Lou Reed For Beginners A Guide On Where To Start
Hey music lovers! So, you're curious about Lou Reed, huh? Awesome choice! This guy is a legend, a true icon of rock and roll, and his music is as diverse and challenging as the man himself. But with such a vast catalog, spanning decades and styles, figuring out where to dive in can feel a bit daunting. Don't worry, guys, I'm here to help! This guide is your roadmap to the world of Lou Reed, breaking down his essential albums and offering a few pointers to get you started on your own Reed-fueled journey. We'll explore his early days with The Velvet Underground, his groundbreaking solo work, and some deeper cuts for when you're ready to explore further. So, buckle up, put on your headphones, and let's get started!
The Velvet Underground Era: A Groundbreaking Beginning
If you're just starting your Lou Reed journey, the absolute best place to begin is with his work in The Velvet Underground. This band, formed in the mid-1960s, was revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of rock music and paving the way for countless artists to come. Lou Reed was the heart and soul of the Velvet Underground, his songwriting and distinctive vocals shaping their unique sound. Their music was gritty, raw, and often dealt with themes that were considered taboo at the time, such as drug use, sexual deviancy, and urban alienation. It wasn't always pretty, but it was always real, and that's what made it so compelling.
The Velvet Underground's debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967), is a must-listen. This album is a masterpiece, a cornerstone of alternative rock, and a perfect introduction to Lou Reed's songwriting. From the droning, hypnotic beauty of "Sunday Morning" to the dark, drug-fueled intensity of "Heroin," the album is a journey through the underbelly of New York City in the 1960s. Nico's icy vocals on tracks like "Femme Fatale" and "All Tomorrow's Parties" add another layer of intrigue to the band's sound. This album isn't just a collection of songs; it's an experience, a glimpse into a world that was both fascinating and unsettling. The Velvet Underground & Nico is essential listening for anyone interested in the history of rock music and Lou Reed's early genius. It's an album that has influenced countless artists and continues to resonate with listeners today.
After their debut, the Velvet Underground continued to evolve, releasing a string of equally influential albums. White Light/White Heat (1968) is a raw, experimental record, showcasing the band's more abrasive side. Tracks like "Sister Ray" are sprawling, noisy jams that push the limits of rock music. This album is not for the faint of heart, but it's a testament to the band's willingness to experiment and challenge their audience. Their self-titled third album, The Velvet Underground (1969), is a more mellow and introspective affair, showcasing Lou Reed's songwriting prowess and his ability to craft beautiful, melancholic melodies. Songs like "Pale Blue Eyes" and "Candy Says" are among his most beloved compositions. Finally, Loaded (1970), the band's final album with Lou Reed, is a more straightforward rock record, featuring the classic tracks "Sweet Jane" and "Rock and Roll." Loaded is a great example of the band's versatility, showing that they could write catchy, accessible rock songs without sacrificing their artistic integrity.
Exploring the Velvet Underground's discography is crucial for understanding Lou Reed's artistic development. These albums laid the foundation for his solo career and established him as one of the most important songwriters of his generation. So, if you're looking to delve into the world of Lou Reed, start with the Velvet Underground. You won't be disappointed.
Solo Career: From Glam Rock to Gritty Realism
After leaving the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed embarked on a prolific and often unpredictable solo career. His solo work is just as diverse and challenging as his time with the band, exploring a wide range of musical styles and lyrical themes. From glam rock anthems to introspective ballads, Reed's solo albums are a testament to his restless creativity and his unflinching honesty. Navigating his solo discography can be tricky, as there are definitely some highs and lows, but the peaks are truly spectacular. To get you started, let's focus on some of the essential albums that showcase the breadth and depth of his solo work.
One of the best starting points for Lou Reed's solo career is Transformer (1972). This album, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, is Reed's most commercially successful and arguably his most iconic. Transformer is a quintessential glam rock album, filled with catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and a distinctly decadent atmosphere. The album's opening track, "Vicious," sets the tone perfectly, with its driving rhythm and Reed's sardonic vocals. Of course, the album's centerpiece is "Walk on the Wild Side," a song that needs no introduction. This track, with its iconic bassline and its portraits of the colorful characters who populated Warhol's Factory, is one of Reed's most enduring and beloved songs. But Transformer is more than just "Walk on the Wild Side." It's a consistently brilliant album, featuring other gems like "Perfect Day," a deceptively simple ballad that reveals its emotional depth with repeated listens, and "Satellite of Love," a soaring, romantic anthem. Transformer is a perfect introduction to Lou Reed's solo work, showcasing his songwriting skills, his distinctive vocal delivery, and his ability to create music that is both catchy and thought-provoking. It's an album that will stay with you long after the last note fades away.
Following Transformer, Reed released a series of albums that explored different facets of his musical personality. Berlin (1973) is a dark and depressing concept album, telling the story of a doomed romance in the divided city. It's a challenging listen, but it's also a powerful and moving work of art. Berlin is a stark contrast to the glam rock of Transformer, showcasing Reed's willingness to take risks and explore difficult subjects. Rock n Roll Animal (1974) is a live album that captures Reed at his raw and energetic best. Featuring extended versions of some of his classic songs, Rock n Roll Animal is a great document of Reed's live performances during this period. Coney Island Baby (1975) is a more mellow and romantic album, featuring some of Reed's most tender and heartfelt songs. The title track is a beautiful ode to love and redemption, and the album as a whole is a testament to Reed's versatility as a songwriter. These albums, along with many others in his discography, showcase the complexity and depth of Lou Reed's solo work.
Exploring Lou Reed's solo career is a journey in itself. There are highs and lows, experiments that work and experiments that don't, but through it all, there's a consistent thread of honesty and artistic integrity. So, dive in, explore, and discover the Lou Reed that speaks to you. You're sure to find something that resonates.
Deeper Cuts and Hidden Gems: Exploring Beyond the Essentials
Okay, guys, so you've explored the Velvet Underground and dipped your toes into Lou Reed's solo work. You've heard the classics, the hits, the essential albums. But now you're ready to go deeper, to explore the lesser-known corners of his discography, to discover the hidden gems that might just become your new favorites. This is where the real fun begins! Lou Reed's career is full of unexpected turns, experimental detours, and overlooked masterpieces. This section is your guide to uncovering some of those treasures.
One of the first places to look for deeper cuts is in Reed's 1980s output. This decade was a time of both commercial success and critical backlash for Reed, but it also produced some of his most interesting and challenging work. The Blue Mask (1982) is a powerful and intense album, featuring some of Reed's most personal and introspective lyrics. The album's raw and stripped-down sound, with its heavy emphasis on guitar, creates a sense of immediacy and urgency. Songs like "The Gun" and "Waves of Fear" are chilling explorations of violence and paranoia. New Sensations (1984) is a more upbeat and accessible album, but it still contains some of Reed's sharpest and most insightful songwriting. The title track is a catchy and optimistic anthem, while songs like "I Love You, Suzanne" are classic Reed character sketches. Mistrial (1986) is an often-maligned album, but it has its moments, including the quirky and catchy "No Money Down." These albums from the 1980s showcase Reed's willingness to experiment and his refusal to be pigeonholed.
Another area to explore is Reed's later work, particularly his albums from the 1990s and 2000s. Magic and Loss (1992) is a concept album about death and mortality, inspired by the loss of two close friends. It's a somber and moving album, but it's also a testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. Set the Twilight Reeling (1996) is a more rock-oriented album, featuring some of Reed's most aggressive guitar playing. The album's raw and energetic sound is a reminder of Reed's punk rock roots. Ecstasy (2000) is a sprawling and ambitious double album, exploring themes of love, sex, and addiction. The album's experimental sound and its challenging lyrics make it a rewarding listen for those willing to delve deep. These later albums show that Reed never stopped evolving and pushing himself as an artist.
Finally, don't forget to explore Reed's collaborations and side projects. His collaboration with Metallica on Lulu (2011) was a controversial but fascinating experiment. His work with Laurie Anderson, both on record and in live performance, is also worth checking out. Lou Reed was a true original, and his discography is full of surprises and hidden gems. So, keep exploring, keep listening, and keep discovering the music that speaks to you. You never know what you might find.
Live Performances and Documentaries: Experiencing Lou Reed in Action
Beyond his studio albums, experiencing Lou Reed through live performances and documentaries offers another dimension to understanding his artistry. Reed was a compelling live performer, known for his intense stage presence and his ability to connect with his audience. Watching a live performance or a documentary can provide valuable insights into his music and his personality.
Recordings of his live performances capture the raw energy and the improvisational nature of his shows. Live in Italy is a great example. There are numerous live albums and bootleg recordings available, showcasing different eras of his career and different aspects of his musical style. Watching footage of his performances, whether it's a concert film or a clip on YouTube, allows you to see Reed in his element, interacting with his band and his audience. These performances often feature extended versions of his songs, with improvisational solos and spontaneous moments of brilliance. Reed's live shows were never predictable; he was always willing to take risks and experiment, which made them all the more exciting. Live performances are where you truly see the heart of a musician, and that is true for Lou Reed too.
Documentaries about Lou Reed offer a more in-depth look into his life and his career. They provide context for his music and shed light on the influences and experiences that shaped his artistic vision. Some documentaries focus on specific periods of his career, such as his time with the Velvet Underground, while others offer a broader overview of his life and work. These films often include interviews with Reed himself, as well as with his collaborators, friends, and family. They can provide valuable insights into his creative process, his personal struggles, and his relationships with others. Documentaries are a way for fans to connect with their favorite artists on a deeper level, and learn things that otherwise might not be accessible. Documentaries allow us to feel as though we are getting to know the real Lou Reed.
So, if you're looking to deepen your appreciation for Lou Reed, be sure to check out some of his live performances and documentaries. They offer a unique perspective on his music and his life, and they're a great way to experience the power and the passion of this legendary artist.
Conclusion: Your Journey with Lou Reed Has Just Begun
So, there you have it, guys! A roadmap to the fascinating and sometimes challenging world of Lou Reed. We've covered his groundbreaking work with The Velvet Underground, his diverse and influential solo career, and some deeper cuts for the adventurous listener. We've also touched on the importance of experiencing his live performances and documentaries. But remember, this is just the beginning of your journey.
Lou Reed was an artist who constantly evolved and challenged himself, and his music reflects that. There's no single "right" way to listen to him. The best approach is to be open-minded, curious, and willing to explore. Don't be afraid to delve into the albums that are considered difficult or challenging; you might just discover your new favorite song. And don't be afraid to revisit albums that you didn't initially connect with; your perspective might change over time. Music appreciation is not a race, so take your time, let the music sink in, and enjoy the journey.
Lou Reed left behind a vast and complex body of work, and there's always something new to discover. So, keep listening, keep exploring, and keep sharing your love of his music with others. His legacy lives on through his music, and it's up to us to keep it alive. Rock and roll! Thanks for reading, and keep on rockin' in the free world!