Poptical Illusion Explained
| Poptical Illusion |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | John Cale |
| Cover: | POPtical Illusion.jpg |
| Alt: | A round collage of various urban landscapes; the title is written across the top in sans-serif. |
| Studio: | ARM (Los Angeles) |
| Genre: | Electronic[1] |
| Length: | 63:59 |
| Label: |
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| Producer: |
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| Prev Title: | Mercy |
| Prev Year: | 2023 |
Poptical Illusion (stylised as POPtical uoᴉsnllI) is the eighteenth studio album by the Welsh musician and composer John Cale, released on 14 June 2024 by Double Six and Domino. In contrast to his previous album Mercy (2023) which featured many collaborators at different studios, Poptical Illusion was produced by Cale along with his manager Nita Scott in his Los Angeles studio with Cale performing most of the instruments.[2] [3]
Background
On 26 March 2024 the first single from the album, "How We See the Light", was released along with a music video directed by Pepi Ginsberg.[4] On 8 May the second single, "Shark-Shark", was released with a music video directed by Abigail Portner.[5] On 19 August the third single, "Davies and Wales" was released along with a music video directed by Jethro Waters.[6] Two tracks – "Beethoven in the Old West" and "News of Nicholas" – are only available on a 7" bonus single that comes with the limited edition 2LP version of the album.[7]
Critical reception
Year-end lists
Track listing
Notes
- "All to the Good" is omitted from the vinyl versions, but is available with purchase through an MP3/WAV download card, along with an alternate mix of "Shark-Shark".
Personnel
- John Cale – vocals, synthesizers, production (all tracks); drums (tracks 1–4, 6–12), bass (1–3, 6–10, 12), piano (1, 2, 13), organ (2–5, 9, 10), fretless bass (4), Empirical Egyptian Scale piano (6), noises (7, 8), sampler (7, 10, 13), guitar solo (8); guitars, SampleTron (9); electric keyboard (11), electric piano (12), bass organ (13)
- Nita Scott – production (all tracks), background vocals (track 3), keyboards (4, 8, 12), samples (4, 12), programming (4), drum programming (8), drums (10, 12); noises, sampler (10); bass (11)
- Dustin Boyer – recording (all tracks), guitar (tracks 1–3, 6, 7, 9), acoustic guitar (5), noises (7)
- Seven Davis Jr. – mixing (tracks 1, 3, 4, 11)
- Mikaelin "Blue" Bluespruce – mixing (tracks 2, 5–8, 10, 12, 13)
- Justin Raisen – mixing (track 9)
- Mike Bozzi – mastering
- Björn Copeland – artwork
- Rob Carmichael – design
Charts
Notes and References
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/john-cale-poptical-illusion-review-1235039668/<cite>"POPtical Illusion is full of grim songs about a planet in flames, yet it’s full of playful energy, blending synths and guitars with electronic beats from an elder hip-hop fiend."
- Web site: John Cale Announces New Album Poptical Illusion, Shares Video for New Song: Watch . Corcoran . Nina . 26 March 2024 . . 26 March 2024.
- Web site: John Cale shares 'How We See The Light' and announces new album 'POPtical Illusion' . Rigotti . Alex . 26 March 2024 . . 26 March 2024.
- Web site: John Cale – "How We See The Light" . Rettig . James . 26 March 2024 . . 26 March 2024.
- Web site: John Cale - Shark-Shark (Official Video) . . 8 May 2024 . 8 May 2024.
- News: John Cale announces UK & European tour . 19 August 2024 . Domino . 18 August 2024.
- Web site: John Cale - "POPtical Illusion (Exclusive Limited Double LP) . Domino . 30 March 2024.
- Web site: November 11, 2024 . MOJO's 75 Best Albums of 2024 . November 13, 2024 . albumoftheyear.org.
- Web site: Pearis . Bill . November 8, 2024 . List Season comes early with Uncut's Top 80 Albums of 2024 . November 12, 2024 . brooklynvegan.com.
- Web site: Official Albums Sales Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. June 22, 2024.
