True talent never disappears.
It is probably a cliché to say that John Cale is famed for performing the unexpected and not following rules but he has never been one for convention. This is shown straight from the off as opening track 'Outta The Bag' starts with falsetto vocals which immediately knocks the listener out of their stride. It's a funky start to the album with sharp handclaps adding to the vocals and the horn-led backing instruments.
For any artist of a former era, it's probably grating to have their work compared to past glories and contempories but there are large comparisons to be made with Neil Young's 'Sleeps With Angels' record. These albums have a sense of an elder statesman of their genre coming back to reclaim their place as innovator and relevant act.
'Black Acetate' features lyrics that are passionate and lay markers to Cale's private thoughts. In another likeness to Young, this record makes lyrical references to General Custer and dinosaurs, which Young has done previously. Whether both artists feel infinity to the plight of the General's lasts stand or the long forgotten beasts that once ruled the earth is a point that could spark much debate and conjecture. So you may as well go and ponder that thought and add your own two pence worth.
A pleasing aspect is that Cale is happy to update his musical styles and remain contemporary. In a recent interview, he credited the use of Pro-Tools and computers for much of the work on this record and the backing music is extremely impressive.
The guitar track under 'For A Ride' screams and snipes away, stabbing in between Cale's vocals and creating a dark platform for Cale's breathy melodies. It's likely to be a live favourite during Cale's brief European tour.
At times the music is a bit too ambitious and seems to be trying to hard to shock or be innovative but it shows a freshness no longer present in elder artists. Who knows if Cale is aware of acts like Radioactive Man but 'Brotherman' features a squelchy backing track that is not a million miles away from the sleaze-laden electro more associated with today's underground dance music.
However, its not all modern beats and shocking sounds as 'Satisfied' is a soft, slow song, with Cale's gruff vocals appearing in contrast to the glockenspiel backing and slow-train like rhythm. Later track 'Perfect' grabs the listener by the sleeves and drags them through a quick rush of Cale conveying the giddiness of love. And recent single 'Turn The Lights On' is a full on rock track which helps bring the album to an up-tempo, upbeat finish.
As a whole, 'Black Acetate' is more akin to Prince or Beck's 'Midnite Vultures' album as he pushes technology and his vocal dexterity to its very limit.
With Lou Reed championing Antony and The Johnsons, Mo Tucker featuring on
the Raveonettes new record and now Cale on form, it's pleasing to see the key
remaining members of The Velvet Underground remaining at the forefront of music. You wonder where all the critics who labelled them as puppets for Andy Warhol are these days?
Cale is a legend that isn't resting upon his laurels. This album deserves to
be heard, not just because of who made it but also because of the quality
and breadth of songs in it. The history of the man can only be given as
another to reason to give this album a try.