 "A different take..." | 2006-12-02 |
| - Reviewed By nlove002 |
| John Cale's okay. I like Eno. This sounds like XTC. I LOVE XTC. |
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| "4 1/2 Stars: Strong Collaboration" | 2006-05-25 |
| - Reviewed By User: AFC3HY3XL598F |
Working together for the first time in years, Eno produced John Cale's Words for the Dying in 1989; the following year, Eno found himself unexpectedly inclined to resume singing, and the two collaborated on an album. For all the things a joint effort by the two could have been, it's a small miracle that Wrong Way Up turned out to be an absolutely wonderful pop record, a subversion of Top 40 formulae to the pair's own idiosyncratic (but utterly accessible) ends. Blending Eno's ambience and Cale's classical lyricism, as well as the pair's contrasting voices (and capturing the whole thing in a masterfully subtle studio effort), Wrong Way Up is a marvel, a tuneful and catchy collection whose instant likability belies its highbrow origins (not to mention the partners' reported disharmony, reflected in the cover art's dagger graphics). It's hard to remember when either Cale or Eno has sounded happier or warmer, and their co-writing has an easy, relaxed feel. With the American Southwest surfacing as a repeated theme in such songs as the rollicking "Crime in the Desert" and "The River," variations in the partnership's balance keep the album in constant stylistic motion. "In the Backroom," the irresistible "Been There, Done That" and "Spinning Away" take their cues from three different decades of R&B, while "Lay My Love" and "One Word" follow that same dance-pop arc into the technologized present. Magic. - Steven Grant/Jim Green/Ira Robbins, Trouser Press
If you are an Eno fan try to find the promo CD put out by Opal/Warner Brothers at the time of this release, titled 'Words and Music from Wrong Way Up'. It's difficult to find but well worth the effort. He discusses each song, as well as his working relationship with John Cale. There are lots of fascinating tidbits and insights, such as how the death of his father and birth of his daughter gave him a different outlook on his life and music. I find myself listening to the promo CD, which also includes six of the songs, more than the official release.
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| "Classic collaboration" | 2006-03-14 |
| - Reviewed By irridium |
Wrong Way Up is a stunning album, from the awesome opener Lay My Love (Eno vocal) with its pulsating rhythm and enigmatic, poetic lyric through the soaring One Word (shared vocal and breath-taking harmonies) to the elegant and atmospheric Cordoba, a ballad reminiscent of Cale's Paris 1919 album.
Crime In The Desert has an almost West Coast feel with decorous harmonies and delectable doo-doo-doo's while The River (Eno vocal) sounds like classy country music, almost like Jim Reeves! Every track is great: In The Backroom and Empty Frame confirm the artists' lyrical genius while Been There Done That and the catchy but profound Spinning Away are distinguished by Cale's trademark viola.
Overall, the sound revolves around imaginative synth textures well within the pop spectrum. Appealing melodies, evocative lyrics and passionate vocals ensure an intoxicating sonic blend. Wrong Way Up is more varied than Songs For Drella (Reed and Cale), more accessible than My Life In the Bush Of Ghosts (Eno and David Byrne) and on a par with the excellent Last Day On Earth, Cale's album with Bob Neuwirth.
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| "chance meeting of pop and art" | 2005-11-27 |
| - Reviewed By asoundpainter |
| I don't know what I can possibly say about this album that other reviewers haven't already touched upon, but I felt compelled to add my voice to the chorus of praise anyways. This is an album that will not stop growing on you; an album that is highly enjoyable to both eno/cale fanatics, and their uninitiated parents, lovers, and friends. It is just a delight to listen to, and seems to reveal new elements of itself to the listener upon every playing. I don't have the remaster, but I've heard that the bonus tracks aren't quite up to the same standard as the others. Either way, get this album, and get to know it through repeated listening. It's like a bag of prizes with a hidden cracker jack. |
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| "Beautiful" | 2005-08-06 |
| - Reviewed By vanneumann |
| I'm sorry. The negative reviews, especially those by fans of Eno and Cale, are deeply misguided. This album contains some of the most beatific vocal tracks Brian Eno has ever recorded and Cale's work is sublime. Just beautiful. If you have an open line to your heart you will enjoy every track. |
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 "A record that goes in the wrong direction" | 2004-11-19 |
| - Reviewed By sixgoswamis |
| Before I say my piece I must say that I am a big fan of Brian Eno. Not only his work as a producer, but his work as an artist as well. I dare say that some of his records (Before and After Science, Here Come the Warm Jets, etc.) are just as good, if not better, than some of the records for other bands that he has produced. But that is not the case on Wrong Way Up. In fact if I were to make a list of the worst records I have ever owned this may even make it to the number one spot. I could go on and on describing why I don't like it (boring songs, no melody, unenthusiastic vocals, etc.) but then I would have to write a novel and waste more time than this atrocious record possibly could. Do not be deceived that because this is a collaboration between two talented people that the product is good. It is not! If you want to waste your money than gamble, at least their is a chance you will get something out of it (unlike this record). |
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| "Tremendous Pop Music" | 2004-01-20 |
| - Reviewed By karlsiever |
| This is a wonderful disc, completely different in style from what would be expected. The songs are synth-pop perfected. While Cale often hovers around this territory, it's been many years and releases since Eno has sounded this structured and melodic. That said, this isn't exactly a Beach Boys album. Both of these artists are talented musicians, and the diversity of sounds and magnificent arrangements really push the songs over the top. There isn't a weak track among the bunch. Highly reccommended, this disc stands easily among the best works of either performer. |
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| "OUTSTANDING EFFORT" | 2003-07-07 |
| - Reviewed By wineau |
| This is simply one of the best albums of the past decade. In my colection of 2000 or so CD's this would be one of the top 10 or so. Of course, I am a Cale and Eno fan so that factors into the review. Anyway, this album has staying power, and I use it both for enjoyment and also for evaluating audio equipment. This CD probably has more hours on it than any other in my collection. Any ENO fan or Velvet / Cale fan must listen to this CD. |
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| "Excellent!" | 2003-04-19 |
| - Reviewed By asspolice2000 |
| I first bought this around the time it came out, and I still listen to and enjoy it as much as I did when it was brand new. I highly reccomend this! |
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| "Eno and Cale go pop" | 2002-09-20 |
| - Reviewed By sfinefrock |
| When one thinks of a collaberation between Brian Eno and John Cale, you generally would think of an avant garde, boundry pushing work. Suprise. These two "high-brow" musicians get together and produce a beautiful pop record. Well, kind of a pop record. You really don't hear anything like this on the radio. The songs do have hooks, agreeable melodies and are, dare I say it, upbeat. |
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