Released 30 years ago
Walking on Locusts
John Cale · 1996
50 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A rich tapestry of avant-garde melodies interwoven with eclectic rhythms and introspective lyrics, showcasing Cale's artistic evolution.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dancing Undercover Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Crazy Egypt — This track stands out with its hypnotic rhythm and vivid storytelling, reflecting Cale's unique ability to blend cultural references with personal introspection.
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Set Me Free — With its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this song captures the essence of longing and liberation that permeates the album.
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So Much for Love — This track showcases Cale's lyrical prowess, exploring themes of love and loss through a complex yet accessible musical arrangement.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- introspective lyrics for deep thinking
- quirky melodies spark curiosity
- for late afternoon musings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Noted for its ambitious sound and lyrical depth, solidifying Cale's artistic evolution.
- Themes
- Cairo's cultural tapestry· personal liberation· love and loss narratives
- Career context
- By the time 'Walking on Locusts' was released in 1996, John Cale was a seasoned artist known for his experimental approach to music. This album followed his critically acclaimed work 'Fragments of Life,' and marked a continuation of Cale's exploration into blending rock with classical and avant-garde influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Lou Reed· David Bowie
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Set Me Free
The narrative shifts from confinement to yearning for freedom is particularly striking.
This shift emphasizes the emotional weight of the journey towards liberation, making it a pivotal moment in the song.
Tracklist
- 1 Dancing Undercover Start here 4:25
- 2 Set Me Free 4:11
- 3 So What 4:11
- 4 Crazy Egypt 3:28
- 5 So Much for Love 5:01
- 6 Tell Me Why 5:25
- 7 Indistinct Notion of Cool 2:44
- 8 Secret Corrida 6:02
- 9 Circus 4:03
- 10 Gatorville & Points East 3:00
- 11 Some Friends 4:06
- 12 Entre nous 3:42
What to play next
Eat/Kiss: Music for the Films by Andy Warhol
1997
Continues the avant-garde exploration with a cinematic flair, expanding on Cale's artistic themes.
N'oublie pas que tu vas mourir
1995
Sets the stage with introspective lyrics and experimental sounds leading into 'Walking on Locusts'.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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