John Cale – Extra Playful EP

You’d never guess that John Cale’s been drawing his pension for the past four years after listening to the Extra Playful EP. The snappily entitled Catastrofuk catches the founding member of the Velvet Underground in ebullient, ass-shaking form, the song in question underpinned by a fat, squelchy synth line and a baritone vocal melody reminiscent of Nick Cave in his recent moustachioed period.

On Whaddya Mean By That, the Welshman loosens up further, introducing a jazzier feel, but one still wedded to an excellent tune, the chorus good enough to prickle the nape of your neck. Hey Ray is bonkers, Pile A L’Heure is in French and Perfection is, ironically, the only remotely bum note on this vibrant and – right enough – playful little collection of songs. [PJ Meiklem]