CHURCH OF ANTHRAX (JOHN CALE & TERRY RILEY)

I think it's really odd I am writing first review about this album, that is also said masterpiece! Don't quite understand, why it's not add in PA at first place when making Riley's sites. Riley is anyway in it as strong part as Cale. Anyway I hope this review will woke at least some PA-members who haven't heard this before. As many of us already know, John Cale was in the avantgarde/experimental music circles before forming the Velvet Underground with Lou Reed. I believe if he didn't met Terry Riley that time, he anyway influenced by him highly those times. About Velvet's 'All Tomorrow Parties' he had said about it's keyboard part it's inspired by Riley. On the other hand Terry Riley as a minimalist composer was interested also pop/rock music and young musicians, so it wasn't so amazing these two decided to collaborate and record this album. Maybe for the record company commarcial failure fearing the album was released year after it's recorded.

Have to say A-side of the album is the greatest instrumental music I've heard a long time! The title track opens album really great way, it has really strong drum working for both drummers, also believe Riley is one who made really great solo working both on organ & sax when Cale made just a great background in this. Next 'the Hall Of Mirrors In the Palace Of Versailles' is so absolutely beautiful piano piece with Riley soloing in two saxes! But the b-side is not much weaker, it starts with the only vocal piece 'the Soul Of Patrick Lee'. Adam Miller is doing really great vocals in this piece that I think would have had also commercial potential if released as single. The ending part is not as great as the other part of album, but quite interesting anyway. 'Ides Of March' is maybe a little bit too long improvisation of two pianos and two drums, but again great drum work keep the interest up. Ending piece is quite rocky improvisation piece for piano where drums, guitar & bass creates strong base. The most interesting in this is short noise in the end.

I thought long time, will I give this five stars (just because I think many people give today in PA too easily five stars) but I have to join to the group of those who say this album masterpiece. Only reason not giving it is those two ending pieces, but they're not that bad they would low the unique greatness of the rest album. I am just getting into Riley's music more, but I believe this will be great opener to those, who haven't listened his music, just because this has also elements from pop/rock music!