This was a strange little single release by the major label (A&M) affiliated IRS Records. It is a particularly vicious, scorching track and quite prescient as it's turned out (note the map of Afghanistan on the sleeve) what with the recent Blackwater "contractor" scandals. But the weirdest thing about it is that while the label says it's from the "Sabotage/Live" album, it is clearly a studio recording. And this song benefits much from that fact as I think the live album's production is a bit thin. This is loud and punchy, all the better for the rata-tat-tat buildup at the end.The B-side is probably more famous for Bauhaus's cover version. And while researching this release online I found a comment as to how their version is much better. I like the Bauhaus version OK, but this is great, too. On the record's label there is a disclaimer: "Vocal distortion intended", haha.
Also strange, these songs seem to have never been released elsewhere. I checked all the Cale albums from the time, as well as the various "Best Ofs" that have come out. Nada anywhere... please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
Get this truly great (and rather rare) single HERE.
(If you have trouble with that link try THIS ONE).
Tracks:
01. Mercenaries (Ready for War)
02. Rosegarden Funeral of Sores
12 comments:
excited to see this & i really wanna hear this version ... but download has failed both times i've tried ... damn & blast !
Hi Peter, same here, I don't think this is mediafire - the file downloads but is corrupt or empty.
Sorry Guys! Actually, I tried it and it was fine so who knows???
But I redid the whole thing and provided an alternate link!
--P
The first link is working fine now. Thanks very much!
Cheers Peter, first link is working fine now. I love it, I had both tracks live, but these versions are excellent.
thanks for fixing & thanks for posting ... fantastic 7 inch , they sure didn't waste any time or money recording an intro to 'mercenaries' though did they . talk about getting straight to the point ... the highlight for me though was hearing 'rosegarden' for the first time totally fucking cool love it . thanks again
Peter,
thanks for this one. have most everything Cale from pre-VU on, but never heard this one. great score.
keep'em coming.
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Thanks for the kind words and for this 7". I love John Cale, but had never heard of this single. This is awesome!
-Adam
Thanks a lot,the reason these have never been reissued is that the master tapes have been lost!
Thank you, only had Sabotage Live so this one is highly appreciated!
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