Classical-musician-turned-rockstar-turned-cult-icon John Cale is releasing his first album in a decade early next year. The new batch of original songs from the former Velvet Underground member is called Mercy and it will arrive January 20 via Double Six and Domino. He's collaborated with Animal Collective, Sylvan Esso, Laurel Halo, Tei Shi, and Actress across the 12-track project, with the Weyes Blood–featuring lead single "Story of Blood" arriving today.
“I’d been listening to Weyes Blood’s latest record and remembered Natalie’s puritanical vocals," Cale said. "I thought if I could get her to come and sing with me on the ‘Swing your soul’ section, and a few other harmonies, it would be beautiful. What I got from her was something else! Once I understood the versatility in her voice, it was as if I’d written the song with her in mind all along. Her range and fearless approach to tonality was an unexpected surprise. There’s even a little passage in there where she’s a dead-ringer for Nico.”
The single comes with a video directed by Jethro Waters. It depicts Cale and Weyes Blood's Natalie Mering engaging in ritualistic activities with pigments, pearls, and silk ribbons.
Watch the video below, and pre-order Mercy here.
