John Cale

Like Frank Zappa, John Cale is a fascinating, mercurial figure. Everything he has done over
the years -- from his electric viola work and his development of destructive sound effects
for the Velvet Underground onward -- bears witness to a formidable intelligence and a
commitment to what remains viable in the avant-garde tradition. Last year, Cale released his
first Reprise album (following two excellent albums for Columbia), The Academy ... More >

In which Cale subsumes Little Feat, the academy in stasis, and other subversive elements into a form known generically (don't tell anyone) as schlock-rock. Winsome stuff it is, too--delectable melodies, dulcet singing, and such civilized rhymes as "Andalucia" and "see ya." But when you try to get past the surface pleasure of phrases like "claim you with my iron drum" and "cows that agriculture won't allow" you realize that poets who emulate Edward Lear had better be funny about it--or else stick with Delmore Schwartz. (Grade: B+)