I think that we've probably discussed this one before but as long as we're doing this X v. Y thing, this is usually an interesting one.

For me: Cale all the way.

i might own more lou reed records, but vintage violence and paris 1919 are incredible works that blow me away each time i hear them, especially the latter.

I think the tide has definitely turned with more people name checking Cale these days, but I honestly just can't get into his solo stuff, at least what I've heard. I remember how much people made about his being the arty and interesting and experimental voice in VU and maybe that was true, but his solo stuff has always sounded pretty light and poppy and boring to me, frankly. Pretty enough and ornate, but boring. Lou's been up and down but Cale's never put out anything as good as say Transformer, or Berlin or even stuff like Blue Mask for me. I kinda think people just can't stand Lou since he comes across as such a douche and Cale seems like a comparatively nice guy. But I just don't see the Cale solo stuff as anything special musically. Maybe I should revisit, but I've tried a few times and every time I just end up bored and switch it off.

You should revisit Paris, 1919 at the very least.

For me, what I love about Cale is that he has not pigeonholed himself, stylistically. Yes, he can be arty and experimental, and he can be poppy. and he can be pretty, and he can be tough-sounding, and he can be twee. And he does it all very, very well. Sometimes all within the space of a few songs on the same album.

But yeah, go back to Paris, if you are at all interested in trying one more time. And, start with the title track. If that doesn't grab you, then probably nothing of his will.

Paris put me to sleep the couple times I tried it, just sounded pretty and gutless to me. Maybe I just brought wrong expectations to the party, but I tried that one a couple times on numerous recommendations and it did nothing for me. Maybe people just suggest the stuff of his I don't like and he has others I would. people always seem to suggest these light and ornate pop albums he did and I just don't like 'em. Maybe if he's got some stuff in another direction I'd be interested.

Especially check out his unhinged covers of "Pablo Picasso" and "Heartbreak Hotel".

Eh, sounds better. But that Pablo Picasso just makes me wanna hear the Modern Lovers and that Heartbreak Hotel cover sounds too much like Zappa or something along those lines to me. Pretty sure we're just gonna hafta disagree on this one.

S'cool.

I do like the Nico records he produced though. I guess I just like him better as a sideman.

Paris 1919 is just about a perfect pop record.

I definitely have more Lou Reed solo stuff, but I think I'd pick Cale just for that album.

Pretty close to me, but I've yet to hear all their solo output.