The enmity between Lou Reed and John Cale is no secret. After Cale’s departure from the Velvet Underground in 1968 (following the release of White Light/White Heat), there was really only one thing that still connected them: Andy Warhol. Seems like that was enough to put a temporary halt to about 20 years of bad feelings, since one of the results of Warhol’s death in 1987 was the tribute album Songs for Drella, released in 1990.
This was the first time the two had worked together since that 2nd Velvet Underground album and it is nothing short of a fantastic piece of work. Reed writes most of the songs, but both his and Cale’s submissions are insightful and poignant. Sparsely arranged around simply Reed’s guitar, Cale’s keyboards and their vocals, this is a musical treat for anyone who loves the collective work of Reed and Cale and share a respect for the late Warhol. words / j neas
Lou Reed & John Cale – Hello It’s Me (w/ French subtitles)
Elsewhere: Check out this interview with Cale and Reed from Musician magazine whose cover prompted the painting entitled “A Song For Drella” which features all three of the subjects of this post.
These guys are pretty sick. I really like the way their riffs have this heavy swing to them. They actually remind me of the Josh Dion Band. Except everything that they play has this awesome uplifting feel to it — its got some real soul. I heard they are going to be playing like here woozyfly. com March 12th. Its kind of cool that they are broadcasting live. Now lots of bands are stepping up to the kinds of things that only bands like radio used to be able to do.
thanks for the great site and post…a little off subject, but I am also really enjoying the She & Him album
also, FYI: Sun Kil Moon’s new album is streaming on their my space before the release…April 1…sounds awesome!
and, new Matthew Ryan album April 1st…”Matthew Ryan vs the Silver State”…also sounds terrific
a big day for new music..cool, keep up the great work
I have always loved this album, thanks for reminding me of it. Trouble With Classicists is a great track.