217. Lou Reed

(May 2019) Episode 217 of my “opus project” is LOU REED. The frontman (born 1942) of an influential and innovative 1960s band leaves the group to pursue a solo career. He records many albums over the decades; most are pop/rock oriented, a few are collaborations, and he dabbles in experimentalism. However, the solo output never reaches the magic he made with that 1960s group. Am I taking about Paul and the Beatles or Lou and the Velvet Underground? Even among the weak releases, it’s interesting to track his recordings with the windings of his personal and artistic life. At his best when it’s just his deadpan voice over a spare piano or guitar (nothing tops “Pale Blue Eyes” with the VU).

Favorite album: Transformer

Favorite song: Perfect Day

Best experimental work: Metal Machine Music (most will hate it but I love beautiful noise)

Best collaboration: Songs for Drella (with John Cale, a tribute to Andy Warhol)

Compared to expectations: ↓