Founding Velvet Underground member John Cale stopped by San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom Sunday night. Cale is touring for his new album Shift Adventures in Nookie Woods. Folk songster Cass McCombs opened for Cale.
To start, I think it’s worth pointing of the significane of Cale’s career, not that it will be the first time. Obviously, Cale’s memorable work with seminal, classic rock outfit the Velvet Underground has played into many a music fan’s understanding of rock in the sixties and 20th century on the whole. While Cale was actually only on VU’s album effort with Nico + 1969’s White Light/White Heat, his contributions to the band and those gems of albums is remarkable. Moreover though, let’s consider than Cale has approximately 30 album releases since then. His work as a composer and musician since Velvet Underground is prolific to say the least, and the span and range of his work is equally impressive. With that discography and depth in mind, Sunday’s show made for an interesting affair.
Most notably, John Cale can absolutely still rock. The one universal sentiment I caught from those in attendance was how impressed they were at Cale’s vitality and ability. At age 70, this is no small feat. And I’m not just talking a pleasant, legacy act holding down the stage. Cale’s vocals, for example, were more impressive and steady than about a third of 2012’s bedroom buzz bands. Admittedly, I did not expect as “rockin” of a set as Cale delivered. On one hand, this was a testament to Cale’s grit as a musician. And I respect that a lot. On the other hand, with as many genres and styles as Cale has worked in, it seemed Cale & Co got caught in this uber macho, late 80’s, riff-forward heavy rock vibe. Perhaps his lead guitarist just needed to be balanced a bit more. And hats off to him as well, for he’s got his craft down. But when they kept in that stylistic rout for most of the show, it left me desiring more diversity in the set, rather than so much power chord, riff-rock and solo heavy material. Additionally, when they did apply a bit more restraint in the tuneage, their sheer ability (whole band wide, btw) shone through. I personally would’ve liked to see Cale delve into a wider range of his tunes. But if that’s what he feels most satisfied playing at this point in his career, by all means, a guy should do it.
Check out Cale’s new album Shift Adventures in Nookie Wood
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