Customer Reviews

Circus Live (W/Dvd)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a great live album. Not the usual run-through of your old favorites, which is mainly the case with these affairs, but rather, complete reinvention. At first I was a little disappointed reading the titles as there was little in the way of John Cale's recent (and in my opinion, best) works, but listening dispelled that. All of these mostly older tunes have been rewritten with, in some cases, radically different arrangements. Actually to the point where they are different... almost like an album of new material. Imagine a slow, almost gentle, albeit sinister Mercenaries!

There are also extensive droning effects throughout (the beginning, between the "end" of the concert and the encore, and the actual coda), harkening back to John Cale's early experimental roots.

All of this is supported by the technically perfect musicianship of players. Take away the applause between many of the tracks and it sounds like a studio album, only better because of the high-energy that comes with live music territory.

The presentation is excellent as well. Nice "slippery" slip-case with excellent and clever art, graphics and documentation throughout.

What a great live album. Not the usual run-through of your old favorites, which is mainly the case with these affairs, but rather, complete reinvention. At first I was a little disappointed reading the titles as there was little in the way of John Cale's recent (and in my opinion, best) works, but listening dispelled that. All of these mostly older tunes have been rewritten with, in some cases, radically different arrangements. Actually to the point where they are different... almost like an album of new material. Imagine a slow, almost gentle, albeit sinister Mercenaries!

There are also extensive droning effects throughout (the beginning, between the "end" of the concert and the encore, and the actual coda), harkening back to John Cale's early experimental roots.

All of this is supported by the technically perfect musicianship of players. Take away the applause between many of the tracks and it sounds like a studio album, only better because of the high-energy that comes with live music territory.

The presentation is excellent as well. Nice "slippery" slip-case with excellent and clever art, graphics and documentation throughout.

But there is a drawback... the DVD, which is PAL format. Many in the U.S. will not be able to play it. Why is that NTSC owners are cheated out of this? Why could there not have been two versions, one for Europe and one for the United States? As is often the case, an American version will probably see the light of day a year or so from now, but that's a long wait for such an excellent album. One can only assume that the DVD is as good as the CDs.

I suppose, technically, I should have given this release 4 stars due to the PAL DVD, but didn't want to drag down what is otherwise one of the best live albums of all time.

The first john cale album I bought in the early seventies, vintage violence was followed with those words at the check out counter by a smiling clerk. My expectations were high and I was not dissapointed. Circus Live is pure john cale as good as it ever was! rock and roll is dead but thanks to cale long live rock! For anyone who loves cale,lou reed, patti smith or punk music this album is a masterpiece.

I have never been fortunate enough to see Cale live, so I treasure this. Every song is completely different from the original, so it's like two discs of adventurous brand new music. One question though: I have heard at least two comments from people on the great sound quality. Mine, however, sounds like a medium-quality bootleg, hugely disappointing. Anyone know if there are multiple versions of this?

I've seen Cale a couple of times spread out over thirty years. This "album" is terrific. The band is fantastic, Cale gives them LOTS of freedom to jam, and he himself is in impeccable form. He is a great artist - there are just no more like him. Thank you (again), Mr. Cale.

Oh - and the packaging is wonderful - great images, the booklet is substantial (30 pages?), and the workmanship is top-notch. A great bargain for what you get!

That sums it up for me. When Cale sings this question in the song "Gun" he hits for me the big question that has always affected his music.....
Why is man so damned destructive and cruel? Good music for bad times, maybe the end times. This man is a great artist, my favorite. He still has a strong masculine voice for his age.

A very good live album and overview of his entire career. Great production and sound quality. Strong band.
The DVD ain't much.

Who cares the music is terrific.

To my ears a very dissappointing set. The musicianship and production values are excellent. That is the problem for me. The spark and energy and life I have come to enjoy from John Cale live are missing. Hidden behind technically profficent sound. Then again I am someone who enjoys John Constable's oil sketches far more than his finished paintings. The bonus DVD is mis-represented, "exclusive live footage," well this is actually 45 minutes of disjointed rehearsal footage. And I did not find it particularly engaging, other record companies have served their artists much better with 'in the rehearsal rooms' videos. I still very much enjoy John Cale, but not how he is presented here.