Reviews (page 5 of 8)
7.5/10 Fave: Paris 1919
5/5 reminds me of Datblygiad (who were probably influenced by him). Love it. Will get on record.
This was better than I expected from a 70s album with psychedelic tags
This probably benefitted from me being a guy who can’t follow a concept album to save his life. I know what it is, and I would probably find it a bit annoying, but instead it ran right through me and I enjoyed it a lot. Lots of nice moments of composition and all that. Will relisten. I think I like Reed and Cale both now. Time to admit I’m wrong about Velvet Underground too I suppose.
Ok singer throughout the decades. No real hits.
++: Child's Christmas in Wales, Hanky Panky Nohow, The Endless Plain of Fortune, Macbeth, Paris 1919, Antarctica Starts Here +: Graham Greene, Half Past France +-: Andalucia 9,1/10
No está mal, mejor la segunda cara que la primera. Me guardo "Paris 1919" y me gusta como termina "Antarctica Starts Here". Se va llevar 3 estrellas, aunque es más bien un 2,5.
Good story telling. Half-past Paris made me think
I have tried to get into this album so many times but here I am a sunny day, feeling quite happy and this album is brilliant, like everyone says. Love it
waarom?
Not a favourite, although the album title indicates some sort of a theme or direction, I fail to find it, and then vocals are weak.
This one just doesn't appeal to me. It's a bit too mellow, and even the more upbeat tunes are rather boring.
I don’t care for his voice but the instrumentation was fantastic
I felt like I should know who this is, but I didn't. I guess I need to listen to more Velvet Underground. Macbeth and Paris 1919 are kind of interesting and Graham Greene has an unexpected Reggae twist. Overall, this is a thoroughly average album that seems to be trying hard to sound like the Beatles. Nice enough to listen to, nothing bad, nothing great.
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
I honestly missed the last few days of albums because of being busy but also because I really needed to listen to this like 4 different times. There’s some truly sublime music here and then some very meh music and it’s hard to tell which is which. Sometimes it’s in the same song. I’m giving this a 4, really a 3.5, but there’s a chance on a 12th listen it’ll be one of my favorites of all time.
like a really, REALLY watered down version of the songwriting on the TVU self-titled. very grateful this isn't longer than 30 minutes but Paris 1919 is wonderful
77/100. Paris 1919 by John Cale is a good baroque pop record with well-written lyrics and a strong sense of balance. The album does everything just the right amount—never too overwhelming, never too minimal.
First few songs of my first listen I was like ‘euh no I don’t like this’ and then I hit Andalucia which I have always looooved the Andrew Bird version and didn’t know that was actually a cover! So then I was locked in. And next comes Macbeth which is wild, and Paris 1919 which is beautiful, and probably my favourite on the album ended up being Half Past France which straight up sounds like Johnny Flynn to me, who is one of my biggggest favourites! A real mix on this album overall, it’s interesting and unusual, very pretty in places and kind of grating at others but grew on me more and more as I listened! Also Cale kind of looks like comedian Paul Foot on the cover of this.
A very polished historical reference having record, I think i like this more than the velvet work. The historical references alone make this a 4 but the music is beautifully soothing too
This is my second favorite Cale album after Hobosapians. The first four songs plus Paris 1919 are the bedrock of this album, melodic and oddly complex in their simplicity. Hanky Panky Nohow has an effect that stops me in my tracks and puts me into a meditative state. I’m not always sure what the lyrics mean which lets the gorgeous melodies shine,
I just could not get into this
First half was very mid, 2nd half became better
So so
Way more people should know about this record. I was unfortunately unaware of its existence until now, and I regret not digging into this much sooner. There's so much to enjoy about the unique songwriting approach served up; not to mention the top tier production. It feels very fresh while being very familiar.
I found this record so refreshing and enchanting; the songwriting, the orchestral elements, the guitar work, etc., make for such a lovely listen.
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.
a bit too folksy for my taste but there were good times here, and wtf happened at the end there?
p292. 1973. 4 stars. Strange but lovely Brit/70s West Coast hybrid with odd lyrics. And it's short.
I didn't like Velvet Underground when they showed up and most of this sounds like if you let Velvet Underground flesh out the sound but also infused folk music. Not for me. Macbeth and Paris 1919 are pretty cool though.
Film musik
Surprised how good this was
Schöne Songs aus den 70ern in einer Mischung aus Beatles und Bob Dylan. Bester Song ist „The Endless Plan of Fortune“
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 dont like the beach boys either 2.44
Another boring one :( 2/5
This was one that didn't stand out as spectacular in any real aspect. Paris 1919 was a standout though. The brass and strings chanting out the beat broken down into a winds and strings chorale. Good writing and execution. Other tracks were forgettable or even unlistenable (Macbeth).
The phrase "hanky panky nohow" is so goofy I can't handle it. Otherwise this album is enjoyable 70s pop rock. Not mind blowing for me but I liked it.
Mixed feelings but so great
the songs don't stand out on their own imo but altogether they are enjoyable to listen
Yeah enjoyed it!
interesting, not bad, but not my thing
Some major building blocks of indie rock
Wusste gar nicht, was der John so gemacht hat. Er spielt auch schön Orgel!
I never heard of him but was very appreciative of the songs on this album.
Wildly imaginative, lyrical and conceptual. John Cale puts more into pop than meets the eye. At times, however, the album seemed trite and predictable. The production is immaculate for the time. The title track is the best. 3.75/5
Damn, I love it when I get an album I've never heard. Just look at this rascal... you can tell this guy knows his way around a clit. There's a 100% chance a few of these less jaunty songs will make it onto my "the kids aren't home" (aka boner jamz) playlist.
Not great. I was finally getting some variety over the last couple weeks, but it seems the endless 70s are back Not bad: The Endless Plain of Fortune 2.5
Quite a nice listen-to
Kind of boring, not my thing. There was some varity between the songs but not enough for me to really enjoy this album. 1.5/5 stars.
Good record
THINKIN: As catchy as good pop should be but with the depths of European monarchical history. PERSONALLY: I don't know what he's signing about but that's how Vintage Violence works as well, which I love. A great sequel to that album. ALT TITLE: A Ghost at Noon
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
Title track pretty good, worth it just for the final track
20/02/25
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.
Bit too theatrical for me
The hook in the title track feels like a rip off of Mrs Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel. This was fun and had some cool instrumental moments as well some pretty interesting lyrics.
Имаше некој коментар во рецензии, вели „добро е ова за слушање во бродска кабина“ и тоа е тоа накратко. Нема ништо впечатливо на албумот, уште еден од оние за кои не ми е јасно што бараат тука. Но сепак, не е неслушлив, не заслужува да ми стои во lowest rated секцијата. Можеби, си велам, има нешто кое што ќе го пронајдеш само ако копаш подлабоко, но ме мрзи да го правам тоа. Така што, final verdict нека биде 2/5.
John cale is such a fuckin weirdo I love him top three, 1. Paris 1919 2. Graham Greene 3. Hanky panky nohow
Okay album. When I first saw the name, “Cale”, I thought I was in for JJ Cale. I guess I set my sights too high.
I feel like this is an album that could be one of my favorites if I took the time to play it over and over again and really learn the songs. There's just something about it that speaks to me. (Tim gives it a 3.)
"Paris 1919" by John Cale is a remarkable album that showcases exceptional production quality for its time. Initially, I had reservations about Cale's voice, fearing it might come off as irritating. However, as I immersed myself in the music, I discovered that his vocal delivery is not only captivating but also one of the finest in the genre. Each track is infused with a unique blend of textures and emotions, making this album a standout experience.
No, this is not my music. Quite boring and nothing really interesting on the album.
Yeah not bad, still waiting for Steely Dan.
Man idk, it wasn't that bad but after a while I got sick of it. Lou reed is cooler
Album cover looked cool but the music did not fit, still alright overall tho
It made me kinda sleepy, but it's not bad. Just not for me
Sure, fine by me
This is a lot more straightforward than much of the Velvet Underground I have listened to, but that’s not a bad thing. These are good, well written songs that form a pretty cohesive album experience. Definitely something I will go back to. Very immediately appealing. Favorites were Child’s Christmas In Wales, Andalucia, Paris 1919, and Antarctica Starts Here.
A pair of songs are good
Really like this new-to-me album
Pretty good
Literally so boring
It was ok. Standout songs: Andaluci Half past France
Pleasant and inoffensive. Macbeth stuck out to me the most, not because it's the best song on the album - far from it! - but purely because it woke me up between the rest.
A nice surprise of an album
Some good, some boring...that's a 3 for me. I thought the title track (Paris 1919) had a similar sound to an Electric Light Orchestra song, which I really liked. Graham Greene is a funky track. Last song sucked. Overall, pretty good classic rock album.
2 Stars (5/15)
Paris 1919 is a pretty song but not very representative of the rest of the album. The album is alt/indie but doesn't really have anything notable other than the title track. It also didn't remind me of preconceived notions of what Paris in 1919 was like. Overall, meh.
Back to back baroque pop. I'll say this doesn't bode well, but I'll keep an open mind. Gotta say, by Andalucia this is the first album in a while that I am looking forward to being done. I'm not saying this is bad music, its just not working for me today. I'll try to give this an honest try another day, but for now this is a 2 for me. Will say that some of the arrangements are pretty intriguing. Graham Greene being one particular example.
Boring little album. Have a good day everyone. 2.5 stars
A well-balanced mix of beautiful, jaunty, and shreddy. Had just the right amount of energy along with a nice voice while also hitting some of the softer parts really nicely.
This guy has a very intriguing voice, just something about it I really like. The instruments that went behind it also are quite strangely good. The song structure of Graham Greene and Andalucia were fun. That was a complete surprise of 4 album.
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.
No. Just….no
Going to need to read about this one to really appreciate it.
Meh, short enough to scrape a 3
I liked it. Simpsons: No
Not a fan.
It was alright but nothing really grabbed me and I wouldn't be actively searching out any of these songs again. It was a short though which is always a blessing.
I certainly didn’t hate this but it left me with absolutely no impression
Beautifully arranged baroque pop. Pleasant and charming. The songs are mostly short and sweet. I like that. Just because the arrangements are elaborate, doesn’t mean the songwriting has to be or that the songs should be drawn out. Nothing overstays its welcome here. I know John Cale because he was in The Velvet Underground for their first two albums. Very different style here and interesting to see where he went with a solo career versus where Lou Reed went.
John Cale's got a really smooth, round, and overall enjoyable vocal tone. The instrumentation behind him is interesting- with some surprising orchestral moments, and mostly standard folk type songwriting structures. While it's a mostly passive / smooth listening sort of sound, I did enjoy the moments where songs were more dynamic, like "The Endless Plain Of Fortune" has that great outtro with strings giving you what feels like the end of a movie score. The title track was also really nice and reminded me of a Beatles song with the stabbing staccato strings and tuba giving us a percussive bass line.
When Cale comes up with a tune, as on the title track, this is pretty fine. But too many tracks without one alas.
Ok but not too exciting/pleasing to my ear bones
Not my bag
Was a little hard to get into his voice reminds me of the singer of Kraftwerk. It’s a light 3/5
Surprised how much I like this album. Always been a Velvet Underground fan. Cale always on the fringes of my listening experiences. I’ll dig in deeper to the rest of Cale’s solo crazy rides.
This was pretty lively. I liked it
totally not what i expected and all this time now I know what he sounds like LOL interesting listen
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.
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.
It was fine
Really enjoyed
Mehh
Fine
Nope - didn't like this, just seemed like a random collection of songs and I didn't like any of them
Interessant. Bisschen hit or miss
Pleasant but not for me
I hadn’t heard this before, but I really quite liked it. Clever arrangements, poetic lyrics, harking back to a feeling of the Roaring 20’s in places, a quintessentially English country feel in others. A nice collection of well made songs.
Paris 1919 - John Cale Best: Macbeth Worst: Hanky Panky Nohow Liked songs: 33%, 3/9 Mid 2 If there ever existed a boomer album this is it because I can so imagine my grandpa just jamming out to this while he watches wheel of fortune and the house actively burns down but his hearing aids aren't charged. If you want to know what it sounds like, the album cover is pretty representative of the album sound. It's nothing special but tolerable all around (besides the damn hanky panky song that one sucks). A weird phenomenon with it is that a lot of the songs, and especially the B-sides creep up so close to that arbitrary liked song requirement but just fall short. I also appreciate the loose concept about the treaty of Paris and ww1, but it's just that: loose. Overall, definitely not bad enough to be a 1, but not good enough to creep into the 3/net positive territory. It's whatever.
I asked AI to write my 3 star review using the keywords from the global reviews. Paris 1919 by John Cale is an interesting solo album that showcases his versatility beyond his work with the Velvet Underground. The orchestral arrangements add a beautiful, baroque vibe to the tracks, and the lyrics are fine, though not particularly memorable. While some songs have a cool and catchy folk influence, others tend to be slow and a bit boring. Overall, the album offers a pleasant and accessible experience, but it might feel too familiar and meh for some listeners. It's a fine listen, though not as groundbreaking or fun as Cale's work with Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground. Fave: Paris 1919
John Cale proving he doesn't _have_ to be all avant-garde and try hard. I feel like there are big chunks of indie pop that can trace their lineage back to this, right? I've listened to this once before, but it didn't leave too much of an impression - I think repeated listens unlock more each time, though, and I think I'll be revisiting it. Fave tracks - "Hanky Panky Nohow" immediately inclined me positively towards the album - I'm very familiar with The Hope Blister's dreamy version of it, which I didn't realize was a cover. "Paris 1919" -> "Graham Greene" -> "Half Past France" is a great run of tunes!
Smart album, but poorly executed. Think Simon and Garfunkel on heroin, but they let some rando in the studio do the vocals.
I say this all the time, and it really does highlight how much I must have been living under a rock, but I’d never heard of today’s artist before today. John Cale seems to make pretty chilled out music. This felt quite European chill, but perhaps I only think that because the album title has Paris in the name. It feels like the soundtrack to smoking over a balcony, and I don’t even smoke. It was pretty nice.
Not think
An interesting and unique album but didn’t capture my attention much
Perfectly harmless
1. uualez - 0 2. panky - 1 3. fortune -1 4. andalucia - 1.5 5. macbeth - 0 6. pariz - 1 7. greene - 1 8. france - 1 9. here - 1.5
Soft rock, not for me
Not really my thing. I appreciated some parts but did not enjoy it as an album overall.
I didn’t mind this, but didn’t love it either. I think one of the reviews nailed it when it stated that Cale sounds a lot like Ringo Starr at times. Anyway, I found it somewhat enjoyable, but thought it was a three for me on the low end.
John Kaali John Pork haha!
Some odd choices on here, but also some very nice interesting pieces too.
1973: A great year for music. Distinctly introspective, clever, and well writ, John Cale puts on a unique performance from his other work and especially that of the Velvet Underground. Worth revisiting for more perspective 3.5/5 Hailee's friend Wendall dated him that's crazy.
Wanted to like it more. Will have another listen.
Eh? It was pretty decent, but nothing amazing. I really liked "The Endless Plain of Fortune" and "Antarctica Starts Here".
I was sidetracked while listening so i only heard the vibe of the songs mostly but it had a good vibe. I would give this album a 2.5/5 just because it’s still pretty old and a different style of music then what I prefer.
Jeg har hørt albummet mindst 2 gange.. Men det lider godtnok under at være gennemsnitlig på denne liste.
Sikke et underligt lille album.
Twee and really quite boring. I listened a few times and I think I might have dozed off, it just went in one ear and out the other.
Love this. Sophisticated music. Flows beautifully as an album. Title track is classic. Macbeth rocks harder than I imagined.
Singer songwriter stuff just isn't for me but this is clearly a good example of it. I could easily listen again, just won't seek it
Paris ne-ne-ne-ne-nineteen, nineteen.
Paris 1919! Decadence! Absinthe! oh
nice rocky sound
sympa mais sans plus
Nothing too standout.
I thought John Cale and John Coltrane were the same person, and I was fully expecting polyrhythmic saxophone music, but I got imperialistic Welsh music instead. The album was surprisingly pleasant though! Super warm, melodic and daring enough to stay interesting. Apparently, John was a founding member of The Velvet Underground? Surprising, considering how upbeat his tracks are compared with Lou Reed's brooding melodies.
Forgetabble but inoffensive.
4.0
pleasant enough.
Title track is a keeper. Other than that, was kinda bored.
This album was cool. I don't know what I was expecting from a John Cale album, but it was different than I thought. Very relaxed 4/5
Nothing stood out.
what the hell sure
this was an odd one, gonna have to form an opinion on this later
Pre-listening thoughts: another Welsh singer. Need the Welsh to step up their game Post/during listening thoughts: this is fine. Unremarkable foot tapping at best. I have almost no feelings towards this but I wouldn’t complain if someone turned it on. 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Child’s Christmas in Wales, Macbeth Least fav tracks: Graham Greene, Antarctica Starts Here
Favourite tracks: Paris 1919; macbeth
Solid album. Classic 70s feel. Middle of the road.
great vibes all around and some really cool instrumentals for an album like this
Really quite boring. Two.
El men de Hallelujah. Esta decente pero un poco repetitivo el ritmo?
just okay, was expecting more.
This is realy REALLY odd since it came soon after Velvet Underground and sounds so British despite being recorded in California. Can't say I like it much but I'm glad things like this got made way back then
I can understand the relevance of this album. However, it does not hit me to enjoy it fully. Great production for the era.
What a great little album. Throughly enjoyed it.
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.
This record is full of great moments, but fails to construct many great songs. His release "Fear" is more to my liking.
Not a fan of what I listened to but I didn't get very far. I could have gotten better
Pretty unmemorable album. Find for some soft background music you're not really listening to.
Kind of weird. Not super into it. Found it to be a pretty boring album.
It has taken me quite a few listens to get what's going on here. At first, it kind of seemed to float in the middle of nothing, but once it clicked I finally realised just what a peculiar, creative and charming little album this is. It doesn't jump out at you; instead, it forces you give your own meaning to it.
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.
Not anything to hate here, but I just don’t see myself listening to this again.
Couldn't quite get into his one.
John Cale was one of the first core members of the Velvet Underground the break off from the band. While Lou Reed would dabble in glam rock, art rock, and noise, Cale had a keen fascination with the baroque. Enlisting the UCLA Symphony Orchestra, Paris 1919 explores deeply melodic songs that delve into the world of high art and history before western popular music took hold. It's a pretty rich experience which might require re-listens in order to full appreciate it, especially given its relative complexity.
Quite enjoyed 3.8
He was such an important part of the Velvet's, it shouldn't be a surprise that his solo stuff is well worth your time too. It's not super experimental like you might expect, it's just very pleasant baroque-pop.
It was ok. Pretty standard 70s classic rock. Reminiscent of older Pink Floyd. Probably won't revisit it, but I didn't hate it. I always wonder why it sounds like they recorded the vocals in a tin can.
I'd never heard of John Cale before I started this project, but I enjoyed The Velvet Underground and Nico more than I enjoyed their self-titled album they put out after John left, so I think there's a good chance I'll enjoy this album. I really don't know what to expect, but it's a tight thirty minutes, so if it's painful, at least it will be over quickly! I thought this album was fairly enjoyable. There was something about its sound that really reminded me of another artist, but I can't quite put my finger on who it that artist is. I think it's something about the vocals and how they're mixed that feels really familiar. Whatever the case is, I enjoyed the orchestral sounds of this album, and I liked John Cale's vocals too. The songwriting was a little too abstract for my tastes, but I was mostly focused on the arrangements, so it didn't take away from my enjoyment. "Child's Christmas In Wales" and "Paris 1919" were my favorite songs on the album, with the latter of those taking the cake for my overall favorite. "Adalucia" and "Half Past France" were pretty good too, but nothing else really held a candle to the title track on this album. The other songs that didn't stand out to me weren't bad; I thought they were fine, but they felt pretty standard for seventies art pop, and I didn't think there was anything particularly noteworthy about them. Overall, this album was fine, and it was interesting to listen to something from a member of Velvet Underground who isn't Lou Reed.
Had this on in the background while cleaning the house so it played like 3 times through. A few more songs grabbed my attention each time. Macbeth and Paris 1919 were the highlights for me.
This is interesting for the most part, some art rock with classical influences. But I can't say that it especially hooked me in any way.
I was expecting something special, but somehow I got some generic 70s crap. Oh well
70s easy listening
Don't like his voice
Passed me by without much of an impression
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.
Dramatic
Somber, has a reflective quality. Can be a bit of a drag but a wonderful drag at that.
Meh
On first listen I thought it wasn’t too bad. Subsequent hearings told me it was !
It was fine. Bit dull perhaps.
This ended up being background music while I worked and nothing really grabbed me. Cale's work with VU is impressive and I would guess evident of the importance of Lou Reed's contributions. 3/5
Banale
It's okay
It feels almost like Glenn Campbell went to France. Le passe
Ah, it’s fine. Nothing really set me on fire though
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.
One of the classic rock guys I've always overlooked, but why? This is so good. Full studio wizardry and song-writing prowess on display. Orchestral without being corny. Huge swelling sounds like synth padding before Eno made them cool. Effortlessly poetic and classically melodic. Ok, sometimes a bit corny and so literary its up itself.
Absolute masterpiece. If you've never heard it, check it out and you will hopefully understand why it's held in such high regard.
It was ok, some nice moments, but another one where I'm unsure why it's included on this list. I didn't consider turning it off, nor would I seek it out again for a re-listen. That has got 3 stars written all over it.
спокойный радиохед но в стиле кантри 5/10
Glorious rococo pop. Earnest rather than than twee. I find it beguiling.
Un album lyrique mais incarné. Pop efficace.
Don't make me mad John Cale. what even was that. I mean it was fine but it sounds like a record you'd find at a record store for a dollar and then pretend you like because you spent money on it. Kinda forgettable too. Fav Songs: Paris 1919
So this album exists. Not good or bad, just there. I guess for 1973, it has a "modern" sound, but overall this just killed the time.
JFC this was dull
Strange
This was painful. Think I'm going to settle down with a Roger Whittaker palette cleanser... Not a fan of the albums he has produced nor of his solo work. Maybe one day the song "Paris 1919" will grow on me, but I doubt it. This album didn't do anything for me.
No thank you. 1/5
Listen again someday ?
Artiste inconnu. Pas désagréable, mais l'album parait interminable alors qu'il dure à peine 32 mn. Aucun morceau ne m'a accroché. =>2/5
This is a great, if somewhat conventional record, coming after the more Cale's more experimental work before and after Cale's stint in The Velvet Underground, and while he was shaping the future of rock music as a producer. Not my favourite Cale album, but full of fine songs.
Ah, here we are in Paris. The Great War has ended. Come sit with me in this little bistro just off Rue Américain and tell me tales of German imperialism and la musique de la monde... Boyz II Menu: Starter: ▪️John kale soup dragons garnished with Elvis parsley Main: 🔸k. d. langoustine Side dishes: 🔹Alan parsnips project 🔹Death cabbage for cutie 🔹My chemical romaine lettuce 🔹Bruce spring bean 🔹Brian Eno ki mushroom 🔹De la salsify 🔹Godley and creamed korn 🔹Fiona Apple Corrs 🔹Nat King Coleslaw Drinks list: ▫️Coctail twins ▫️Kool-ade & the gang ▫️Flat white stripes ▫️Panic! at the pisco sour Bon appetit!
I would describe most of this as gentle, slightly sappy orchestral rock that didn't really make me feel one way or the other in terms of enjoyment. Those kinds of albums usually warrant a 2/5 from me, and normally this would be no exception. But then we arrive at the killer title track, with its infectious string arrangement and excellent "la-la" singalong hook, and my rating is raised (almost singlehandedly) to a 3/5. Child's Christmas In Wales is another strong track for its festive carol-esque sound. Notable instruments on several tracks include the glowing strings and organs, as well as the simple yet expressive bass and drums. But the weaker tracks definitely bring this down. The song Macbeth has little to show aside from the horrible mixing of an already fairly weak vocal, plus some brash electric guitars to drown the guy's voice out. Hanky Panky Nohow and The Endless Plain Of Fortune bring out Cale's voice more clearly but the compositions (and the voice itself) are nothing to write home about. 3/5 Key tracks: Child's Christmas In Wales, Paris 1919
Forgettable
Een kabbelend gitaartje, af en toe zwelt een orkest aan, af en toe krijgen we een lekker cuntry-achtige slide gitaar erbij of juist een elektrische, waarbij de drummer ook een opleving krijgt. Ome John loopt als een te laat geboren troubadour wat hardop te mijmeren met z'n heldere, hoge stem. Af en toe slaat 'ie de plank volledig mis en pakt 'ie een halve toon te laag, maar in de zeventiger jaren mocht dat nog. Bij track 5 is het even rocken geblazen, om daarna weer het theater in te duiken met een staccato pianootje en wederom een orkest erbij. Ik kan me hier geen bult aan vallen. Voorzichtig geschat ben ik dit overmorgen alweer vergeten, maar in het kader van deze lijst is het soms al lekker als je je niet hoeft te ergeren aan een album. 31 minuut 31 totale lengte, met toch flink wat afwisseling. John heeft gewoon strak werk afgeleverd. Ik weet niet of ik hem zou aanraden aan familie of vrienden, maar ik ben niet ontevreden. Drietje.
An incredibly detailed and thoughtful baroque pop album with stunning orchestration, ranging from the driving Child’s Christmas in Wales to the bombastic centrepieces of Macbeth and the title track to the closing delicate whisper of Antarctica Starts Here
Ég veit eiginlega ekki hvað mér á að finnast. Ég næstum því zone:aði út þegar ég var að hlusta og það var ekkert sem greip mig en það var heldur ekkert slæmt við hana. Hún bara var. Þess vegna auðgleymanleg þótt ég hafi ekkert á móti henni
Langweilig.
3.5/5
This was nice and not at all what I thought it was going to be, John Cale's Welsh accent makes everything sound lovely, worth a listen.
I enjoyed this one rather well, and was unaware of it until yesterday.
I liked this one just OK, not sure baroque pop is to my taste.
Eh
Slow very soft vocals.
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.
Cale definitely deserves a deeper look. I didn't know what to expect, and was happily surprised by this.
Лу Рид пидор Я тоже 8/10
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.
I think Cale's performance is really smart here. He uses a lot of orchestral instrumentation, but it's organized in a very smart, even minimalistic way, so his act and his lyrics and voice still get most of the attention.
3.5/5
This grew on me as it kept going! Very lush and pleasant! I could see myself liking this even more with revisits too
Really enjoyed this! Felt adjacent to some of Eno’s more pop stuff.
John Cale has been such a big part of my music listening journey, from TVU to The Theatre of Eternal Music and his Terry Riley and Brian Eno collabs… i really like him and am finally exploring his solo work… who woulda thought - i love it!
It’s giving friar tuck playing a lute vibes
The comparisons to Ringo Starr in reviews here make me chuckle. While there's probably some Welsh in the Scouse accent, John Cale's voice is unmistakably Welsh. That said, the outfit and haircut on the cover do resemble Dudley Moore... I've listened to this five times now, and it's taken that long to go from "this is very pleasant orchestral pop/rock" to "I'm finally beginning to get this and I'm happy to listen to it another five times". The production doesn't do justice to the richness of the sound on some tracks though.
Enjoyable as a whole, though I'm not crazy about any of the individual songs outside of the opener.
Not sure what to say about this one. It was kinda meh
Don’t love everything, but there’s a really nice, relaxed vibe. 4/5
Pleasant
Endless Plain rules.
dobry album, nie przesłuchałem całego ale dobry
A very cool project. Been a minute since I listened, but remember quite a bit of diversity. Respect the ambition.
Early 70s baroque pop that doesn't really pull be in though I admire it's ambition.
Really enjoyed the tunefulness and inventiveness of this one.
Graham Green was my favorite song on this album.
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 had to go with 2 stars because after all, it's not wonder wall
Not for me
More fun than I initially expected but very 70s folk
This was shit
There’s some really pretty stuff here. Don’t love everything, but there’s a really nice, relaxed vibe. Definitely interesting and complex.
Largely meh
An unagitated album that played in the background without any conspicuous features. Not bad, but not remarkable either. At two points, John Cale's voice reminded me of John Watts from Fisher-Z. 3/5
Spotify was playing some recommended songs based on albums I've been listening to from this project, and it was playing a Brian Eno / John Cale track from their album together. I didn't know who John Cale was, so I looked him up. Then I checked my album for the day and it was this one. That was cool. Unfortunately this album wasn't cool. I just didn't enjoy it at all. I did kind of like that song with Brian Eno though, and I like what I know of the Velvet Underground, so John Cale will get a second chance, but this album won't.
Bored the tits off me
Nothing memorable here, but nothing to dislike either.
I needed two tries to get this record. But now while listening to it for the second time I think it’s a masterpiece.
Wow a lot of people must have bee wry stoned (or out of their minds) to have actually paid for this audio recording. I still can’t understand how or why so much of this garbage makes it into this list (perhaps people related to the artist). Save your money for Radiohead
It was nice to have an album from the early 70s recently that wasn’t totally unremarkable. This had some fun tracks like Macbeth to counteract being somewhat forgettable overall.
It’s clear this is a very personal album for Cale, but as an American living in the 21st century some of the historical references are hard to pin down, lessening the impact of the lyrics. The orchestral arrangements are pleasant but the whole thing’s a bit of a bore. Listened to: walking around holy cross cemetery. Favorite tracks: Half Past France, Antarctica Starts Here
Po pire
Nothing here is overly offensive to the ears -but def nothing to excite me. Perfect for an elevator.
3 at best—it’s probably a stretch. You’d think the historical and literary references would draw me in, but I just couldn’t stay focused. Not sure what else to say—it floated by like arty wallpaper.
Not that exciting. Like Kale. John Kale.
I started really digging this album from the jump, and already by the third track I’m expecting to give it 4-stars. It has a little bit of a goofy vibe, which is the reason I’m hesistatant to give it 5 stars, but overall it's really charming. Love the instrumentation and sound. Some of the vocals and vibe remind me a lot of Brian Eno’s solo work, which I love.
Another album that proves that the 1970s is my favorite. It's not a perfect album, nor an album that I'll listen to every day, but it's very comfortable to listen to and I could play it all day and I wouldn't get sick of it. I'll leave 4 stars!
Apparently a part of Velvet Underground. It says rock and pop here, but Spotify sees it as baroque pop too, so I must like this. Many people didn't like it tho, too slow and forgettable. Things is some of them also said that it's a grower and I might just listen to this album twice to fully get the vibe, because ik that first listen is never how I'll perceive the album in the future. First song, fun start I suppose. Not a remarkable voice he has. The lyrical delivery is really good in the chorus. His vocals suck too badly. Sonically it's quite nice to hear. It's missing something tho, this song is definitely a grower, but I don't really wanna hear it again, it's not for me. Second song, slow already? His voice sounds much better here, but the song is boring. Probably the worst example of baroque pop. It's not catchy or I interesting in any way, just a basic fake-sad song. For example mitski makes me sad even after a happy song, and this one would never do that unless I'm already depressed. I just need a context and it a better production. Third song, I mean isn't this literally the same vibe. Sonically it's reaaally good and the instrumental fusion is quite nice, but that's it. The violins are the best part actually. It's progressing love that, ohhh it just got better, it's giving Divine. Because of that part I'll add it to my playlist. Outro must do the same I hope. YESSS as I said he did the same at the end, it's kinda dry, but from Cale I can't expect more. 4th song, this is weirdly catchy, I think because of the way he sings. Song is quite country I must say. It's too long, but when he says Andalucia I like the song again. 5th song, finally an upbeat start. Sounds like Beatles. It's too basic of a rock song tbh, there's no good lyrical delivery and it's kinda dry in general, but I do like that he changed up the game a little. Outro is long af. He could've done more in that matter. 6th song, oooh already a very catchy start. The verse isn't as good as it should be, but I kinda like it. The chorus increased the violin sound, also it's a fun one. Vibe fully changed and it's naturey, I think it's bridge, but only sonically. It was fine, but it's missing smth as always. 7th song, lyrically catchy. He's telling a story where I'm the main character I think. Chorus has a background vocals for help, which makes it better, but not the best. He can do better than this song. Chorus was the best part especially the way he sang it, but still not it. 8th song, there was not a single unique sound used I think, that would make like the song at the very least. These are just Beatles songs if they were bad. Cole must have better albums than this I bet, and I hope I'll be able to check them through this. The outro was kinda touching, but not in the way I wanted. 9th song, this one's familiar because of the beat. He's whispering? That's different, though idk if it's good or bad. It was slowly progressing and after finishing the talking the rock part came in and kind of made the whole thing better, it does have a vibe of a last song on the album. Songs usually just faded away at the end, almost every one of them here, which is quite expected in this era. I wanted more, baroque pop is one of my favourite genres and only Florence and the Machine do it one of the best. Cole doesn't have that kind of a voice nor the production, but he still could have done a looot more with the album than whatever this was. Because of the fact that I like the genre and he's from Velvet and that the songs weren't a total disaster, I'm gonna rate it 3 stars. I doubt if I'll listen to this again today, maybe someday as a nostalgic come together, though I added some songs, so I'll have them in rotation probably.
Perfect melodic song writing. Different enough to stand out, simple enough for familiarity. Beautiful.
A couple cool tracks, but kidna boring and reductive. Has much better work elsewhere.
Pretty lackluster.
I’m not sure what qualifies this album to be here more than any other of Cale’s, but I do like it a lot. His voice is strong without showboating in a way that distracts from the music
cozy album
Meh, I did not get a lot of this. Overall fine. Maybe I missed something.
3☆/5 07.21.2024
British singer songwriter. Not too bad but nothing special either. An easy listen that faded into background noise for me.
lofar góðu, aðra umferð! 3,5.
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
Underrated vegetable tbh Fave Tracks: Andalucia, Macbeth, Paris 1919 4.2/5
Child's Christmas in Wales Andalucia Paris 1919
Неплохо, неплохл
idk man it sounds like generic 60s
Tbh, ni fu ni fa
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
I had never listened to any John Cale solo album before this, and I have to say, Paris 1919 is a hell of a record. I don't really know how to describe it, exactly, but the phrase "Welsh Harry Nilsson album" popped into my brain near the end. Make of that what you will.
To make sure I wasn't hearing things, while I was listening I had to google "John Cale" "Paris 1919" "Here Come the Warm Jets". And then to make sure I wasn't hearing things, while I was listening later I had to google "John Cale" "Paris 1919" "twee".
I checked out another John Cale album which I liked a good deal better. This one was decent with some cool stuff on it.
Meh I couldn’t get into this album and I thought it was quite boring.
middle calm ok
Very tedious.
( Boring one track record.
If you were to ask me if I've ever listened to this album, I'd say no, because I have retained no memory of it. Clearly not my jam.
Here's another one of those records where there's just not much to say about it. It's there, it's listenable and sometimes almost good, but it never really reaches that point. Other dudes did this slow, sleepy singer-songwriter thing better. There was one standout though - Paris 1919 was pretty fun and theatrical. The rest could put me to sleep.
Rather uninspired. Much of this sounds like Sgt. Pepper’s-era Beatles leftovers. This record doesn’t really go anywhere, and while this album is easy listening, you’re better off employing it as music for an elevator, or as hold music.
Wow. Short. Only ~32 minutes. It's a mix of art rock with orchestral pop in a pretty cool way. The music is interesting, though some songs feel a bit too "over" produced, if that makes sense? It's a good album, but I couldn't quite connect for some reason. Gave it a double shot too.
Highlights: Andalucia, Macbeth, Paris 1919. In a nutshell: dream-like, poetic and whimsical. Could this album be one of the precursors to yacht rock? It does mix baroque pop and chamber pop too. I think it's an album that needs repeat listens to appreciate, which I sadly didn't have enough time to do. I'll come back to it. Overall: 5/10
Boring, plain. Not terrible.
Ожидал шарма Парижа - не нашёл.
Reminds me of so many things
good listen. probably will not think about this album ever again 5/10
I liked the album length. Apart from that it was fine. Chilled out vibes except for Macbeth. Also I think this is the first time I've been the first to review an album. High 3.
Liked it a lot!
Mid. Not bad 6/10