John Cale: new album "POPtical Illusion" in June; stream lead single "How We See The Light"

John Cale is quick to release a follow-up for his Mercy album. A new full-length, POPtical Illusion, will hit the shops on June 14 via Double Six / Domino:

Despite the album’s playful title, Cale’s second album in just over a year still contains the same feelings of fierce and inquisitive rage that were present in 2023 album MERCY. He remains angry, still incensed by the willful destruction that unchecked capitalists and unrepentant conmen have hoisted upon the wonders of this world and the goodness of its people. But this is not at all MERCY II, or some collection of castoffs, as throughout his career of more than six decades, Cale has never been much for repetition. His vanguard-shaping enthusiasms have shifted among ecstatic classicism and unbound rock, classic songcraft and electronic reimagination with proud restlessness.

And so, on POPtical Illusion, he foregoes the illustrious cast to burrow mostly alone into mazes of synthesizers and samples, organs and pianos, with words that, as far as Cale goes, constitute a sort of swirling hope, a sage insistence that change is yet possible. Produced by Cale and longtime artistic partner Nita Scott, POPtical Illusion is the work of someone trying to turn toward the future – exactly as Cale always has.

Lead single How We See The Light is up on all the usuals digital streaming services. The video was directed by Pepi Ginsberg.

Tracks:

1. God Made Me Do It (don't ask me again)
2. Davies and Wales
3. Calling You Out
4. Edge of Reason
5. I'm Angry
6. How We See The Light
7. Company Commander
8. Setting Fires
9. Shark-Shark
10. Funkball the Brewster
11. All To The Good
12. Laughing In My Sleep
13. There Will Be No River

The Japanese version will have two bonus tracks:

1. Running Out
2. Invention of Language

POPtical Illusion is available for pre-order: 2LP, CD, digital, and a limited edition 2LP (1000 copies) with a limited edition illusionary twirling paper Objet and a bonus 7" single with two exclusive tracks: Beethoven In The Old West and News Of Nicholas. The vinyl version has a different mix of the Shark-Shark track and does not include All Too Good. Customers who buy the 2LP will be able to hear the original version on the LP only and will also have access to the new version via the Download card and the omitted track.

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