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Honi Soit

by John Cale

Released: March 09, 1981

Art rock, post-punk, new wave

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

"Honi Soit" is the seventh solo studio album by Welsh multi-instrumentalist and composer John Cale. The album title, "Honi Soit," is derived from the old anglo-norman maxim "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense," which means "Shame Be To Him Who Thinks Evil Of It". The saying is the motto of the Order of the Garter, a British order of chivalry.

Inside the Recording

Cale worked with producer Mike Thorne on "Honi Soit", employing a more direct and pop-oriented sound compared to his previous work, moving away from the experimental styles that he was known for.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album's original artwork was a series of…

The album's original artwork was a series of four pictures of Cale in a boxing ring, designed to simulate the movement achieved with lenticular printing.

This album was released on March 3rd, 1981…

This album was released on March 3rd, 1981, by A&M Records.

The album includes nine tracks, including the lead…

The album includes nine tracks, including the lead single, "Dead or Alive," and the semi-autobiographical "Wilson Joliet," containing references to his Welsh background and journey to America.

However, due to its high manufacturing cost, this…

However, due to its high manufacturing cost, this innovative idea was dropped, and a single photo of Cale was later used instead.

The album was, however, well-received, seen as a…

The album was, however, well-received, seen as a return to form for the artist, and is appreciated by his fans.

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Essential Tracks

Dead Or Alive

The album includes nine tracks, including the lead single, "Dead or Alive," and the semi-autobiographical "Wilson Joliet," containing references to his Welsh background and journey to America.

Wilson Joliet

The album includes nine tracks, including the lead single, "Dead or Alive," and the semi-autobiographical "Wilson Joliet," containing references to his Welsh background and journey to America.

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Explore the Album

John Cale - Honi Soit

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Reception

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The Complete Album Story

"Honi Soit" is the seventh solo studio album by Welsh multi-instrumentalist and composer John Cale. This album was released on March 3rd, 1981, by A&M Records.

Cale worked with producer Mike Thorne on "Honi Soit", employing a more direct and pop-oriented sound compared to his previous work, moving away from the experimental styles that he was known for. The album title, "Honi Soit," is derived from the old anglo-norman maxim "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense," which means "Shame Be To Him Who Thinks Evil Of It". The saying is the motto of the Order of the Garter, a British order of chivalry.

The album includes nine tracks, including the lead single, "Dead or Alive," and the semi-autobiographical "Wilson Joliet," containing references to his Welsh background and journey to America. The album's original artwork was a series of four pictures of Cale in a boxing ring, designed to simulate the movement achieved with lenticular printing. However, due to its high manufacturing cost, this innovative idea was dropped, and a single photo of Cale was later used instead.

Despite being a critically acclaimed artist, a founder member of the Velvet Underground, and having a highly respected career in avant-garde music, the commercial success of "Honi Soit" was limited when released. The album was, however, well-received, seen as a return to form for the artist, and is appreciated by his fans.