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Member Since: Jan 01, 2008
Rank: 2
Rated 106 releases, average: 4.18
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Reviews:
John Cale - Black Acetate - 14-Aug-08 09:07 AM
It's fair to say that this release garnered little gushing praise on its initial release. To a certain extent this reflects the curse of the legend; Cale will always be judged against his past solo work by some, his legend (and that chicken) by others or as a member of the VU.
Black Acetate, judged on its own merits is well worthy of consideration. Neither pushing back boundaries like the VU or Dream Syndicate recordings or destined to make as many '100 greatest' lists as Paris 1919, the album demonstrates Cale's take on the 'rock' album. In an ideal world songs like Outta The Bag' and 'Perfect' would gain regular radio play, well sung, catchy and, at times, almost spooky. In the 'reality world' however it's probably the curse of such music to be tagged as minor work of living legend.
Joni Mitchell - Travelogue - 14-Aug-08 08:25 AM
Maybe artists should not attempt to revisit past glories, however this principle does not always hold true as witnessed by the wonderful later reinterpretations of previous material by bluesmen such as Mississippi John Hurt. It's in this spirit that one should approach this release; Mitchell's new takes on old songs work in the same way, her almost world weary tone adding new textures and meanings to old favourites. The approach pays off well in songs from all periods; new arrangements highlighting new meanings in older selections while also drawing attention to choices from later (unjustifiably) neglected albums.
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