Follow-up to the dark, cool and considerate "Fear" album. As with the former made by an Island label crew connection - including Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, Chris Spedding and Gerry Conway among others - produced and arranged by Cale himself. Here a little more diverse with some brighter strokes, but enough pain to make it real and the lyrics have true substance . "Mr Wilson" brings a homage to Brian Wilson and "Guts" is about Kevin Ayers doing Cale's wife before the "June 1, 1974" recording. The cover of "Heartbreak Hotel" almost makes Elvis' version sound happy-go-lucky. Here it's a slower and darker hard rock rendition, like a soundtrack to a chronic depression with no hope of getting out. If it weren't for the lyrics I wouldn't have recognized the song. All well played with his signature vocals and a couple of catchy moments - like the piano lick in "Dirty-Ass Rock'n'roll". To me not earthmoving or mindboggling in the same way as "Fear", but very good listen all the way through - both close and as background. First US in Island (same number and sleeve design). Premiere UK had label as shown here and glossy cover with a stiff glossy inner. (CÄLX*)
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