The British classically trained musician John Cale introduced the avant-garde to pop music in the 1960s as the violinist and bassist of the . During his subsequent solo career, he always kept a finger on the pulse of developments in this area. In the 1970s, for example, he found connection with the experimental art rock of and . From the noughties on, he was mainly inspired by the abstract R&B
… of . Music For A New Society, which was released in 1982 with the no wave label , connects with the emotionally charged post-punk of the time, from groups such as and . Cale himself has bad memories of this album full of uncomfortable music, on which he recorded his darkest soul stirrings. Many (including the authoritative Allmusic) see it as a masterpiece, with strong songs like Chinese Envoy and Close Watch. This re-release is accompanied by a CD with new arrangements, which especially reflects Cale's love for r & b. (MR)more
