When considering the career of John Cale, it’s helpful to remember he came into rock music through the backstage door via the Velvet Underground. The classical background developed in his native Wales and in England that met with the New York avant-garde in the mid-60s was stunningly re-introduced in the recent *Sun Blindness Music* with its pre-natal “Sister Ray” prototype “Summer Heat.” Yet if *Sun Blindness* suggested that the Velvets were a mere (albeit profound) stepping stone for his lengthy oeuvre, *Hobo Sapiens* re-asserts his position in the pantheon of musicians who matter.

Yet Cale's most vital period, the one in which so many were introduced to him and his music, was the years in which he produced the definitive *Sabotage* album, and the subsequent *Honi Soit.* The touring band of the time included Sturgis Nikides, deerfrance, and Joe Bidewell. Nikides and deerfrance saw excellent releases of their own come out this year, at the same fortuitous time John released his career hallmark, *Hobo Sapiens.* Sturgis' *Man of Steel* is a wonderfully evocative display of the guitarist's finely honed skills while deerfrance's Blest is an unexpectedly remarkable work. Joe Bidewell continues his solo career in and around Nashville, as he has done since the early 80s.

In honor of the late, lamented Sabotage list, Sabotage2 comes alive.