Classic and fresh J.J.Cale

Review Score: (10/10)
"Shades" is classic and fresh Cale. J.J. usually supplies consistently good music, but with "Shades" we are given a Cale album with added excuberance. There are the characteristic low, breathy, mellow grooves of songs like "Deep Dark Dungeon" and "Pack My Jack", full of Cale's nonchalant wisdom. Then we have the sweet tones of love songs like "Wish I Had Not Said That", reminiscent of the tenderness of "Magnolia". There is the dry, natural humour of "Mama Don't", and the positive punch of "Carry On". To top it all off there is the instrumental, "Cloudy Day", which needs no lyrical assistance for its evocation of melancholy. The musicianship on "Shades" is superb, and the quality of the production is good. The music has a natural and relaxed feel to it, and includes a variety of styles, from country-rock to cool jazz-blues. Excellent album. Very pleasing to the palate!

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