Artist page · 05/07/2026

John Cale

GarnantBorn in 1942Alternatif12 vinyl albums
John Cale, born March 9, 1942 in Garnant (Wales), is a multi-instrumentalist and composer bridging avant-garde, rock, and classical genres since the 1960s.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
12Albums on Vinyles.com
1056Discogs releases
585kLast.fm listeners

About

Twelve albums listed on Vinyles.com; original 2024 Poptical Illusion LP priced from €11.45.

John Cale developed his classical training at London and American conservatories before relocating to New York. As co-founder of The Velvet Underground in 1965, he helped forge experimental rock with innovative sounds and textures. Cale's solo career spans from 1970's Vintage Violence to 2024's Poptical Illusion, with twelve albums available on Vinyles.com reflecting his explorations across rock, experimental, and avant-garde styles.

Throughout his career, Cale has collaborated with figures like Terry Riley and Brian Eno and produced influential bands including The Stooges and Patti Smith, contributing to early punk and art rock.

Discography

John Cale discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Poptical IllusionDouble Six · 2024
2024
Poptical Illusion
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
MercyDouble Six · 2023
2023
Mercy
CD, Album
Studio
M:FANSDouble Six · 2016
2016
M:FANS
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Shifty Adventures In Nookie WoodDouble Six · 2012
2012
Shifty Adventures In Nookie Wood
CD, Album
Studio
Circus LiveEMI · 2007
2007
Circus Live
Vinyl, LP, Album, 7"
Studio
Black AcetateEMI · 2005
2005
Black Acetate
CD, Album, Copy Protected
Studio
Hobo SapiensEMI · 2003
2003
Hobo Sapiens
CD, Album, Copy Protected
Studio
Dream Interpretation: Inside The Dream Syndicate Volume IITable Of The Elements · 2001
2001
Dream Interpretation: Inside The Dream Syndicate Volume II
CD, Album
Studio
Inside The Dream Syndicate Volume I: Day Of Niagara (1965)Table Of The Elements · 2000
2000
Inside The Dream Syndicate Volume I: Day Of Niagara (1965)
CD, Album
Studio
Le Vent De La NuitLes Disques Du Crépuscule · 1999
1999
Le Vent De La Nuit
CD, Album
Studio
Dance Music (Nico The Ballet)Detour · 1998
1998
Dance Music (Nico The Ballet)
CD, Album
Studio
Eat/Kiss Music For The Films Of Andy WarholHannibal Records · 1997
1997
Eat/Kiss Music For The Films Of Andy Warhol
CD, HDCD, Album
Studio
Walking On LocustsHannibal Records · 1996
1996
Walking On Locusts
CD, HDCD, Album
Studio
N'Oublie Pas Que Tu Vas MourirLes Disques Du Crépuscule · 1995
1995
N'Oublie Pas Que Tu Vas Mourir
CD, Album
Studio
Antártida (Original Soundtrack)Les Disques Du Crépuscule · 1995
1995
Antártida (Original Soundtrack)
CD, Album
Studio
Last Day On EarthMCA Records · 1994
1994
Last Day On Earth
CD, Album
Studio
23 Solo Pieces For La Naissance De L'AmourLes Disques Du Crépuscule · 1993
1993
23 Solo Pieces For La Naissance De L'Amour
CD, Album
Studio
Fragments Of A Rainy SeasonHannibal Records · 1992
1992
Fragments Of A Rainy Season
CD, Album
Studio
Paris S'Eveille - Suivi D'autres CompositionsLes Disques Du Crépuscule · 1991
1991
Paris S'Eveille - Suivi D'autres Compositions
CD, Album
Studio
Songs For DrellaSire · 1990
1990
Songs For Drella
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Words For The DyingOpal Records · 1989
1989
Words For The Dying
CD, Album
Studio
Even Cowgirls Get The BluesSpecial Stock Records · 1988
1988
Even Cowgirls Get The Blues
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Artificial IntelligenceBeggars Banquet · 1985
1985
Artificial Intelligence
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
John Cale Comes AliveZE Records · 1984
1984
John Cale Comes Alive
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Caribbean SunsetZE Records · 1984
1984
Caribbean Sunset
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Music For A New SocietyIsland Records · 1982
1982
Music For A New Society
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Honi SoitA&M Records · 1981
1981
Honi Soit
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Sabotage/LiveSpy Records Ltd. · 1979
1979
Sabotage/Live
Vinyl, LP, Album, Special Cut, Stereo
Studio
Slow DazzleIsland Records · 1975
1975
Slow Dazzle
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Helen Of TroyIsland Records · 1975
1975
Helen Of Troy
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
FearIsland Records · 1974
1974
Fear
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Paris 1919Reprise Records · 1973
1973
Paris 1919
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The Academy In PerilReprise Records · 1972
1972
The Academy In Peril
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Church Of AnthraxColumbia · 1971
1971
Church Of Anthrax
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Vintage ViolenceColumbia · 1970
1970
Vintage Violence
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up John Cale's career.

01
Paris 1919
Paris 1919
Fragments Of A Rainy Season · 1992
02
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Fragments Of A Rainy Season · 1992
03
Barracuda
·
04
Fear Is A Man's Best Friend
Fear Is A Man's Best Friend
Fragments Of A Rainy Season · 1992
05
Andalucia
·
06
Child's Christmas in Wales
·
07
Hanky Panky Nohow
·
08
Big White Cloud
·

The essentials

The 3 John Cale albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2024
LP, Album
Poptical Illusion

Latest studio album with 12 tracks showcasing art rock and experimental elements; multiple pressings available worldwide.

12 tracksDouble Six labelWorldwide releaseOriginal pressing from 2024
Discover the album
#2 · 2023
LP, Album
Mercy

Recent 12-track release blending experimental and art rock, with limited edition LP pressings from Europe and worldwide.

12 tracksDouble Six labelLimited edition LPOriginally released in 2023
Discover the album
#3 · 2016
LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered
Fragments Of A Rainy Season

Live album capturing a 1992 performance, reissued in a remastered limited edition; includes 20 tracks blending rock and pop.

20 tracksDomino labelLimited edition remaster2016 reissue
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to John Cale

Artists who share part of John Cale's musical DNA.

Lou Reed & John Cale
Lou Reed
Lou Reed
Nico
Nico
Brian Eno & John Cale
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
John Cale & Terry Riley
Scott Walker
Scott Walker
The Modern Lovers

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of John Cale

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

His work often combines classical rigor with experimental rock textures.
— Music analysis
01Early Career

Leonard Bernstein Scholarship leads to Eastman Conservatory studies

In 1963, John Cale received a Leonard Bernstein scholarship enabling him to study modern composition at the Eastman Conservatory, Massachusetts, shaping his avant-garde approach.

1963Massachusetts
02Band Formation

Co-founder of The Velvet Underground (1965, New York)

Cale helped form The Velvet Underground in 1965, introducing classical avant-garde elements to rock, and collaborating with Lou Reed and Nico in New York.

1965New York
03Studio Album

Recording of Paris 1919 in 1973

The 1973 album Paris 1919 is a musically elaborate solo work with numerous literary and historical references, marking a key point in Cale's career.

1973London
04Live Recording

Rainbow Theatre concert featuring Brian Eno and Nico (1974)

On June 1, 1974, John Cale performed at London's Rainbow Theatre with Brian Eno, Kevin Ayers, and Nico, including a rendition of Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel.

1974London

Records by John Cale

See all
Vintage Violence - Front Cover Vintage Violence - Front Cover

Vintage Violence

John Cale
International Rock Rock
MUSIC ON VINYL
From $38.99 1 offer
Slow Dazzle - Front Cover

Slow Dazzle

John Cale
Experimental music Alternative
PROPER
From $33.95 1 offer
Helen Of Troy - Front Cover

Helen Of Troy

John Cale
International Rock Rock
PROPER
From $31.32 1 offer
Fear - Front Cover Fear - Front Cover

Fear

John Cale
Indie rock Alternative
MUSIC ON CD
From $32.99 1 offer
Paris 1919 - Front Cover

Paris 1919

John Cale
Indie rock Alternative
Domino
From $35.82 1 offer
The Academy In Peril - Front Cover

The Academy In Peril

John Cale
Indie rock Alternative
Domino
From $20.99 1 offer
Words For The Dying - Front Cover

Words For The Dying

John Cale
French Electro / French Touch Electro
All Saints Records
From $49.99 1 offer
POPtical Illusion - Front Cover

POPtical Illusion

John Cale
International Pop Pop
Domino
View details
Mercy - Front Cover

Mercy

John Cale
Indie rock Alternative
Domino
From $24.24 1 offer
Fragments Of A Rainy Season - Front Cover

Fragments Of A Rainy Season

John Cale
Indie rock Alternative
Domino
From $31.13 1 offer
M:FANS - Front Cover

M:FANS

John Cale
International Rock Rock
Domino
From $28.63 2 offers
Music for a New Society - Front Cover

Music for a New Society

John Cale
International Rock Rock
Domino
From $27.75 2 offers

CDs by John Cale

Search all John Cale CDs
Mixology - Volume 1 - Front Cover

Mixology - Volume 1

John Cale
International Pop Pop
CD ALSO
View details

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

When and where was John Cale born?

John Cale was born on March 9, 1942 in Garnant, Wales.

What genres define John Cale's music?

His music spans avant-garde, experimental rock, art rock, and elements of classical and pop genres.

How many vinyl albums by John Cale are available on Vinyles.com?

Twelve vinyl albums from John Cale are currently listed on Vinyles.com.

What is the price range for John Cale's 2024 Poptical Illusion LP?

Prices for the 2024 "Poptical Illusion" LP start at €11.45 with variations up to about €80 depending on pressing.

Are original pressings of John Cale's albums hard to find?

Original pressings, particularly recent releases such as "Poptical Illusion" and acclaimed older albums, are tracked and vary in availability and price on the vinyl market.

Which John Cale album features the track "Paris 1919"?

The track "Paris 1919" appears on the 1973 solo album titled "Paris 1919".

Where can I find John Cale vinyls in France?

Vinyls by John Cale, including some original and reissued pressings, are available on various French vinyl platforms and specialized boutique stores, with prices varying by edition.

What should I look for when collecting John Cale vinyl records?

Collectors often seek original pressings, limited editions, remastered reissues, and notable collaborations to capture the breadth of John Cale's evolving sound.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026