John Cale - Turn The Lights On
Best known for his Velvet Underground work, John Cale has remained on the outskirts of rock legend and mainstream for the past 40 years. New single 'Turn The Lights On' from his forthcoming album finds him still pushing the boundaries of what is expected from him.
After a brief guitar riff intro, Cale's vocals kick in and the first shock arrives. A dark, smoky voice cuts through the music, more akin to Mark Lanegan than an ageing Welsh singer and the sense of paranoia and fear hangs throughout the whole song.
The melodies are impressive with the refrain before the chorus being particularly catchy. Much in the way that fans and critics alike have praised Lou Reeds recent vocal performances as being measure and mature, his old sparring partner has certainly kept up to pace with anything Reed could muster.
A bass line and guitar riff that alternate and carry the song along at an impressive pace underpins the song, and before you realise, the song has built to its end and a repeated play is called for.
Its never too wise to base a decision on buying an album on one song but if this track is an indication of what to expect from 'BlackAcetate', it could become another critical favourite in this artists long and worthy career.