John Cale - POPtical Illusion CD/2LP

Despite the album’s playful title, Cale’s second album in just over a year still contains the same feelings of fierce and inquisitive rage that were present in 2023 album "Mercy".

He remains angry, still incensed by the willful destruction that unchecked capitalists and unrepentant conmen have hoisted upon the wonders of this world and the goodness of its people. But this is not at all "Mercy II", or some collection of castoffs, as throughout his career of more than six decades, Cale has never been much for repetition. His vanguard-shaping enthusiasms have shifted among ecstatic classicism and unbound rock, classic songcraft and electronic reimagination with proud restlessness.

And so, on "POPtical Illusion", he foregoes the illustrious cast to burrow mostly alone into mazes of synthesizers and samples, organs and pianos, with words that, as far as Cale goes, constitute a sort of swirling hope, a sage insistence that change is yet possible. Produced by Cale and long-time artistic partner Nita Scott, "POPtical Illusion" is the work of someone trying to turn toward the future – exactly as Cale always has.

Tracklist:

- CD -

1. God Made Me Do It (don't ask me again)
2. Davies and Wales
3. Calling You Out
4. Edge of Reason
5. I'm Angry
6. How We See the Light
7. Company Commander
8. Setting Fires
9. Shark-Shark
10. Funkball the Brewster
11. All to the Good
12. Laughing In My Sleep
13. There Will Be No River

- 2LP -

1. God Made Me Do It (don't ask me again)
2. Davies and Wales
3. Calling You Out
4. Edge of Reason
5. I'm Angry
6. How We See the Light
7. Company Commander
8. Setting Fires
9. Shark-Shark (vinyl mix)
10. Funkball the Brewster
11. Laughing In My Sleep
12. There Will Be No River

About this product: this release is pressed on CD and 2LP formats.

The 2LP is the Indie Stores Exclusive pressing on neon orange vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve. Includes a download code (featuring All to the Good and an alternative version of Shark-Shark).