"If You Were Still Around" is a song by Welsh musician and composer John Cale. It was written by John Cale together with playwright Sam Shepard. It was originally released on Cale's eighth solo studio album Music for a New Society (1982).[1][2][3] On 27 October 2014, a year after the death of his The Velvet Underground–bandmate Lou Reed, Cale released a new version of this song.[4] For this version was also released music video directed by Abigail Portner.[5] At the beginning of the video Cale is lying on the floor in a fetal position and after he views the photos of Reed and other deceased people associated with the Velvet Underground and The Factory: Sterling Morrison, Nico, Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick.[6]
| "If You Were Still Around" | |
|---|---|
| Song by John Cale | |
| from the album Music for a New Society | |
| Released | October 1982 |
| Studio | Skyline Studios (New York City) |
| Genre | Art rock |
| Length | 3:25 |
| Label | ZE |
| Composer(s) | John Cale |
| Lyricist(s) | Sam Shepard |
| Producer(s) | John Cale |
In 2016, Cale released M:FANS, a re-recording of the Music for a New Society album. M:FANS includes two versions of "If You Were Still Around." One version retains the original title of the song, while the version titled "If You Were Still Around (Choir Reprise)" is the version of the song previously released in 2014.
References
edit- ^ Morgan Britton, Luke (27 October 2014). "John Cale marks anniversary of Lou Reed's death with 'If You Were Still Around' video – watch". NME. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ Adams, Gregory (27 October 2014). "John Cale "If You Were Still Around" (video)". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ Gordon, Jeremy (27 October 2014). "John Cale Pays Tribute to Lou Reed With New "If You Were Still Around" Video". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ Baines, Huw (27 October 2014). "John Cale Releases If You Were Still Around In Tribute To Lou Reed". Stereo Board. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ Hogan, Marc (27 October 2014). "John Cale Honors Lou Reed with "If You Were Still Around" Video". Wondering Sound. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ Alexander, Phil (27 October 2014). "John Cale On Lou Reed: One Year Gone…". Mojo. Retrieved 27 October 2014.