Lou Reed redux...
Posted by: Bob Edwards on 02 October 2003
All--
Just spent a spectacular morning listening to three Lou Reed albums.
Up first was New York, which remains one of my all time favorite albums. Lou can't sing a lick, but he does it with such style! And the songs are brilliant--Busload of Faith, Good evening Mr. Waldheim, etc. Great sound to boot, at least on the LP.
Second was Magic and Loss--one of his most thoughtful and soul searching albums. I particularly like What's Good, Magician, Warrior King, and Harry's Circumcision. Also sounds great--maybe Lou has learned...
Finally, the most recent album I have from him: Ecstasy, from 2000. Favorite songs include Paranoia, Mystic Child, Mad, Modern Dance, Rouge, and Big Sky.
I've not seen much mention of Lou here on the forum, so thought I'd post and recommend everyone pull out something from him and listen to it. There is a certain something to a lot of Lou's music that gets almost as close to the crux of the human condition as anything by Beethoven, Bach, Tchaikovsky, etc.
Happy listening!
Bob
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by maxwellspeed
Anybody listen to Metal Machine Music in its entirety? Seriously listen to it? And, if you have, have you done it more than once? A friend and I are planning on a complete listen through. CD no less. Doubt if vinyl could warm it up any. There will be alcohol involved. Wish us luck. And yes, we do know what we are getting into.
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by Bob Edwards
Max--
The best description of MMM that I've heard is that it is a giant F#@! you to his fans. I've listened to straight through--but only once. And make sure alcohol is available in large quantities--preferably, already in your bloodstream..... (Just DON'T DRIVE!)
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by Not For Me
I have MMM on vinyl, and have listened to it all way through, but only once seriously.
Not his best material - I prefer the VU years, paricularly 1969 live.
Thinking about it, there are a number of Lou Reed live LPs that are better than the norm.
He does do live albums well doesn't he?
DS
OTD - Various Artists - A Taste of Hard Trance (Harthouse)
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by maxwellspeed
Bob,
I have read that too. I have also read the 'art' responses and in depth analysis of it. How do they come up with that stuff. Very scary!
I will prep myself first with 4 cheap american beers; Miller Lite. Then as the needle drops, my friend just told me he has the original vinyl, I will move into bourbon; Elijah Craig. As the first side finishes, I will then switch to single malt scotch; Lagavulin 16. Of course, depending on the course the screetching-whizzing-grinding-pounding the music takes, I might just have to stick with Miller Lite with the occasional shot of Jagermeister.
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by Bhoyo
quote:
Originally posted by maxwellspeed:
...the occasional shot of Jagermeister.
If you really intend to do the occasion justice, you should mainline the Jagermeister.
Davie
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by Bob Edwards
Davie--
LMAO!
Bob
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by maxwellspeed
Davie,
I have spoken with my local hospital supply company. Luckily, they have a spare I-V machine complete with chrome stand and electronic dispenser. We will run 2 separate lines; one to each of our respective arms. Also, we have hired a swedish and leggy nurse to watch and monitor the flow of Jagermeister.
yours in delirium
max
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by monkfish
Hi
Caused havoc when on holiday in Rhodes with aforementioned Jagermeister, produced a litre when the hotel bar closed and made everyone ill.
Regards
Jim
Posted on: 02 October 2003 by Bhoyo
quote:
Originally posted by maxwellspeed:
yours in delirium
max
Posted on: 03 October 2003 by Gunnar Jansson
Lou Reed´s one of my all time faveourite´s.
To me all VU´s albums are mandatory.
Post VU must have is: Transformer, Berlin, Lou Reed, Rockn roll animal and Live.
At some extent: Sally can´t dance, Coney island baby, Songs for Drella, New York and Magic and loss.
Lou Reed´s work can IMo not be underestimated as one of the most important influences to loads of bands through the 60`s and on to today.
Gunnar
Posted on: 03 October 2003 by Kevin-W
Quote: Anybody listen to Metal Machine Music in its entirety?
Yep. Seriously. Some five or six times. I have it on vinyl - and it's great for getting rid of unwanted houseguests. There's a great story about the late Ian Curtis of Joy Division - apparently he used to play it regularly and actually enjoyed it, much to the chagrin of those around him.
The late great Lester Bangs (best pop writer ever) thought it was the best album ever made - and wrote many pieces to this effect.
My personal fave is Berlin, but I also like Transformer, Rock & Roll Animal, Street Hassle, New York, Coney Island Baby, Drella and Take No Prisoners (the latter is live and represents Lou at his ot curmudgeonly).
Kevin
Posted on: 03 October 2003 by greeny
I have what I think are generally considered his 3 best albums.
Transformer; Berlin and New York.
I've got to say the one I listen to most is Berlin, whilst not an easy listen it is superb stuff.
I rarely listen to Transformer which although having some of his most well known (best?) tracks, doesn't sound as cohesive as New York or Berlin (IMO)
Posted on: 03 October 2003 by Bob Edwards
Greeny--
You might try Ecstasy, from 2000. Great album--one of those that takes a bit of work (like Berlin) but is really superb.
Gunnar-- I'd agree the VU catalog is essential, and would move New York and Ecstasy to the 'must have' category. I'd also put Magic and Loss just behind those two--can be just a little too down... Perhaps bizarrely, I don't care much for Songs for Drella--go figure.
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 06 October 2003 by Gunnar Jansson
Bob.
Then I must give ecstasy more time. It did not grab me the same way as the earlier ones you mentioned.
Drella to me much because of the story telling qualities in that one. Also liked the show the two of them made when performing Drella.
Still my heart belongs to his early works from the 60 and early 70´s. That man could really write good tunes back then when he wanted too. Nowadays the tunes seems IMHo secondary to the lyrics. The lyrics though as always brilliant.
Gunnar
Posted on: 06 October 2003 by Brian OReilly
I will also try "Ectasy" again. I just couldn't find the door the first time round.
Love "Magic & Loss" but for me, "New York" is the best.Here's one of many great lines.....
"I'll take Manhatten in a garbage bag, with Latin written on it, that says "it's hard to give a shit these days..."
Brian OReilly
Posted on: 06 October 2003 by ajalden
You have to add "Songs for Drella" with John Cale it's one of those albums you have to listen to from beginning to end!.....I originally saw them play this this years ago on channel 4, it was late at night when I came in from the pub and it blew me away!....
Andy
Posted on: 16 October 2003 by Bob Edwards
Max--
How was the MMM evening?
Bob
Posted on: 17 October 2003 by maxwellspeed
Bob,
OOps...been away and missed this one. Has not happened yet. We are still trying to set a time, cause the other 3 vinyl nite folks, well, they don't seem interested.
