By continuing your navigation on this website, you accept the use of cookies for statistical purposes.
John Cale
Helen Of Troy
Island Records (UMCLP081)
Universal Music Recordings (UMCLP081)
Release date: Dec 6, 2024, Worldwide
Recorded quickly between John Cale producing Patti Smith's Horses and his going out on an Italian tour, Helen of Troy became Cale's third and final studio album for Island Records - This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1975 Island Records UK release and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.
Helen Of Troy is a raw, fascinating listen. The title track with its horns and spoken word is one of Cale's best: after the sweet bubblegum of "China Sea", the album gets increasingly stripped down – the acoustic guitar and piano of "Cable Hogue" and the punkish cover of The Modern Lovers' "Pablo Picasso" have long been favourites on the album. "Leaving It All Up To You" – in which Cale becomes increasingly disturbed – garnered controversy at the time and was actually removed from later pressings of the album because of its references to the Manson murders. Cale never lost his ability to shock. Taking its title from the opening line of Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line", "I Keep A Close Watch", a track Cale would record again several years later, with its Robert Kirby-arranged strings and horns, is the closest Cale has veered toward a power ballad.It is a work of great beauty among all the jagged edges of Helen Of Troy.
A1
My Maria
A2
Helen Of Troy
A3
China Sea
A4
Engine
A5
Save Us
A6
Cable Hogue
B1
I Keep A Close Watch
B2
Pablo Picasso
B3
Leaving It Up To You
B4
Baby What You Want Me To Do
B5
Sudden Death








