Talk with Lou Reed

Lou Reed was an influential American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his role as the guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of the rock band The Velvet Underground, and for his solo career that followed. Born on March 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Reed's work with the Velvet Underground in the 1960s played a significant role in shaping the aesthetics of punk rock and alternative music.

The Velvet Underground, though not commercially successful during their time, are now recognized as one of the most influential bands of the rock era, largely because of Reed's songwriting and their experimental approach to rock music. Songs like "Heroin", "Sunday Morning", "Sweet Jane", and "Pale Blue Eyes" remain classics, with lyrical themes that spanned sex, drugs, despair, and love.

After leaving the Velvet Underground in 1970, Lou Reed embarked on a solo career that produced several acclaimed albums, including "Transformer" (1972), which was co-produced by David Bowie and included hits like "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day". Throughout his career, Reed was known for his distinctive voice, poetic and often controversial lyrics, and a willingness to explore different musical styles.

Reed continued to be active in music, art, and photography until his death on October 27, 2013. He has been celebrated as one of the greatest and most innovative songwriters in the history of rock music, with a legacy that continues to influence a wide range of artists across many genres.

Lou Reed's approach to live performances was characterized by a blend of raw intensity, narrative depth, and a certain unpredictable element that kept his performances fresh and engaging. Reed was known for his distinctive voice and deadpan delivery, which became a hallmark of his live shows.

In the early years, particularly with the Velvet Underground, Reed's live performances were often noisy, experimental, and avant-garde. The use of feedback, distortion, and extended drone-like passages was common, reflecting the band's and Reed's interest in pushing the boundaries of rock music. These performances were a stark departure from the typical rock shows of the time, often featuring improvisational and extended jams.

As a solo artist, Reed's live performances varied widely across different phases of his career. He could be confrontational and enigmatic on stage, sometimes choosing to perform newer, lesser-known material rather than his hits. This could be frustrating to fans expecting to hear favorites like "Walk on the Wild Side" or "Sweet Jane," but it also demonstrated Reed's commitment to artistic integrity and evolution.

His performances during the 1970s were particularly intense and could be seen as an extension of his persona from the album "Berlin," featuring gritty tales of urban life laced with themes of addiction and despair. During the 1986 "Mistrial" tour, Reed's performances were noted for their muscular, straightforward rock sound, contrasting with some of his more experimental work.

In live albums like "Rock n Roll Animal" and "Lou Reed Live," we capture the transformation of the raw power of his studio work into something that could be grand and cinematic but still maintain an air of street-wise realism. These records are illustrative of how Reed could adapt his music to suit the setting of a live performance, showcasing his skill as a seasoned showman.

Lou Reed was also known for collaborating with other artists during his live performances. His collaborations ranged from musicians like John Cale and Nico from his Velvet Underground days to later performances with artists like David Bowie, Metallica, and Gorillaz, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore different musical landscapes.

Through his performances, Reed communicated directly and honestly, without much in the way of conventional stage antics or banter. His live approach reflected his persona: unapologetic, deeply creative, and always challenging his audience to think and feel deeply, often leaving a lingering impact. This approach solidified his status as a unique and influential figure in rock music, whose live performances were as much a part of his legacy as his recordings.

Lou Reed's music underwent significant transformations throughout his career, reflecting both personal changes and shifts in the wider musical landscape.

1. The Velvet Underground Era (1960s-1970): During his time with The Velvet Underground, Reed's music was experimental and avant-garde, heavily influencing the punk and alternative rock movements that followed. The band's use of dissonant sounds, literary-influenced lyrics, and willingness to explore taboo subjects set them apart from much of the popular music at the time.

2. Early Solo Career (1970s): After leaving The Velvet Underground, Reed's solo career began with the album Lou Reed (1972), but his breakthrough came with Transformer later that year, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson. This album marked a departure towards a more glam rock sound, including hits like "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day." Throughout the 1970s, Reed's music varied greatly, from the heavily criticized and chaotic Metal Machine Music to more commercially accessible albums like Coney Island Baby.

3. Continued Exploration (1980s): The 1980s saw Reed experimenting with more polished production and varying styles. The album New York (1989) was a return to form, with its stripped-back sound and acute social commentary. It is often viewed as one of his most important later works, highlighting his sophisticated lyrical content and dedication to chronicling urban life.

4. Later Years and Collaboration (1990s-2000s): Later in his career, Reed continued to explore different musical landscapes, including a collaboration with John Cale in 1990 called Songs for Drella, a tribute to Andy Warhol. In 1996, he released Set the Twilight Reeling, and in 2000, Ecstasy, both of which were well-received and shown that Reed never stopped evolving his style. His work during this period often reflected more personal themes, including his relationships and experiences with aging.

5. Final Projects (2010s): One of his final projects was the collaboration with Metallica on Lulu (2011), an album that combined heavy metal with theatrical storytelling, based on the plays of German playwright Frank Wedekind. The album was polarizing but underscored Reed's lifelong willingness to take musical risks.

Throughout his career, Lou Reed's music evolved by often marrying literate and provocative lyrics with a wide range of musical styles, creating deeply personal and culturally resonant works that challenged and expanded the boundaries of rock music.

Lou Reed faced several challenges in his personal life, many of which influenced his music and public persona. One notable challenge was his struggle with various addictions. Reed was open about his issues with drugs and alcohol, which affected both his career and personal life at various times.

Another significant challenge was his sexuality and public perception thereof. Reed's bisexuality and the themes of transgression and exploration in his songs often attracted controversy and made him a target for criticism, particularly in the earlier parts of his career during less tolerant times.

Additionally, Reed had a complicated relationship with his parents. They were supportive in some ways but also had him undergo electroconvulsive therapy as a teenager, purportedly to treat his behavioral issues and possibly his homosexual tendencies, which caused long-term emotional scars.

Reed also faced health issues, including hepatitis and diabetes, and later in life, he underwent a liver transplant. His health struggles often impacted his ability to perform and tour.

Despite these challenges, Reed's resilience and ability to channel his struggles into his art are key aspects of his legacy in music and culture.

Lou Reed's musical influences were diverse and played a significant role in shaping his unique style. He was deeply influenced by a mix of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and jazz artists. Some of the most notable influences include:

1. Bob Dylan - Reed admired Dylan’s lyrical depth and the way he incorporated poetry into his music, which influenced Reed’s own lyrical style.

2. The Velvet Underground - Though Reed was a founding member, the band itself, and its members, particularly John Cale, influenced his musical style, integrating experimental sound with rock and roll.

3. Andy Warhol - While not a musician, Warhol was a significant figure in Reed’s life, influencing his approach to music and art. Warhol's Factory served as a pivotal meeting place for artists and musicians and introduced Reed to a broader artistic community.

4. Ornette Coleman and Free Jazz - Coleman’s avant-garde music and approach to free jazz had a profound impact on Reed, encouraging experimental and unconventional approaches in his own compositions.

5. Doo-wop and Early Rock 'n' Roll - The simplicity and emotional expression in doo-wop and early rock 'n' roll also resonated with Reed, influencing some of the melodic elements in his music.

6. Literature and Poetry - While not musicians, writers like Delmore Schwartz and William S. Burroughs influenced Reed’s narrative style and thematic choices, encouraging him to view his songwriting with a literary sensibility.

These influences, among others, helped forge Lou Reed’s distinctive style, which combined gritty realism with poetic lyrics, exploring complex themes such as identity, romance, and the human condition.

"I'll Be Your Mirror" is a song by the Velvet Underground, featuring Lou Reed as one of the principal songwriters and vocalists. If you're looking to purchase this song, you can find it on various music platforms such as iTunes, Amazon Music, or Google Play Music. It's also available on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. If you're looking for a physical copy, such as a vinyl or CD, you might check online retailers or your local music stores. This song is included in the album "The Velvet Underground & Nico," which is a common part of many music catalogs.

Lou Reed's singing ability has often been a topic of debate. He wasn't traditionally known for a refined vocal range or technical prowess typical of many celebrated vocalists. His style was distinct—more about expression and attitude than mellifluous vocalizations. Reed's voice was raw and emotive, perfectly suited to the themes of urban life and the complex characters about which he often wrote. His delivery was often spoken more than sung, with a poetic, narrative style that became one of his trademarks.

Many fans and critics appreciate his voice for its unique sound that conveyed authenticity and emotional depth, which is central to the impact of his music. Reed's vocal style was an integral part of his music's connection to the listener, making his work uniquely resonant to those who appreciated his approach.

Lou Reed passed away on October 27, 2013, from liver disease. He had undergone a liver transplant earlier that year, but complications arose, leading to his death. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing.

"Rock & Roll Heart" (1976) is often considered a more accessible and somewhat lighter installment in Lou Reed's discography. This release came after "Coney Island Baby" and shows Reed exploring a somewhat smoother, more straightforward rock sound compared to the raw, more intense styles of his earlier solo work and his time with the Velvet Underground. The album does not embody the darker and more experimental edges typically associated with Reed, which might lead some listeners to describe it as "Lou Reed Lite." However, it still retains elements of his distinct lyrical style and delivery. The simplification and mainstream appeal of the album could be seen as a strategic move during a transitional period in Reed's career.

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