JOHN CALE & LOU REED: SONGS FOR DRELLA

Ex Velvet Underground members John Cale and Lou Reed collaboration album. This work is dedicated to Andy Warhol ( which nickname was Drella), guru of VU and bright pop-art figure.

Album consists of 15 short excellently composed and played minimalistic songs. All the music is just Reed's guitar and Cale's keyboards and violin ( vocals , mainly of Lou Reed). Everyone who know even a bit minimalism music knows, how difficult is produce perfect composition with so minimal technical possibilities. It is very easy to record myriad of albums using overproduction, overdubbing, symphonic orchestrations, etc, even if you are not too great musician, and don't have too much musical ideas at all ( big part of modern so named neo-prog are based on this old trick). But with acoustic space filled just with a few instruments it is almost impossible to lie. Every simple listener will catch you at once!

This album is absolutely RIO masterpiece, because two great artists openly show their abilities. And you understand, that in great music main thing is not electrical devices, expensive studios and other tricks. No, you just must to be great artist!

I believe this album lay far from regular prog listener filed of interest. But for RIO fans and for everyone searching for something different it is rare album of highest standard ( in it's own filed).

social review comments | Review Permalink
Posted Tuesday, December 22, 2009 | Review this album | Report (Review #257269)

This, to me, is not a prog album. I don't see it is a Jon Cale album, either. It might be both, technically, but it's not the best way to describe it. What this really is is a typical Lou Reed album made special by John Cale taking the place of the rest of the band with his beautiful piano and viola ... (read more)

Report this review (#2710604) | Posted by ricerob | Thursday, March 17, 2022 | Review Permanlink

P.s.: I'm able only to read this album as Lou reed album. And in this sense'Songs For Drella' is a pure Lou Reed album. True, True, true. Andy Warhol... Not only an artist but also a great patron for Lou Reed and John Cale. I'm not able to judge the art of Andy Warhol but sure I'm able to jud ... (read more)

Report this review (#253295) | Posted by 1967/ 1976 | Saturday, November 28, 2009 | Review Permanlink

This is a concept album, in which all 15 short songs describe the life of Andy Warhol, the famous and somewhat eccentric artist. 'Drella' is the name they nicknamed him, for a person who had both Cinderella and Dracula sides in his personality. Both John Cale and Lou Reed got to know Andy Warh ... (read more)

Report this review (#244658) | Posted by ShW1 | Wednesday, October 14, 2009 | Review Permanlink

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).