"Andalucia" is a song written by the Welsh musician John Cale, released as the fourth track on his third solo studio album Paris 1919 (1973). It was covered in 1990 by the American indie rock band Yo La Tengo for their fourth studio album Fakebook.
Recording "Andalucia" is the fourth song on Cale's third solo studio album Paris 1919 (1973). The backing band for the song, and the rest of the album were not credited until 2006 in the expanded version.Taken from the liner notes to the expanded edition of Paris 1919, released by Reprise/Rhino UK. Notes written by Matthew Specktor, Los Angeles, 2006. The lyrics are interpreted in multiple ways – either about Andalusia, Spain, or a person from that area. The lyrics are delivered as though Cale is about to break down, giving the song a delicate feel.
Release and critical reception Following Paris 1919s release in 1973, the reviews were mostly favourable. Rolling Stone calls "Andalucia" the "most beautiful" song on the album.
Alternative version In 2006, a reissue of Paris 1919 was released, featuring bonus tracks – rehearsals and alternative versions, and a hidden track (an instrumental version of "Macbeth"). The "Andalucia" rehearsal track is mostly an instrumental, only featuring Cale singing a small amount of the lyrics. It was recorded earlier than the album version – showing Cale's original visualisation for the song – far more delicate.
Personnel Musicians''' John Cale – vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards Lowell George – electric & acoustic guitar Wilton Felder – bass guitar Richie Hayward – drums
Yo La Tengo Yo La Tengo covered "Andalucia" in 1990, on Fakebook'', which mostly features covers. The instruments are more low key in this version, placing more emphasis on Ira Kaplan's delivery of the lyrics. It has been described as "only slightly less fragile" lyrics-wise, likely due to Ira Kaplan's American accent as opposed to John Cale's Welsh.
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