J.J. Cale, much like Nick Drake and Alex Chilton, is an artist whose genius and influence far outweigh his popularity. Now through this exceptional Analogue Productions reissue, pressed on 200-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, you're going to hear Cale on his signature hits like 'Cocaine' sound more vibrant and real than you've ever heard before!

• Limited Edition
• Audiophile 200 Gram Vinyl 
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings, QRP USA
• Lacquers Plated by Gary Salstrom
• Cut from the Original Analog Tapes
• Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound
• Gatefold cover

With his laid-back rootsy style, Cale is best known for writing "After Midnight" and "Cocaine," songs that Eric Clapton later made into hits. But Cale's influence wasn't only through songwriting — All Music Guide notes that his distinctly loping sense of rhythm and shuffling boogie became the blueprint for the adult-oriented roots rock of Clapton and Mark Knopfler, among others. Cale's refusal to vary the sound of his music over the course of his career caused some critics to label him as a one-trick pony, but he managed to build a dedicated cult following with his sporadically released recordings.

Troubadour, released in 1976, is notable for introducing "Cocaine," which Clapton covered on his Slowhand album a year later. Producer Audie Ashworth introduced some different instruments, notably vibes and what sound like horns (although none are credited), for a slightly altered sound. As one reviewer says, Cale's druggy brand of rhythmic, spooky storytelling falls far outside of easy characterization.

Cale's signature laid back, bluesy style of country rock features rambling snapshots of love and life on the road that are unconventionally addicting. Reviewer James Burke says all of the songs on Troubadour are outstanding. The warhorse "Cocaine" is far more intriguing in its original version, more menacing and worldworn than Clapton's driving take. The uncharacteristically energetic "Travelin' Light" is a whispered invitation to the road — half intrigue, half warning. Troubadour is a timeless recording of the highest caliber.

Musicians:

J. J. Cale, vocals, guitar, piano
Charles Dungey, bass guitar
Tommy Cogbill, bass guitar
Joe Osborn, bass guitar
Bill Raffensperger, bass guitar
Karl Himmel, drums
Kenny Buttrey, drums
Buddy Harman, drums
Jimmy Karstein, drums
Kenny Malone, drums
Gordon Payne, guitar
Chuck Browning, guitar
Reggie Young, rhythm guitar
Harold Bradley, rhythm guitar
Bill Boatman, rhythm guitar
Doug Bartenfeld, guitar
Lloyd Green, steel guitar
Buddy Emmons, steel guitar
Farrell Morris, percussion
Audie Ashworth, percussion
J.I. Allison, percussion
Don Tweedy, ARP
Bobby Woods, piano
Bill Purcell, piano
George Tidwell, trumpet
Dennis Goode, trombone
Billy Puett, saxophone

Track Listing:

Side A
01. Hey Baby
02. Travelin’ Light
03. You Got Something
04. Ride Me High
05. Hold On
06. Cocaine

Side B
07. I’m A Gypsy Man
08. The Woman That Got Away
09. Super blue
10. Let Me Do It To You
11. Cherry
12. You Got Me On So Bad

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫