The Island Years
John Cale · 1996
134 min · 36 tracks · alternative rock · classical · folk rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde rock and haunting melodies, reflecting Cale's eclectic artistry.
Why this album works
This compilation highlights Cale’s influential role in alternative and avant-garde music, bridging the gap between rock and experimental forms. It received critical acclaim upon release, underscoring his lasting impact on the genre and showcasing tracks that have been covered by various artists, further cementing his legacy.
- Best for
- dynamic journey with varied pacing haunting melodies for introspective moments wave-like shifts in energy
- Context
- Released in 1996, 'The Island Years' compiles John Cale's work from the 1970s through the 1980s, positioning it as a retrospective after his move from Warner Bros. to more independent labels. This album showcases his evolution from a founding member of The Velvet Underground to a solo artist experimenting with diverse genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pretenders· PJ Harvey· Queen· Bryan Adams· Elton John· Eric Clapton· Duran Duran· Ringo Starr
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Fear Is a Man’s Best Friend Standout 3:53
- 2 Buffalo Ballet Standout 3:29
- 3 Barracuda 3:48
- 4 Emily 4:22
- 5 Ship of Fools 4:37
- 6 Gun 8:05
- 7 The Man Who Couldn’t Afford to Orgy 4:34
- 8 You Know More Than I Know 3:35
- 9 Momamma Scuba 4:26
- 10 Sylvia Said 4:09
- 11 All I Want Is You 2:57
- 12 Bamboo Floor 3:25
- 13 Mr. Wilson 3:17
- 14 Taking It All Away 2:58
- 15 Dirty Ass Rock ’n’ Roll 4:43
- 16 Darling I Need You 3:37
- 17 Rollaroll 3:57
Disc 2
- 1 Heartbreak Hotel 3:13
- 2 Ski Patrol 2:08
- 3 I’m Not the Loving Kind 3:08
- 4 Guts 3:27
- 5 The Jeweller 4:14
- 6 My Maria 3:51
- 7 Helen of Troy Standout 4:20
- 8 China Sea 2:32
- 9 Engine 2:47
- 10 Save Us 2:22
- 11 Cable Hogue 3:32
- 12 I Keep a Close Watch 3:29
- 13 Pablo Picasso 3:23
- 14 Leaving It Up to You 4:35
- 15 Baby, What You Want Me to Do? 4:51
- 16 Sudden Death 4:39
- 17 You & Me 2:51
- 18 Coral Moon 2:17
- 19 Mary Lou 2:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.