Helen of Troy – John Cale [VINYL]

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. ‘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.

Disc 1
1. My Maria – John Cale
2. Helen of Troy – John Cale
3. China Sea – John Cale
4. Engine – John Cale
5. Save Us – John Cale
6. Cable Hogue – John Cale
7. I Keep a Close Watch – John Cale
8. Pablo Picasso – John Cale
9. Leaving It Up to You – John Cale
10. Baby, What You Want Me to Do – John Cale
11. Sudden Death – John Cale