Discussion:
LOU REED ALBUM REISSUES
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Will Dockery
2014-03-11 01:25:44 UTC
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It's funny to me that Mistrial is so universally panned. For me it has
definite redeeming qualities (unlike say Legendary Hearts or New Sensations)
in that it is at least playful in intent, and perhaps a little throwaway (in
the Sally style.) But there are some genuinely good melodies and lyrics in
there, and at the very least, it's got energy. Maybe it's all about
expectation, and after Legendary Hearts and New Sensations I had very
little, so Mistrial came as a pleasant surprise. Outside - Guess I'm
Falling In Love; I Remember You - Charleys Girl.
I guess it's the last Lou Reed album that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Or maybe because it's the last overtly camp Lou Reed record that it appeals
so - like all the recordings of the 70's...
But then I also don't agree with the general consensus that New York was the
renaissance. For me, that didn't come until Drella.
superficially varied, but with little depth. Beginning Of A Great Adventure
is a real turn-off. Lou playing it straight just doesn't wash. Dime Store
Mystery is a stand-out track, no question. Pretty damn special, especially
in comparison with tracks like Strawman or Goodevening Mr W....
Magic and Loss? I've listened to it a couple of times. It made me cry the
first time but, unlike Berlin, et al, I feel no need to return.
Set The and Ecstasy. Well they're both very special records in many ways,
and certainly car more compelling to me than say New York, or the 80's in
general. And I can't wait for the next one, although in many ways, sadly,
Ecstasy feels like the end of something.
I love Lou so. Would love to spend some quality time with him :-)
Here we are many years later and things have changed permanently... how about the view on reissues?

Now that there will never be another new Lou Reed record, will we see items like Mistrial and the many loose tracks from soundtracks and tribute albums and so on collected?

One hopes yes.
Will Dockery
2014-03-11 01:39:53 UTC
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I see what you're saying, but I prefer the majority of the songs on Sally to
Mistrial hands down.. & that's not one of my favourites either. "Outside"
doesn't speak to me on any level but "Ennui" I can relate to! OK, I'll rate
"Mama's Got A Lover" over & above "Animal Language" - how's that??! :-)
The 'but' gives the impression that I don't... which is untrue, I too prefer
Sally to Mistrial, in fact I prefer Sally to any of the '80's albums
including New York (or a we into the 90's already?)
I actually enjoy the ersatz cop funk of Sally (cheesy horns excepted) and
absolutely love the bonus previously unreleased track. Worth the re-issue
price alone.
There's a book on Lou (Waiting For The Man) written by some English guy
Jeremy Reed, I think, who's quite obviously and unashamedly besotted with
Lou, - he maintains that lyrically this marks the pinnacle of Lou's
achievements. I can't say I wholly agree but I recognise there is overlooked
brilliance on Sally. 'Ennui' is utterly devastating, and sometimes I think
it's my personal favourite Lou song, 'N Y Stars' totally compelling
sci-fi/Burroughs imagery, scathing yet cool. 'Baby Face' (possibly left over
from the Berlin sessions?) transfixing. 'Animal Language' depraved. And
don't forget the Velvet's track 'Kill Your Sons', a classic, and this
version is the best one. 'Ride Sally Ride' laconic, ironic, and very funny.
Who can resist 'Ooh isn't it nice/when you find your heart is made out of
ice...' This was the 'my week beats your year' Lou Reed. I remember a review
describing Sally as 'another Transformer type outing...' And let us not, in
our appreciation of the lesser known works of Mr. Reed, forget that the
commercial Transformer is an album of genius... but I'll save that for some
other time.
So everyone that doesn't have Sally, go and buy the re-issue now!
PS: Anyone got any news on the next re-issue?
Nailed it here... Transformer, Berlin, Sally Can't Dance, Coney Island baby, one of the all-time classic runs of essential records.
PAS
2014-03-11 13:16:46 UTC
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Post by Will Dockery
Here we are many years later and things have changed permanently... how
about the view on reissues?
Now that there will never be another new Lou Reed record, will we see
items like Mistrial and the many loose tracks from soundtracks and tribute
albums and so on collected?
One hopes yes.
Count me as another one who hopes "yes".
Will Dockery
2014-10-21 10:41:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by PAS
Post by Will Dockery
Now that there will never be another new Lou Reed record, will we see
items like Mistrial and the many loose tracks from soundtracks and tribute
albums and so on collected?
Count me as another one who hopes "yes".
"Foot of Pride" is available on the "Bobfest" reissue.

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