Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (album)

Recording and release

The material was recorded at the celebrated New York club CBGB during 1978 and 1979, venues associated with punk, new wave and underground rock. The live dates preserved here present Cale playing with the immediacy and rawness typical of club shows of that era. Although the performances were captured in the late 1970s, the compiled album was not released until 1987, and different physical formats of the release present distinct listening experiences.

Musical character

The album showcases Cale's fusion of rock energy and avant-garde sensibilities. Listeners can expect arrangements that emphasize electric instrumentation, stripped-down production, and moments of improvisation or altered dynamics compared with studio versions. As with many live albums, the emphasis is on the performative aspect — phrasing, audience reaction and the atmosphere of a small, intense club.

Track listings and formats

One notable feature of this release is that the vinyl (record) edition and the CD edition contain different track lists and sequencing. This was a common occurrence for releases transitioning between formats in the 1980s, when CD reissues sometimes added or substituted tracks. Collectors and fans often compare both editions to get the full picture of what was presented from the CBGB performances.

Context and legacy

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues sits within Cale's broader catalogue as a live snapshot that highlights his post‑Velvet Underground evolution: a classically informed, experimental musician engaging directly with the late‑70s New York scene. While not a mainstream breakthrough, the album is valued by enthusiasts for its historical perspective and for preserving otherwise ephemeral live moments from an influential venue.

Notable points

• Third live album in John Cale's discography.
• Recorded at CBGB in 1978–79; released in 1987.
• Different track listings appear on vinyl and CD editions.
• Captures the raw, intimate atmosphere of club performances.

For listeners seeking an introduction to Cale's live work from this era, comparing both physical formats can provide a broader sense of the performances and the choices made in assembling the album for release.