Search - John Cale :: Hobo Sapiens

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WrtnWrd | Northridge, CA USA | 02/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"John Cale is back in geopolitical mode on his return to form HoboSapiens. This being the later Cale, much of the lyrical content is obscure, not to mention unintelligible. But the freaky strains of his world encompassing musical palette gets us over the tough spots with its compelling forward motion. These are snapshots of a world in crisis, and Cale has always been more convincing when he's hotstepping with anger than playing the classically trained card. HoboSapiens doesn't equal his brilliant Island trilogy of the 70's, but it comes close enough to touch them."

I wish more artists were so thoughtful.

Turner Morgan | San Francisco, CA United States | 11/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cale shut the heck up, years back: apparently, he just decided he was done. This is the first studio album he's done in ages, and while his voice is a slight bit less steady- he's 61 now.
If you're a fan of Cale's earlier work, I'd distinctly recommend this album- in addition to that stunningly intellectual streak, he's also started to re-visit the visceral sort of energy that fed 'Fear'. I cannot recommend this album highly enough, frankly: I can't stop listening to it."

DEFECTIVE CD... NOT THE ARTIST

Charles A. Miller | Baltimore, Maryland U.S.A. | 05/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many of the European imports of this CD are defective, true, but I can't help but wonder why previous "critics" decided to give this magnificent album one star as a result. The fault lies with the record company, not the musician. Wouldn't it have been better to rate the music and point out the manufacturing defects within the review? For those who haven't purchased this album yet, or for those who have been stung by the inferior European release (like myself), may I suggest sprinting the extra $6.00 and buying the infinitely preferable Japanese version? Not only does the disc play perfectly, but Amazon incorrectly indicates that this version only has 1 bonus track. In fact, it has 3 bonus tracks, not heard anywhere else, and clocks in at over 75 minutes. Another surprise from other "critics" is the complaint that this album lacks the hard rock power of the Island years. That was nearly 30 years ago. Is there anything more pathetic than a musician that doesn't mature? It's kind of embarrassing to watch a 60-something entertainer prancing around on stage as if he were still half that age. And, it would be boring to hear the same music rehashed release after release. In recent years, Mr. Cale has been issuing quite a few soundtrack albums for European productions. These are excellent, as one has to remember that John Cale is a classically trained musician and is certainly in his element, but here we truly have a return to form... a form that is not only mature and evolving, but one that also never fails to entertain. Thoroughly modern, completely original, and always a pleasure to listen to. The distinct John Cale "sound" is here without the duplication of previous works or musical periods. Bravo Mr. Cale! Please keep it coming!"