PRE-ORDER: This item will be shipped with the aim to deliver on release day.
Release Date: 06 December 2024
Label: Proper Records
Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 805520240819
Genres: Rock Alternative
Description
Recorded quickly between John Cale producing Patti Smith's Horses and his going out on an Italian tour, Helen of Troy became Cale's third and final studio album for Island Records - This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1975 Island Records UK release and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.
Helen Of Troy is a raw, fascinating listen. The title track with its horns and spoken word is one of Cale's best: after the sweet bubblegum of "China Sea", the album gets increasingly stripped down – the acoustic guitar and piano of "Cable Hogue" and the punkish cover of The Modern Lovers' "Pablo Picasso" have long been favourites on the album. "Leaving It All Up To You" – in which Cale becomes increasingly disturbed – garnered controversy at the time and was actually removed from later pressings of the album because of its references to the Manson murders. Cale never lost his ability to shock. Taking its title from the opening line of Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line", "I Keep A Close Watch", a track Cale would record again several years later, with its Robert Kirby-arranged strings and horns, is the closest Cale has veered toward a power ballad.
It is a work of great beauty among all the jagged edges of Helen Of Troy.
Tracklisting
Lighthouse Family
John Cale
John Cale
John Cale
Shed Seven
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention
John Cale
John Cale
John Cale
For The Birds: The Bird Song Project
