In what is, incredibly, his sixth decade of music-making, John Cale is a tough act to follow, even if you’re the man, himself! And yet Shifty Adventures In Nookie Wood, his first full-length studio album since 2005’s blackAcetate, is not just a brilliant addition, but another progression. It’s a record of brilliant modernity that at times echoes former glories, thus inter-mingling the spirit of Cale present and past, with a sense of both wisdom and youthful mischief, of music both disciplined and restless in its nature. Music that began as various rhythms and grooves but has ended up as 12 distinct and richly melodic songs with varying and shifting layers of textures and moods, with lyrics both allegorical and deeply personal. Music, if not for a new society, for a new decade and a renewed vigor.
Via the various links ahead, one can get a glimpse into the creative mind of John Cale. Listen to his NPR Music “Guest DJ” session where he and Bob Boilen discuss Shifty Adventures . . . and other favorites of the moment; watch him chat with The FADER; listen to him perform new songs on WNYC’s “Soundcheck,” and read about the “music of his life” via Pitchfork’s 5-10-15-20. For a more comprehensive article about John Cale’s career, check out Filter’s retrospective. And this is merely a sampling! There’s much more to come.
John Cale is currently overseas, where he just performed on Later. . . With Jools Holland. On October 29th at 2pm Eastern, he’ll be participating in a conversation with producer Matthew Herbert, acclaimed author Richard King and host Emma Warren at Rough Trade East in London, which will be available to livestream via www.redbullmusicacademy. Upon his return, he will be playing shows throughout the West Coast in December with Cass McCombs, followed by three very special shows at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in January. A more extensive U.S. tour is on the horizon this spring.
JOHN CALE TOUR DATES:
Tue. Dec. 4 – Portland, OR @ Mission Theatre w/ Cass McCombs
Thu. Dec. 6 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox w/ Cass McCombs
Sun. Dec. 9 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom w/ Cass McCombs
Tue. Dec. 11 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey w/ Cass McCombs
Wed. Jan. 16 – Brooklyn, NY @ BAM [Life Along The Borderline – tribute to NICO]
Fri. Jan. 18 – Brooklyn, NY @ BAM [When Past & Future Collide: Paris 1919]
Sat. Jan. 19 – Brooklyn, NY @ BAM [When Past & Future Collide: Paris 1919]