Live at Rockpalast

One live with band, one solo, this is the best quality recording of his 1983 jag, a real peak for him. The solo disc is where most of the action is, as Cale turns himself inside out every few songs (see “Guts” and “Cable Hogue”). I like the live band side, made with the Carribean Sunset, who have a sleazy major label new wave hired gun vibe. Cale is so theatrical — possibly musical theater theatrical—that the more florid and goofy his backing, the more I tend to like it. Some genuinely great guitar here, either from Cale or Dave Young. The “Streets of Laredo” here is worth your time.