This album "JOHN CALE & TERRY RILEY - Church of Anthrax" is the collaboration between John Cale and Terry Riley. The record was released in February 1971 by Cale's record company, Columbia Records, nearly a year after the material was recorded - whereas in fact it was recorded prior to Cale's solo debut "Vintage Violence"This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Released in 1971 on CBS Records, the original UK 12" LP vinyl pressing of "Church of Anthrax" captures a unique moment in musical history, where avant-garde experimentation met the warmth of analog sound.
Historical Context
Emerging in the post-psychedelic era, "Church of Anthrax" reflected a period of artistic exploration and genre-bending. Both Cale and Riley had established themselves as innovative musicians, pushing the boundaries of traditional rock and classical music. The album's creation followed Riley's groundbreaking success with "A Rainbow in Curved Air" and Cale's departure from the Velvet Underground.
Musical Exploration
The album's title, "Church of Anthrax," suggests a juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane, a theme that resonated with the experimental nature of the music. The tracks ranged from ambient soundscapes to pulsating rhythms, incorporating elements of rock, classical, and electronic music. Cale's viola and piano intertwined with Riley's organ and synthesizer, creating a rich sonic tapestry, uniquely captured on the vinyl format.
Genre
While often categorized as avant-garde or experimental rock, "Church of Anthrax" defied easy classification. It incorporated elements of minimalism, drone music, and early electronica. The album's eclectic nature made it a challenging listen for some, but it garnered a cult following among those who appreciated its innovative approach.
Controversies
The album's title sparked controversy upon its release, with some critics deeming it insensitive due to the association of anthrax with biological warfare. However, the artists maintained that the title was not intended to be provocative, but rather a reflection of the album's unconventional nature.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by John McClure and recorded at CBS Studios in New York City. The studio's state-of-the-art equipment allowed for experimentation with sound manipulation and layering, contributing to the album's unique sonic landscape, which is particularly evident in the vinyl format's warmth and depth.
Music Genre: Avant Garde Jazz, Acid Prog Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "JOHN CALE & TERRY RILEY - Church of Anthrax" was produced by: John Cale, John McClure Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Don Meehan Album cover design: John Berg, Richard Mantel, Kim Whitesides Album cover photography: Don Hunstein |
Record Label Information: Walking Eye CBS 64259 / C 3013 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1971 Made in England |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JOHN CALE & TERRY RILEY - Church of Anthrax |
|
Complete Track-listing of the album "JOHN CALE & TERRY RILEY - Church of Anthrax" |
|
The detailed tracklist of this record "JOHN CALE & TERRY RILEY - Church of Anthrax" is:
|
-
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
-
-
-
"Church of Anthrax" Orange Colour CBS with Walking Eye around center-hole Record Label Details: CBS 64259 / C 3013 ℗ 191 Sound Copyright
