My dad was a huge Velvet Underground and Lou Reed fan, and as such I've inherited a lot of love and music. I've never been big on VU, but I'm very partial to his solo albums. "Transformer" is an all-time great album. I'll be playing "Magic and Loss" this afternoon, one of my favorite albums as well. One of rock and roll's unique voices, and it's a shame that he's gone.
All things considered, he probably lived longer than most people would have thought. But it doesn't make his passing any less startling.
Up above, Jim D mentioned "Street Hassle". Reed has made many albums that could arguably be considered better, but that one was always my personal favorite. I have no idea why.
While I can't say his passing is a shock, exactly (in fact, that he lived as long as he did is sort of amazing), the fact of it is no less gutting. He was an incredible talent, hugely influential, and someone whose music was an integral part of my youth. Sad news.
I can't say I knew the name very well when all this news came up. I might recognize one or two overused songs from pop culture but I can't say I really ever listened to his music.
I can't say I knew the name very well when all this news came up. I might recognize one or two overused songs from pop culture but I can't say I really ever listened to his music.
With all due respect, to imply that any Lou Reed music has ever been, or can ever be, overused is to not comprehend his importance to popular music.
But that's the nice thing about Lou Reed's music: when one is finally ready for it... it's there.
Among rock bands that completely tanked during their years together, the Velvet Underground must be the single most influential of all of these. I'm not sure if there is another that comes within light years of their sales-to-influence ratio.
