THE ACADEMY IN PERIL

Third John Cale's solo album is in it's atmosphere similar to second one. During his long career in music, Cale changed his music style many times, so it's not easy to describe, what is his music. I think, putting him to category "Prog Related" on PA was clever decision: it describes everything and nothing.

So, let make it clear from very beginning - this album is RIO/Avant in pure form. If you ever heard Cage, Terry Riley or other minimalists, you can imagine, what is the basis of that album. If not - just imagine acoustic violin or piano music, based on classic constructions, and played with maximum free space between notes.

The first song is real prog, with full band ( even included guest guitarist Ron Wood). Great beginning, but the second one will bring you to the world of elegant and strange piano miniature ( "Brahms"). Few next songs are of the same field, but just more cold and abstract in structure and melody.

"Days Of Steam" breaks the line of classic avant-minimalist composition by it's bright neo- folky tune with drummer rhythm included. But right after "Orchestral Pieces" return you back to the world of classic violin soloing.

And don't be fooled by some vocal stated on the cover. "Legs Larry at Television Centre" is minimalist classic composition with speaking words ( and huge dose of humour in it). Some kind of Zappa's style musical joke. Last album composition is a nice dreamy piano and synt down tempo neo classic piece with some orchestral sound in places.. Cale is really bright composer and musician in his highest moments

Bright and interesting in many places, album is a bit unfocused, and some classic pieces sound raw and unfinished. But the idea is really attractive! Big part of album isn't rock at all.

"King Harry" is prog with marshing tune and Cpt. Beafheart-style vocal ( only real vocal song in that album).

So, what to say? Really interesting album for those searching in new musical ideas and unusual sounds. I believe, that Zappa,Captain Beafheart or even John Zorn fans will be really interested in that album. For regular prog fans it's better to avoid it ( as well as all other albums with Andy Warhol designed covers).