Squeaking onto the music scene in the mid-sixties as a founding member of cult garage-rock heroes the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed was music's answer to Andy Warhol in Greenwich Village. Responsible for writing most of the Velvet Underground's songs, Reed put an artsy spin on a rotation of simple power-chords to become one of modern-rock's go-to influences. While the Velvet Underground didn't achieve tremendous mainstream success while active, they have become one of the most legendary American rock bands of all time with their two most famous albums The Velvet Underground and Nico and Loaded. After his time with the Velvet Underground, Reed pushed on in the 1970's with hits like "Walk on the Wild Side," and his famous Rock & Roll Animal band which helped him put on a monstrous live show. After being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, Reed dedicated much of his time to helping out other artists. Efforts include a two-disc set called The Raven which features many other artists and actors, a recording with The Killers' Brandon Flowers, and contributions to the upcoming Gorrilaz album. During the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, Lou Reed got up on stage and stated, "MTV should be playing more rock & roll!" That rebellious act alone is enough for us to explore his expansive career this Tuesday.
First up is a solo take of the Velvet Underground hit "Heroin," which was used as part of some documentary. Not bad for a two chord song.
Next is the best version of "Sweet Jane" ever recorded. On Lou's 1974 live album Rock n' Roll Animal, his Rock n' Roll Animal band consisted of some of the best musicians of the time including Prakash John on bass and the duo of Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter on guitars. The intro is just face-melting.
Continuing on we've got a very eccentric live take of "Rock & Roll" from Paris in 1974. This version also features many of the Rock n' Roll Animal band, but sort of ditches the whole rock thing and gives a more organ-heavy funky feel.
Last up is Lou's most famous solo hit and perhaps the most famous song written about a transvestite groupie. "Walk on the Wild Side" was revisited again in the early 90's when A Tribe Called Quest sampled it for their hit "Can I Kick It?" This live cut from 1982 features a really different perspective of the song thanks to a fretless bass player.
That Hunter/Wagner line-up was truly killer and one of the best rock ensembles ever. In fact, they upstaged Lou Reed so consistently and severely that he eventually fired them. Duke and the Drivers had the opportunity to open for this band at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston during that Rock n'Roll animal Tour in the early/mid seventies. Fun night!
ReplyDeleteBoss Man