I expected to. My player started shuffling through a 2nd time after the first listen and I 1) didn't realize it and 2) liked it even more the further I got, so this might be one that really builds with additional listens. 3.5/5

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.

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

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.

this is boring and I can't understand what he is singing.

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.

This is art.

Middle of the road. Not boring, but doesn't really stand out either.

Didn't vibe with it but also it didn't put me off it was just kinda there.

Not feeling this at all. No real good reason. Maybe I'm just not that into Avante Garde.

This has the kind of quality that’s inescapable: one swoons on contact.

John Cale is a national treasure. So many influential albums over a long career, each different, each with something to offer (including 2023's MERCY, in his '80s). Hit me up if you want some recommendations! This is probably his "prettiest" album, not quite his best but excellent and lovely, an inspiration to a generation of "baroque pop" peddlers to follow. Love it.

What a surprise this album was. His mellow voice, slightly spiritual sounding, on top of a unique guitar and strings blend, with every song making you feel something. Also, such a cool selection of song names.

Classic John Cale album. Hard to see why anyone would give fewer than 5 stars for it.

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.

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

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.

Loved it, dense and powerful orchestration, historical lyrical storytelling, nice arc to the album

Paris 1919 - string accomp. as per Eleanor rigby

Kind of sounds like a really good Ringo album

Cute little folky album. Some parts remind me of the Beatles, but that's likely just because of the UK origination. Not a bad record, but kind of boring.

the songs don't stand out on their own imo but altogether they are enjoyable to listen

This dude reminds me of Ringo so much. Interesting at some points but boring at others. I did have to listen to the first song on the deluxe edition. Sounds like he didn't accomplish his goal.

I'd heard and liked the title track a few years ago so I was moderately looking forward to this, but actually I found it pretty dull, too soft, no bite. The second-best track on this is Graham Greene, but two decent tracks do not make a must-listen album.

Lounge act with a sudden attempt at a failed stadium show then back to the lounge. Easy listening on the verge of yacht rock.

I don't really get the appeal of this one. From what I know of John Cale I thought this would be way more experimental. But this was just mid the whole way through, apart from Analucia, which I found to be offensively bad. Maybe I'm missing something here, context-wise.

Another bland 70's album... not really sure why this is on the list. There are a dime a dozen albums like this that sound leagues better and more interesting. Nothing here really stands out. This dude can't sing, the songs all sound the same, and the melodies are really lazy. The only thing going for this album is that the strings sound good at some parts. I can tell I am going to forget about this album in 2-3 days. High 2.

Nothing here is overly offensive to the ears -but def nothing to excite me. Perfect for an elevator.

"Paris 1919" is an art pop solo album by the Velvet Underground's John Cale. Full of literary allegories and the UCLA Symphony Orchestra, this album received high remarks for its poetic songwriting and idiosyncracity. However, this album is an unremarkable, utter snooze.

This has to be one of the most boring albums I've ever had the misfortune of listening to, no contest. Total snooze-fest. The only reason this doesn't completely fail is because there's nothing TECHNICALLY wrong with other than it being utterly devoid of energy, attitude, or interest. Just another of those head-scratcher, "WHY is this on the list?!" records.

To be fair, this dude didn't stand a chance, following right on the heals of the ArchAndroid from yesterday. So much energy! So much variety! Yesterday, of course. Not today. This is bland AF. It's vanilla ice cream with no sprinkles. It's a pan-fried burger with no toppings. It's a unicorn with no horn that just walks around eating grass, just like a regular ole horse. This tracks with my experience with the 70s on 7 on SiriusXM. The music from this time period is either amazing, sing out loud while driving awesome - or total and utter crap. Like change the channel to anything - EVEN THE BLEND - crap. This is the latter - hard pass, but thanks for trying.

I can appreciate that he's got good song-writing skills and has street cred being that he was one of the founders of the Velvet Underground, but this really did not resonate with me.

Generally not a fan of this kind of music, but I'm always willing to give a chance for the albums. This one is just quite bad though. As soon as I heard the first song, I knew the vibes were bad and this was not for me. I personally hate his tone, the vocals and melodies are bad, lyrics are weird, and the whole record is just a giant mess of boring pop-rock stuff with some ballads filled with weird and downright annoying instrumentals. 'Macbeth' and 'Paris 1919' are the only half-decent songs on this, but still not nearly enough to save this absolute ship wreck. Very little to like here for me, never listening to this again.

Ja, ik ga het gewoon doen: "na 1 nummer begon het me al aardig de Cale uit te hangen" (sorry)

Another one I just didn't get on with. Shame, I like Velvet Underground too.

absolutely scrumptious

Absolute beaut

I absolutely adore this album. Writing about it is somewhat difficult, though, due to how disparate so much of it is. It’s an album that is at once both welcoming and sinister; generous yet closed off; hopeful yet cynical; human yet detached; playful yet mournful; open yet cryptic. Nothing captures this better than the title track, which I think is straight-up one of the best songs ever. It’s incredibly complex—both musically and lyrically—and yet it glides off the record like something that has just always existed. Despite having absolutely no idea what it’s actually about, by the time it reaches its soaring final chorus, it means absolutely EVERYTHING, and is like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.

Au panthéon des oeuvres singulières qui jalonnent l'histoire du rock, "Paris 1919" de John Cale occupe une place à part. Sorti en 1973, "Paris 1919" marque une étape importante dans le parcours de John Cale après ses premières tentatives solo plus expérimentales ou brutes. L'attrait immédiat de cet album repose sur la singularité d'être en équilibre entre une accessibilité mélodique et une production orchestrale d'une élégance rare d'une part, et une profondeur thématique et une complexité lyrique d'autre part. L'album réussit le pari audacieux de marier la sophistication européenne à une certaine sensibilité pop américaine. Cette tension entre la surface chatoyante et les profondeurs obscures constitue l'une des clés de la fascination qu'exerce l'album. Il ne s'agit pas simplement d'une collection de belles chansons, mais d'une œuvre où John Cale parvient, comme rarement, à marier son penchant pour l'élégance stylistique et une forme de chaos sous-jacent. Musicalement, "Paris 1919" s'ancre dans une pop orchestrale teintée d'influences baroques. John Cale, avec l'aide du producteur Chris Thomas, façonne un son ample et sophistiqué, où les instruments rock traditionnels dialoguent avec les cordes et les cuivres du UCLA Symphony Orchestra. "Paris 1919" présente un moment de beauté presque sereine, une perfection formelle que John Cale n'atteindra plus jamais de cette manière spécifique. C'est cette unicité qui renforce son statut d'œuvre à part, un sommet d'élégance dans une carrière par ailleurs marquée par l'expérimentation et la rupture. Dès sa sortie, Paris 1919 a bénéficié d'un accueil critique chaleureux, posant les bases de son statut actuel de classique. Le magazine Rolling Stone n'hésita pas à le qualifier de "chef-d'œuvre" et comme étant "un des albums les plus ambitieux jamais sortis sous l'étiquette 'pop'". Bien qu'il n'ait jamais connu un succès commercial foudroyant, "Paris 1919" a progressivement acquis un statut qui dépasse celui de simple album culte. Il est fréquemment cité comme l'œuvre solo la plus accessible et la plus connue de John Cale, servant souvent de point d'entrée à sa discographie foisonnante. Plus de cinquante ans après sa sortie, "Paris 1919" demeure un sommet incontesté dans la discographie de John Cale et une œuvre majeure du rock des années 1970. Un gros 5/5 pour un chef d'oeuvre intemporel à découvrir.

always love me some true art pop music from the 1970s. something about all the mixing and nostalgic energy (even as someone who was definitely not alive during the 70s) makes me grin from ear to ear. dreamy production value and abstract, yet pretty meaningful lyrics... while the orchestral pop sound is familiar to those who frequently listen to 70s music, this album feels a little more off-kilter. it's short, sharp, and has no filler.

listened.

5/5 reminds me of Datblygiad (who were probably influenced by him). Love it. Will get on record.

I was surprised to hear this album was recorded in Los Angeles. It feels very French, and not just because of the title of the album (though that doesn't hurt), but because the songs contain more European-centric references. It doesn't feel recorded in Los Angeles, like Bowie's "Berlin Era" albums don't feel recorded in America. Yet, this was recorded in Los Angeles. I really enjoyed this album, which was a bit of a surprise to me. I like Lou Reed's solo material as well, so maybe I'm just "meh" on the Velvet Underground overall and more into the components of the band and their music. The symphonic sound of this album felt very original and the music was more accessible than I had anticipated. Some of the standout tracks are: Child's Christmas in Wales Hanky Panky Nohow Andalucia Paris 1919 Half Past France

Mixed feelings but so great

I never heard of him but was very appreciative of the songs on this album.

I am newly familiar with this album, being introduced to it with the 2024 reissue. I have only really grown to appreciate the Velvets with this project, despite loving the debut since I fell in love with it during my college years 30 years ago. This is a different beast all together, almost too clever in its literary nature, just look at the song titles for god's sake, but offers narrative songs worthy of the pretension. Cale's grasping of classical music goes beyond mere prog rock or chamber pop. These are complex compositions that seem simpler than they are. He uses textures and chords in interesting ways and to great effect. It is an album I am sure to revisit.

Mah, questo mi è piaciuto

John cale is such a fuckin weirdo I love him top three, 1. Paris 1919 2. Graham Greene 3. Hanky panky nohow

You gotta love John Cale. If only I could have been in this NY scene! My career started with Betsey Johnson, who married John at the courthouse in a tiny miniskirt that didn't cover anything. She had initially showed up in pants and was turned away. She showed them...everything. This album makes me smile.

I was given this album by my boss shortly after movong to Chicago when I was 26. We had a regular album swap. He mostly gave me jazz albums along with some older rock records. This is one by orders magnitude the one that made the most impact but I am sure I listened to this album more than any other in the following few years and because of that it is so tied to a specific time and place for me. I knew John Cale from both the Velvet and his solo career. But for some reason I never heard this one. I did know one song - Yo La Tengo did a passable cover of Andalucia a few years earlier which I liked but it pales next to the original. I love everything about this album from the packaging to songwriting to the voice to the exquisite baroque pop production - elevated even higher by the recent remaster. Lou Reed has more entries but this my favorite post Velvets solo album.

Really enjoyed

Love this. Sophisticated music. Flows beautifully as an album. Title track is classic. Macbeth rocks harder than I imagined.

the beginning of a pretty incredible 70s run (don't skip the live album or the ep), even if it is the baroque outlier. this was my first time listening to the whole album in ten or fifteen years, and it was even better than i remember.

Oh yeah, just like, the most gorgeous album I’ve ever heard with quaint yet catchy tunes filled with heavenly strings and hyper-literary lyrics and allusions to historical events. Just throw that casually next to the psychedelic bullshit and filler-filled CD era grunge. Cool cool cool, totally nbd, no one will notice. In all sincerity, I expected this to be trash, and instead found a diamond. Absolutely floored by this, expect it stick with me for the rest of this project and slowly rise in my rankings.

I remember first listening to this album, fresh off my angsty teenage punk rock-only phase, thinking what is this hankypanky-ass baroque-ass shit and why is it all the rage. Suffice it to say that I (a man of culture) quickly found out hankypanky-ass baroque-ass shit is my bag, baby.

I really loved the melancholy feel to the album more than I could express. It really struck a chord for some reason. The mix of classical music and rock was also really nice. Underrated ahh album.

Absolute masterpiece. If you've never heard it, check it out and you will hopefully understand why it's held in such high regard.

A masterpiece, perfectly blending his calssical/art song/lieder instincts with crisp, mature and sophisticated pop songs – sophisticated in both sense of conception and execution, in lyric material (literary, avant-garde) and structure. Tone is mostly melancholic with some winsome whimsy here and there. One's personal faves are "Hanky Panky Nohow" and "The Endless Plain" and "Antartica" and the stately-joyous title cut, but the others also offer rich and singular pleasures. This may be Cale at his most mainstream, but it's also chamber pop for people who like actual chamber music.

This is one of my heart albums. It is in the best of the best category. The title song is so good along with all the other songs. I squealed when I saw that this is the album of the day. Listening to it again some of these songs really got me. Half Past France: "We're so far away" (thinking about death) Andalucia: "When you'd made up your mind not to come, And I couldn't persuade you, Or wait till tomorrow -- or pass the time" Ah-may-zing

I needed two tries to get this record. But now while listening to it for the second time I think it’s a masterpiece.

Perfect melodic song writing. Different enough to stand out, simple enough for familiarity. Beautiful.

4.5 - Great album, not sure if because the beatles were coming up next but I actually heard a lot of them in this album

Wow! Wow wow wow. I love it when baroque/art pop sticks the landing. I can’t believe this is from 1973. It’s just as unique as Eno’s Another Green World which came a few years later. The title track is one of the best chorus medleys and executions I’ve ever heard. Like, even when the next song started playing, the “you’re a ghost lalalalalalalalala” just kept on going in my head. It’s the end of the day, I listened to this album 3 times today at work, and still, I have that chorus stuck in my head. Great concept, incredibly catchy from start to finish, succinct enough. Perfect. This might be a softer 5/5 than some of my true longtime favorites, but I cannot deny this album what it truly deserves

Reminds me of so many things

Not at all what I was expecting. I'm a fan of his work with Velvet Underground, but not really listened to his solo material. Thought it would be more experimental. Not complaining, this is another belter.

At first I liked this. And then it really started growing on me! I remember Cale’s voice from Songs for Drella that my dad played a lot for a short period of time when I was a kid. I never understood that album but it was a comforting album. The album is so awesome. One of my favorite discoveries from the list. This has a great flow and variety to it. I think a surprise 4.5+

I was not expecting to like it this much, but the tracks felt very unique despite their names.

I like the voices. It's a nice album Fav songs: The endless plain of fortune Andalucia :=]

Gorgeous, an album filled with little avant-pop gems that’s complex enough to keep returning to again and again

What a great album. Hat’s off to John Cale for being one of the masterminds of the Velvet Underground but then also being a genius in his own completely different realm. Such an original voice and fun theatric songs… love it!

Wonderful songs. I enjoyed them more and more as I listened more carefully.

Nice!

An absolute delight!

What a phenomenal surprise this was! Incredible album filled with interesting and very enjoyable songs. After each song I kept thinking damn, that’s good! Then the next one would be even better. The second half of this was some of the best music I’ve listened to on this project. Super terrific!

Ooo I was excited for this one, but also a little apprehensive based on this title/album cover. But I know my boy, John Cale of Velvet Underground fame, is a musical innovator and creative genius. So I put my trust in him. And I am not disappointed at all! I am loving this album! The first track was very peppy and uptempo, it immediately put me into a happy, excited mood of anticipatory eagerness for every coming track. This is such a joyful and delightful journey, I wish I could hear it again for the first time! It's a gift I want to keep unwrapping. I can't even describe how much I love the intentional dissonance between the musicality and the thematic lyrical content; this is absolutely delicious and I have savoured every bite. John Cale is criminally underrated, I'm in awe of him. This is a masterful exploration of his solo talents and I'll be spending a lot more of my time with it. Adding into regular listening rotation!

Extraordinary. A true hidden classic. The first four tracks are excellent and fully engaging and then ends very strong indeed. Beautifully conceived, skillfully executed.

This is a very cozy album, it makes you want to listen to it in the evening with a cup of tea, a cigarette in your mouth, and the soft light of a lamp.

brilliant.

Having never heard of John Cale I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not well versed in orchestral music but he uses it wonderfully without it overpowering his vocals. The title track especially blends it together well. This entry stands out from the rest of its peers in the early 70's experimental rock genre (if thats what you call it) coming out of the UK. Really enjoyed this one.

I loved this album. Being familiar with the title track I wasn’t sure what to expect from the rest of the album but it delivered big time. Beautiful symphonies! This kind of album is what this list was made for

What I'm learning about myself is that I enjoy the members of the Velvet Underground solo much more than I do together. There wasn't a track on this album that wasn't both enjoyable and memorable. Great lyrics like "her schoolhouse mind has windows now." Excellent orchestral pop taking up where the Beatles left off and creating something new. No notes

Was a lovely listen on the way to work this morning. Apparently it had been around but Bagelbutt and Otrops failed to tell me.

10/10 I forgot that this guy was in the Velvet Underground and was completely blown away by how beautiful and imaginative this album is but now that I know, it should obviously come as no surprise that he’s such a genius

Brilliant

I loved everything about this album. It just hit the right note for what I was in the mood for today. "Hanky Panky Nohow" and "Paris 1919" really stood out for me. His voice is a bit of Ray Davies and Ringo Starr. The songwriting had a touch of Harry Nilsson (or vice versa). This was a great album

"Paris 1919" is the third solo studio album by Welsh musician John Cale. The album was a shift in his more experimental music toward an orchestral-influenced style as with the contemporary pop rock. His band included Little Feat's Lowell George (guitars) and Richie Hayword (drums), The Crusaders' Wilton Felder (bass, sax) and the UCLA symphony orchestra. Lyrics explore various aspects of early 20th century Western European culture and history. The album title (and song) " Paris 1919" refers to Paris Peace Conference (Treaty of Versailles) which resulted in the partitioning of Europe and assignment of unilateral war reparations and contributed to the rise of the Third Reich. Piano begins "Child's Christmas in Wales," in both a happy and sad sounding pop song. A busy song. Great vocals. A droning guitar bridge. Based on a Dylan Thomas poem. The strings appear in "Hanky Panky Nohow." It's softer, slower. A chorus. I love the way there's no rush in this song. The modernization of life. The strings give a darker edge to "The Endless Pain of Fortune." Dramatic. It's about settlers in 1910 South Africa searching for diamonds and gold. The influence of Lowell George is really heard in the beautiful "Andalucia." The slide guitar. Hey, this is country rock. Cale's emotional delivery. Dire Straits had to be huge fans of John Cale. A person from Andalucia, Spain. A lover? Ominous strings begin "Paris 1919," the most baroque of these songs. Layered and urgent vocals and chorus. Is Cale comparing his life the disastrous results of The Treaty of Versailles? "Half Past France" slows it down a bit from the previous songs. Piano. Slide guitar. This sounds a lot like Brian Eno at that time. No surprise Cale and Eno worked together. The album ends with a soulful song in "Antartica Starts Here." Cale whispering the album to a close. This is a fantastic album. I was completely blown away. It's beautiful sounding with the strings. Great variety as each song changes styles slightly and is worth listening on their own. Pop, baroque, country rock, soul and glam rock. I'm always a sucker for songs with dual meanings and he does this here with the historical lyrics and comparing to his current personal situation or not maybe. I cannot recommend this album any higher.