Fear

by John Cale

Overview

Right from the start, Cale makes it clear he's not messing around on Fear. If his solo career before then had been a series of intriguing stylistic experiments, here he meshes it with an ear for his own brand of pop and rock, accessible while still clearly being himself through and through. Getting musical support from various Roxy Music veterans like Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, and Andy Mackay didn't hurt at all, and all the assorted performers do a great job carrying out Cale's vision. He himself sounds confident, sharp, and incisive throughout; his playing on both various keyboards and guitar equally spot-on. The almost title track "Fear Is a Man's Best Friend," starting with focused, steady piano into a full band performance before ending on a ragged, psychotic note, makes for as solid a statement of artistic purpose for Cale and the album as any. There's everything from slightly (but not completely) lugubrious ballads to bright, sparkling numbers -- "Ship of Fools" alone is a treasure; its steady, sweet pace and beautiful chorus simply to die for. Cale's own bent for trying things out isn't forgotten on the album, with his voice recorded in different ways (sometimes with hollow echo, other times much more direct) and musically touching on everything from early reggae to, on "The Man Who Couldn't Afford to Orgy," a delightful Beach Boys pastiche. As for sheer intensity, little can top "Gun," the equal of Eno's own burning blast "Third Uncle" when it comes to lengthy, focused obsession translated into music and lyrics. Having earlier experimented with his own version of country & western, "Buffalo Ballet" finds him creating something close to meta-country: stately piano and backing singing mixing with gentle twang. It practically invents Nick Cave's late solo career all on its own. ~ Ned Raggett

Product Details

Release Date:	08/30/2024
Label:	Vinyl Lovers
UPC:	8013252900105

Tracks

1. Fear Is a Man's Best Friend
2. Buffalo Ballet
3. Barracuda
4. Emily
5. Ship of Fools
6. Bamboo Floor
7. Gun
8. The Man Who Couldn't Afford to Orgy
9. You Know More Than I Know
10. Momamma Scuba
11. All I Want Is You

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Cale   Primary Artist,Vocals,Bass,Viola,Guitar,Keyboards,Guitar (Bass)
Archie Legget   Guitar (Bass),Bass
Brian Eno   Synthesizer,Keyboards
Brian Turrington   Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Fred Smith   Drums
Liza Strike   Vocals,Girl's Choir
Richard Thompson   Guitar,Slide Guitar
Irene Chanter   Vocals
Doreen Chanter   Vocals
Bryn Haworth   Slide Guitar,Guitar
Fred E. Smith   Drums
Michael Desmarais   Drums
Michael Des Barres   Drums
Phil Manzanera   Guitar,Slide Guitar
Judy Nylon   Vocals,Guest Artist

Technical Credits

John Cale   Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Phil Manzanera   Executive Producer
John Wood   Mixing,Engineer