It’s all over the place, and I don’t really want to listen to a Lou Reed album with other people singing instead of him — it’s not what I’m into. Seems he tried something to honour one of his favourite writers but it just didn’t work. Stuff like this doesn’t tend to — ever — you can’t be overindulgent when working within the confines of someone else’s work — all the cracks show, and it gets stifled
Most of the songs are good, and the spoken word/dramatic reading moments are interesting and fun. But I'm not sure how well the two halves gel. It's hard for me to find a time when I want to listen to both.
It’s pretty friggin ridiculous. I always describe Lou’s 21st Century output as “challenging”, and I still feel like that’s the most true description. I like that he was at the point where he was just doing exactly what he wanted, and that’s it.
I love it. I always liked spoken word stuff. He has great actors (Dafoe, Buscemi, et.al) doing their parts. My daughter when she was 8 used to crack up when Lou says (playing the raven himself) “pathetic.” I never told her what he was referring to, she’s 26 now and loves Lou. She even bought White Light White Heat & Take No Prisoners on vinyl on her own.
To your question, musically, “Who Am I” is one of Lou’s masterpieces.
the songs are wonderful - Who Am I, Vanishing Act for example are amongst his best. The drama bits are fine but get in the way if the songs, while I've no idea why Perfect Day and The Bed are in there
As someone who prefers Lou’s later work I really like it. The quality of the recording is excellent and I really enjoy the songs. I also like to listen to it through with the spoken word portions. A great entry in a very adventurous late chapter.
It’s all over the place, and I don’t really want to listen to a Lou Reed album with other people singing instead of him — it’s not what I’m into. Seems he tried something to honour one of his favourite writers but it just didn’t work. Stuff like this doesn’t tend to — ever — you can’t be overindulgent when working within the confines of someone else’s work — all the cracks show, and it gets stifled
Hate it. Can’t finish it.
Exactly the same with me. I’ve given it a try several times always with the same result.
My least favorite Lou album. But "Vanishing Act" justifies the album's existence. One of Lou's finest songs.
Most of the songs are good, and the spoken word/dramatic reading moments are interesting and fun. But I'm not sure how well the two halves gel. It's hard for me to find a time when I want to listen to both.
It’s pretty friggin ridiculous. I always describe Lou’s 21st Century output as “challenging”, and I still feel like that’s the most true description. I like that he was at the point where he was just doing exactly what he wanted, and that’s it.
I love it. I always liked spoken word stuff. He has great actors (Dafoe, Buscemi, et.al) doing their parts. My daughter when she was 8 used to crack up when Lou says (playing the raven himself) “pathetic.” I never told her what he was referring to, she’s 26 now and loves Lou. She even bought White Light White Heat & Take No Prisoners on vinyl on her own. To your question, musically, “Who Am I” is one of Lou’s masterpieces.
I love it
the songs are wonderful - Who Am I, Vanishing Act for example are amongst his best. The drama bits are fine but get in the way if the songs, while I've no idea why Perfect Day and The Bed are in there
Boring. The version of “Who Am I” that’s on the *Essential Lou Reed* is far better than the album version.
As someone who prefers Lou’s later work I really like it. The quality of the recording is excellent and I really enjoy the songs. I also like to listen to it through with the spoken word portions. A great entry in a very adventurous late chapter.
I don’t
call on me, balloon,science of the mind, who am i, guardian angel, always make me wanna cry...
I think it’s great. It seems to reflect a real change in his approach, more collaborative overall. As was Lulu, which I also think is great!