Audio CD review:
Nick Cave, Mick Clayton-Jones, Ed Harvey, Katy Beale - And the Ass Saw the Angel

Nick Cave, Mick Clayton-Jones, Ed Harvey, Katy Beale - And the Ass Saw the Angel

Band: Nick Cave, Mick Clayton-Jones, Ed Harvey, Katy Beale Title: And the Ass Saw the Angel Rating: Release Date: 18 January, 2000 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Mah Sanctum - Nick Cave 2: Lamentation - Nick Cave 3: One Autumn - Nick Cave 4: Animal Static - Nick Cave 5: Sleepy River Piano 6: Doghead 7: Pa's Traps 8: Cosey's Lullaby 9: Sanctum 10: The Hobo Church 11: Sleepy River Swoon 12: God 13: Euchrid On The Run 14: Beth's Sleepy River 15: Doghead Revisited 16: Angels

Customer Reviews Born Under A Bad Sign But as a follower of Cave's art, I just had to see what this is about. I didn't really know what to expect when I bought this CD as some excerpts of the novel (And the Ass Saw the Angel) I had read seemed a little forced and overwrought. I am happy to report that it turned out well for the most part. As others have said, don't expect to hear Nick Cave's music. . . its not here. But his words ARE, and they are powerful words indeed. Cave does not, as one reviewer said he did, read from the Bible. He is reading from his own novel, and he reads in a tone that builds tension and interest in the character he is developing and the story he is telling. The picture of Euchrid Euchrow's abode he paints with his words as he introduces him is a scene of unimaginable squalor and the seeming utter hopelessness of the position of his story's protagonist. Euchrid Euchrow is a man who was truly born under a bad sign. It has been suggested by some that the musical portion of this CD should be listened to while reading the novel. That is a capital idea for within the music lurks the emotion found in Cave's words. Written and performed by long-time Cave collaborator Mick Harvey and Ed Clayton-Jones, it is nearly perfect as a backdrop for the story. My only complaint is that at low volume, it is difficult to understand the reading of Mah Sanctum, but beyond that there are no volume issues. I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Cave's multiple talents but not to anyone who is expecting a CD full of raucous tunes. Those may be advised to buy some of Cave's better-known productions. To listen after reading the book The music captures the violent and oppressive feelings of the book, and Nick's tormented voice make us believe we're actually listening to the main character of the novel. I understand that buyers who haven't read Nick's romance with the same name (fabulous book!) may feel disappointed with this CD. Anyway, I think this CD should be sold with the book because people, who haven't read the book, may not fully appreciate it. To bring the average rating of this disc up... This CD is CLEARLY labeled as readings and music by Mick Harvey and Ed Clayton-Jones. I bought this disc on sight, being a huge fan. And, for the record, Mick Harvey is not simply a friend of Nick Cave, but is also a founding member of both the Birthday Party and The Bad Seeds. I like this album. . . maybe it isn't the best thing I have ever heard, even amongst spoken word stuff, or even Nick's spoken word stuff, but it is good. The only thing that really bugged me about this album were some of the mispronounciations of the Southern dialect in the readings. Having spent my entire life in the deep south, this just kind of grates on me a bit. . . . but not much. Hopefully the guy who reviewed this album first will get a few more albums and see the many dimensions of Nick's music and come to appreciate things like this. . You can see a complete list of all Nick Cave, Mick Clayton-Jones, Ed Harvey, Katy Beale discography, or go back to the Nick Cave, Mick Clayton-Jones, Ed Harvey, Katy Beale tabs