A Commonplace Book

There is certainly a point of art to be made in proving that both Dylan Thomas and Elvis Presley can be made to sound like Bernie Taupin on a bad day, but it is an elusive one. [Cale's] rudimentary piano technique -- and reluctant, raspy singing style -- do create a certain intimacy, bringing you closer, making you care a little more than you might wish. And sometimes, when his moment of discovery becomes your moment of discovery, this intimacy can be frightening.