Slow DazzleCheapest atimusic.uk
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4.7
Average of 3 reviews
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Bear in mind, you'd never confuse John Cale with ABBA or any other mainstream pop act, but his 1975 album "Slow Dazzle" was when I realized he was more than just an avant-garde eccentric. Produced by Cale himself, with outstanding support from Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, Chris Spedding, and others, this collection of mostly original songs blended punk-like intensity, classic pop and rock elements, and occasional hints of his experimental past. I know it sounds like an unlikely mix, but Cale somehow made it work. Funny enough, some critics actually panned the album for being too commercial, urging him to return to his more experimental work. The album kicked off with 'Mr. Wilson,' a heartfelt homage to Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys (who would've guessed Cale was a fan), and one of Cale's finest and most accessible compositions—love how he sings Californ-EYE-A. It's a wonder it didn't become a hit single. The same could be said for the ballad 'I'm Not the Loving Kind' (easily his most charming ballad) and the surprising pop gem 'Ski Patrol.' Elsewhere, tracks like 'Dirtyass Rock 'n' Roll' (featuring his best Bob Dylan impression) and 'Guts' (a story of marital infidelity with some of Cale's most unsettling lyrics, including a chorus I've always heard as 'he's got no guts - and stitches don't help at all') proved Cale could rock just as hard as any of his peers. Other standouts included the downright chilling cover of 'Heartbreak Hotel' (every time I hear Presley's version, I think of Cale's cover), 'Taking It All Away,' and 'Darling I Need You' (both with irresistibly catchy choruses). To be honest, the only track that didn't resonate with me was the gloomy, narrative-driven closer 'The Jeweller.' It's interesting that most critics seem to favor "Fear," the first release in Cale's Island Trilogy, but for me, this is the LP that I find the most engaging and enjoyable. Definitely worth giving a listen!!!
This one's the best sounding yet, gotta get it!
True to the classic John Cale sound, this album's a spot-on replica of the original vinyl, but the 'label' print on mine's all faded, barely legible.
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| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| 28 May 2025 | £24.99 | €27.01 |
| 30 Jun 2025 | £26.49 | €26.49 |
| 31 Jul 2025 | £26.49 | €26.49 |
| 29 Aug 2025 | £26.49 | €26.49 |
| 30 Sept 2025 | £26.99 | €28.49 |
| 31 Oct 2025 | £26.99 | €26.99 |
| 30 Nov 2025 | £26.99 | €28.49 |
| 29 Dec 2025 | £26.99 | €28.29 |
| 31 Jan 2026 | £26.49 | €36.46 |
| 28 Feb 2026 | £26.99 | €34.97 |
| 7 Mar 2026 | £26.49 | €36.46 |