The Velvet Forum

Tough one, I know, but what's your favourite '70s Cale album? And why?

'the island years' is missing. it's my favourite

I think compilation albums like "the island years" are out of competition. My favourite is still Paris 1919. And why? Good question. Because I love it?

Fear is way ahead of the pack for me - I love the spiky sparse arrangements, where Paris 1919 is just mush to my ears. 2nd fave would be Church of Anthrax - 60s to mid 70s Terry Riley is great!

I'm a "Vintage Violence" man myself. Gideon's Bible, Amsterdam and Ghost Story never cease to blow me away. Hello There is so damn catchy, why Columbia never thought to push this as a single is beyond me. A nice mix of experimentation and accessibility.

Me too! Vintage Violence is a great album that never seems to have received its due - even Cale doesn't seem too keen on it. Perhaps its charms are a little too understated to receive the kind of big plaudits that Paris, Fear and New Society have enjoyed. Gideon's Bible in particular is just magical.

Has anyone heard that Cale/Mike Heron live tape from '71 where he does a few V.Violence tracks? I've never been able to get hold of a copy, but it'd be interestesting to hear what it's like.

I voted for Fear but in reality I can't decide between it and Paris 1919, both of which I love dearly. I also really like some o fthe tracks on Vintage Violence like "Gideon's Bible" (one of Cale's best ever!), "Cleo" and "Ghost Story" but as a whole album it's just not up to the level of Fear and Paris...

I voted for Guts, even tho' it's a comp. I think it's absolutely perfect, I couldn't even pick a 'weak' track

Cordoban has 'guts'. why can i have 'islands years'?

My logic in including it was that it was released in the '70s and it had an exclusive track. The Island Years is different because it was released much later and it contains three complete albums...