PARIS 1919

This is a genuine attempt at heartfelt persuasion to win over the listener.Bearing in mind this was 1973, John Cale offers a softly ballad like album, yet highly vulnerable all the while. Great string associations on songs like the title track " Paris 1919", almost beatlesque at times." Andalucia" is a sweet tune with edgy lyrics but the highlight is without doubt the very personal " The Endless Plains Of Fortune". Perhaps the most progressive song on the album and to decipher the lyrics, well for this reviewer, is a guilt laden track about the abysmal scramble for Africa from Europe. " Half Past France" is a gorgeous song again with incredible lyrics. You can see why this artist has always remained true to his own musical direction. Paris 1919 is a unique album, very easy listening, yet fragile at the same time and lyrically solid. A definite necessity for any John Cale collector.