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John Cale to Reissue Classic Albums with New Editions
John Cale, the iconic musician known for his work with the Velvet Underground and as a groundbreaking solo artist, has revealed plans to reissue two of his seminal albums: the 1972 release The Academy in Peril and the 1973 album Paris 1919. These new editions will be available on November 15 through Domino. Both albums have undergone remastering by the engineer Heba Kadry and will be accessible on vinyl, CD, and various digital streaming platforms.
In a recent statement, Cale reflected on the process of revisiting his past work, stating, “Revisiting work from the past is a double-edged sword for me. Of course, it’s bound to happen when you’ve been making music for 60 years or so.” He further elaborated on his collaboration with Domino, emphasizing their commitment not just to reissue the albums, but to uncover new insights and celebrate the original essence of these works. “After hearing the test pressings, it occurred to me that the new mastering was a major part of how these works will be presented,” he said. Cale described moments of clarity and joy that arose as he revisited the music and memories associated with the recordings.
Both albums were created shortly after Cale’s move from New York City to Los Angeles, following his departure from the Velvet Underground. They represent an important phase in his solo career, as they were his only releases on the Reprise label. Prior to these, Cale’s debut, Vintage Violence, was released by Columbia in 1970.
The ambitious production of The Academy in Peril came with a considerable price tag of $120,000, which notably included the involvement of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In contrast, for the recording of Paris 1919, Cale scaled back the production, enlisting musicians from Little Feat and bassist Wilton Felder, capturing the sessions at Sunwest Studios in Hollywood.
Fans can look forward to several new features in these reissues. The remastered version of The Academy in Peril will include a bonus track titled “Temper,” while the deluxe edition of Paris 1919 offers previously unreleased tape audio, a drone mix of “Hanky Panky Nohow,” and a newly created track named “Fever Dream 2024: You’re a Ghost.” Additionally, listeners will find outtakes and extensive liner notes penned by Grayson Haver Currin, a noted contributor to Pitchfork.
At 82 years of age, Cale remains active in the music scene. His latest studio effort, Poptical Illusion, was released earlier this year in June, showcasing his enduring creativity and influence in the industry.
Source
pitchfork.com