Jokermen Podcast: John Cale - JOHNS & ENDS III — Poptical Illusion + Paris/Academy Reissues

Episode Overview

In the final episode of the Jokermen Podcast for the year 2024, Hosts 1 and 2 delve deep into John Cale's latest work, Poptical Illusion, while also touching upon the recently remastered classics Paris 1919 and Academy in Peril. This episode, titled "JOHNS & ENDS III — Poptical Illusion + Paris/Academy Reissues," offers an insightful analysis of Cale's evolving sound, his place in contemporary music, and the significance of the reissued classics.

Introduction and Episode Context

Host 1 opens the conversation by acknowledging the delay in discussing Poptical Illusion, responding to listener Zach Hurley's feedback about giving due respect to John Cale. (01:06)

Host 2 commends Zach Hurley as "the most august authority on the music of John Cale outside of people who are paid to do that." (01:47)

Poptical Illusion: Analyzing the New Release

Listening Experience

Host 1 shares his fluctuating experience with Poptical Illusion, initially struggling to review it due to other commitments but eventually finding his footing after multiple listens. He describes the album as a "late era John Cale record" that's lengthy and occasionally slow but rewarding once fully engaged. (03:28)

Host 2 expresses a similar sentiment, noting the album's depth and the potential for discovering new elements over time. (04:56)

Notable Quote:

"It's a late era John Cale record in that it is a fucking long album. And there are large stretches of this record where it's kind, kind of slow and kind of boring." — Host 1 (03:28)

Artistic and Production Insights

Album Title and Artwork

Host 1 discusses the intriguing stylization of the album title "Poptical Illusion," highlighting its design elements as "classic Hobo Sapiens" and noting John Cale's tendency towards avant-garde presentation. (06:01)

Host 2 agrees, emphasizing the album's embrace of electronics and its departure from collaborative efforts seen in previous works like Mercy. (07:34)

Collaboration vs. Solitude

Host 1 contrasts Poptical Illusion with Mercy, noting that while Mercy was a collaborative effort with numerous features, Poptical Illusion feels more insular, primarily driven by Cale himself alongside his instruments and technology. (08:14)

Comparative Analysis: Mercy vs. Poptical Illusion

Collaborative Nature of Mercy

Host 2 recalls that over half the songs on Mercy featured collaborations with artists like Animal Collective, highlighting the album's communal spirit. (08:20)

Insular Approach of Poptical Illusion

Host 1 observes that Poptical Illusion lacks these external collaborations, presenting a more singular vision from Cale. (09:23)

Notable Quote:

"It's really John Cale. John Cale. John Cale." — Host 1 (08:20)

John Cale’s Late Era and Contemporary Relevance

Staying Current

Host 2 praises Cale's ability to stay relevant, noting his interest in contemporary music trends like trap and underground hip-hop, and his openness to avant-garde influences. (10:55)

Host 1 echoes this sentiment, comparing Cale's adaptability to Bob Dylan's timelessness while highlighting Cale's proactive engagement with modern sounds. (15:39)

Notable Quote:

"John Cale is playing kind of a young man's game here." — Host 1 (15:39)

Musical Highlights and Critique

Standout Tracks

Host 1 singles out "Davis and Wales Forever More" as a top-tier track, praising its catchy chorus and aligning it with his appreciation for songs like "Walking On Locust." (17:46)

Host 2 compliments the song's harmonies and uniqueness, despite not fully understanding the lyrical content. (20:03)

Host 1 further lauds "Shark Shark," describing it as a standout with its "motoric, kraut rock kind of beat" and edgy guitar work. (43:32)

Album Structure and Flow

Host 1 critiques the album's length and sequencing, suggesting that trimming it down could enhance focus and impact. He compares the album's structure to modern streaming-era releases, emphasizing its buffet-like nature rather than a cohesive listening experience. (37:18)

Host 2 agrees, noting that the album feels post-album, with songs serving more as motifs rather than traditional song structures. (40:09)

Notable Quote:

"It's like he just sort of generously presenting a lot of music." — Host 2 (41:15)

Reissues: Paris 1919 and Academy in Peril

Merits of the Remasters

Host 1 expresses excitement over the remastered versions of Paris 1919 and Academy in Peril, appreciating the clarity and presentation. He emphasizes the importance of these reissues in preserving John Cale's legacy. (52:36)

Host 2 highlights the improved sound quality, comparing it favorably to previous versions and noting the enhanced clarity and depth. (55:45)

Availability and Access

Host 1 underscores the need for better curation and accessibility of John Cale's solo works on streaming platforms, hoping that the reissues signal a renewed effort to preserve and promote his discography. (59:14)

Notable Quote:

"It's a record that deserves to be given every chance to be presented as well as. And as directly as it can be." — Host 1 (61:07)

Final Ratings and Closing Thoughts

Album Ratings

Both hosts conclude with a rating of two stars out of five for Poptical Illusion, citing its strengths in standout tracks like "Shark Shark" but critiquing its overall length and lack of cohesion. (51:05)

Closing Remarks

They wrap up by acknowledging the continued legacy of John Cale, expressing hope for more thorough remastering and accessibility of his works in the future. The episode ends with playful banter and a reiteration of their dedication to exploring Cale's extensive catalog. (65:40)

Notable Quotes Throughout the Episode:

1. "We're gonna have a real good time together." — Host 1 (00:00)
2. "Promise is made, Promise is kept." — Host 1 (01:06)
3. "It's a late era John Cale record in that it is a fucking long album." — Host 1 (03:28)
4. "It's really John Cale. John Cale. John Cale." — Host 1 (08:20)
5. "John Cale is playing kind of a young man's game here." — Host 1 (15:39)
6. "It's like he just sort of generously presenting a lot of music." — Host 2 (41:15)
7. "It's a record that deserves to be given every chance to be presented as well as." — Host 1 (61:07)

Conclusion

This episode of the Jokermen Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of John Cale's Poptical Illusion alongside the significance of his classic reissues. Hosts 1 and 2 offer balanced insights, celebrating Cale's ability to remain relevant while critically assessing the strengths and weaknesses of his latest work. For fans and newcomers alike, this episode serves as a valuable guide to understanding the enduring legacy and contemporary relevance of John Cale's music.