New Sensations, The Blue Mask, Magic&Loss, Coney Island Baby, New York ,Set the Twilight Reeling, Ecstacy, Berlin, Transformer , VU loved them all . He will be missed!
Lou Reed Dead at 71: A Not Very Perfect Day
Lou Reed died today. Not a good day. The cause of death has not been revealed but Reed had a liver transplant last year. He built a full musical life around two chords, maybe three. You could play the obvious to honor him but "Walk on the Wild Side" was a mere footnote in a great and influential career.
I'd suggest Berlin, Magic and Loss, or New York or of course any from the Velvet Underground catalog.
BTW: Lou appreciated good sound. I understand he had a good vinyl playback system including Wilson WATT Puppies. That he cared about sound was evident in many of his records and when I saw him live at Carnegie Hall as part of the 2004 JVC Jazz Festival, Reed made good use of Carnegie's acoustics by keeping the amplified volume down so the hall sound would benefit, not fight the mix.
Some people didn't think Reed was an appropriate fit for the festival, and maybe that was true but it was memorable nonetheless. Reed opened with "Sword of Damocles" and I remember "Venus In Furs", "The Blue Mask" and the encore, which was "Perfect Day."
That would not be today. Goodbye Lou. RIP.
(My apologies to Lou's memory and to AP readers for not having sufficient time today to write an appropriate obit).
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COMMENTS
Lou and Good Sound
Submitted by Box860 on Sun, 2013-10-27 13:09
No doubt Lou appreciated good sound and concerned himself with recording and mastering technology. In the late 70s he released several binaural recordings, including Street Hassle. Whether that was a wise decision is debatable; I believe most listeners find the effect negated when playing back over speakers rather than headphones. But at least he cared enough about recording processes to give it a try. Lou also went against the grain during the Loudness Wars. He had Set the Twilight Reeling mastered with headroom for better dynamic range. The liner notes include the following admonishment: "Due to incrased dyamic range, raise volume above average. PLAY IT LOUD." Bob Ludwig did the mastering. The live version of Berlin is a real sonic treat. Turn it up loud enough and it sounds like Lou's amp is in your listening room.
Lou was a true rock 'n roll icon and one of my favorite artists. I'll miss him.
RIP, Lou.
Remembering Lou by his great
Submitted by rlw3 on Mon, 2013-10-28 12:14
Remembering Lou by his great music....
First time I sam VU was at the shrine auditorium spring 1968.. Opening act Dr John (first album tour, hippies scared moved away from stage :) Middle act VU with Nico (heavy NY urban etc, quite a contrast to first set) Closing act Electric Flag with Bloomfield, Sanborn, Miles, Brooks. Such a great night.
Prayers go out to the family.
Magic and Loss indeed ...
Submitted by AQ Shane on Mon, 2013-10-28 16:49
a very underrated, beautiful record.
That's the one I'm playing for Lou.
2010 interview with Guardian
Submitted by volvic on Tue, 2013-10-29 07:10
Just read an article where he stated he recommended a vinyl rig for people to appreciate the re-release of his Metal Machine Album.
Reed recommends buying a new vinyl turntable to properly appreciate it. "I myself bought a Linn to celebrate the great sound and am playing it through Wilson Watts and Puppies."
Great musician, who also had great taste in gear.
Metal Machine Music
Submitted by wao62 on Wed, 2013-10-30 00:55
Listened to Metal Machine Music today...just incredible, estatic noise IMHO.From Transformer to Metal Machine Music....it's all good!!! Metal Machine music caused me to eventually discover Industrial music & Edgar Varese! Street Hassle also another great along with the two live albums. I've been listening to all of these in tribute.
I Truly Loved The Man
Submitted by StonedBeatles1 on Wed, 2013-10-30 03:00
Since I heard the news he's been on my mind. Having influenced so many for generations now. It's just amazing. Loved The Velvets but actually went crazy with his early 80's band featuring Robert Quine (one of the greatest gutarists who ever lived). Just a sad day & year filled with death, But on the wonderful side, he will always be rememberd by so many by both old and new music & art lovers to come. Having a signed promo print framed in my befroom wall, from the New York tour, looking at it will never be the same.
RIP Lou.
I Truly Loved The Man
Submitted by StonedBeatles1 on Wed, 2013-10-30 03:01
Since I heard the news he's been on my mind. Having influenced so many for generations now. It's just amazing. Loved The Velvets but actually went crazy with his early 80's band featuring Robert Quine (one of the greatest gutarists who ever lived). Just a sad day & year filled with death, But on the wonderful side, he will always be rememberd by so many by both old and new music & art lovers to come. Having a signed promo print framed in my befroom wall, from the New York tour, looking at it will never be the same.
RIP Lou.
Recording his voice
Submitted by Mark Maloof on Wed, 2013-11-06 16:12
I feel honored to have had the opportunity to record two interviews with Lou Reed within the last few years. Although they were short and he was (expectedly) a little cranky, it was a pleasure to meet and record the voice of one of my greatest music idols. Lots of good music, I HATE how so many people (including a lot of the less adventurous audiophile types) only know Walk on the Wild Side. There are so many more great songs on Transforner alone. Now pardon me while I turn on and put on Metal Machine Music (yes, I seriously like that record)
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