This is one of your pop culture posts that I 'get'. I am a big fan of Lou Reed's music. I think that he and I are of similar age. I was shocked to hear that he had received a liver transplant a few months ago. Sounds like the transplant wasn't successful.
Reed was amazing. I still remember the first time I heard "Heroin" and (later) the first time I heard "Street Hassle". I both cases it was just amazing. Something most other rockers would have done as a joke or poitless rebellion was genuinely transgressive. But he was more than any one approach to music...Berlin...Metal Machine Music...Magic and Loss...all amazing.
People should go forth and walk on the wild side to celebrate Reed's life. But not too many drugs. Reed stopped that in the '80s...probably why he made it to 71.
Lou Reed was a much bigger influence in the music community than he was with the public at large. He was definitely an influence on me and my music.
I'm pleased and a little surprised on the amount of press his death has generated. It seems he was more well regarded with the unwashed masses than I realized. RIP Lou Reed.
@zipman68: Yes, 'Heroine' was the song that got me thinking in new directions on how to write. His one big hit, "Walk On The Wild Side" actually never did much for me.
"Rock legend Lou Reed". Huh? More like Smooth Jazz One-hit-wonder Lou Reed. Aside from Walk On The Wild Side, I can't remember another hit from this guy. And his one successful song was far from being rock.
never understood the appeal. couldn't sing worth a shit just like Dylan. should have died years ago. what waste a transplant on a druggie alcoholic who caused his own liver to fail ? had to be someone more deserving of saving
3LeggedMan-
Yes, he is a legend. It is said of his first Velvet Underground album that it sold only 30,000 albums, but everyone who bought it formed a band. You don't have to have hits to be a legend. Plus he got to hang out with Andy Warhol.
The bizarre fact about Lou Reed is the fact that his last album was the one he did with Metallica.
Belated RIP to Lou Reed. When I heard of his death, I initially mistook it for ANOTHER Reed from same era- Jerry Reed (Amos Moses, and other hits.) Alas, research shows that he died in 2008. I liked his songs, so make this a double belated RIP.
It's easy to forget Jerry Reed was a musician. I most remember him as Burt Reynolds' partner in "Smokey and the Bandit" and as one of the head coaches in "The Waterboy". I think he has over a dozen film credits.
14 comments
This is one of your pop culture posts that I 'get'. I am a big fan of Lou Reed's music. I think that he and I are of similar age. I was shocked to hear that he had received a liver transplant a few months ago. Sounds like the transplant wasn't successful.
People should go forth and walk on the wild side to celebrate Reed's life. But not too many drugs. Reed stopped that in the '80s...probably why he made it to 71.
"A rock legend who couldn't sing"
That could apply to alot of guys. Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix, Ozzy Osboune.
I must be drawn to poor vocalists cuz all those guys are my all time favorites.
I've even heard it said that Jim Morrison couldn't sing. And I love his voice.
I'm pleased and a little surprised on the amount of press his death has generated. It seems he was more well regarded with the unwashed masses than I realized. RIP Lou Reed.
Yes, he is a legend. It is said of his first Velvet Underground album that it sold only 30,000 albums, but everyone who bought it formed a band. You don't have to have hits to be a legend. Plus he got to hang out with Andy Warhol.
The bizarre fact about Lou Reed is the fact that his last album was the one he did with Metallica.
It's easy to forget Jerry Reed was a musician. I most remember him as Burt Reynolds' partner in "Smokey and the Bandit" and as one of the head coaches in "The Waterboy". I think he has over a dozen film credits.