Whadda you looking at?

When you think of New York cool, you automatically think of Lou Reed. Here's a promo photo I found of Lou from 1991. This is probably my favorite time period from Reed. 1989 saw the release of his "New York" album, with great tunes like 'Last Great American Whale', 'Dirty Blvd.', 'Strawman', and 'Hold On'. It certainly received a bit more commercial attention than he'd seen in a while and it was well deserved. Some of it is a bit dated, however, as Lou usually has his finger (which one?) on the pulse of what's going on, especially in his own back yard. Some of the names may seem unfamiliar now, 20 years later. That's what we have Google for now, huh?

1990 saw Reed team up with "old pal" John Cale for a tribute to Andy Warhol titled "Songs for Drella". The songs move their way through Warhol's life, telling the story from Andy's point of view, as if he's actually telling the story. Great moments include 'Trouble With The Classicists', 'Starlight', 'A Dream', and 'Forever Changed'. A video was also released with Reed and Cale performing the songs "live" in the studio.

1992 came the knockout punch (for me anyways) with "Magic and Loss". Written about a couple friends who eventually died of cancer, it's some heavy stuff at times without being dreary and depressing. Not exactly a collection of snappy pop tunes (how morbid!) but some real deep and powerful stuff on this record. Favorites here include 'Power And Glory', 'Cremation', 'Gassed And Stoked', and 'Magic and Loss'.

A coupla books also sprang forth during this time period. "Lou Reed - Growing Up in Public", a biography written by Peter Doggett, editor of "Record Collector" magazine. Also, in 1992, "Between Thought and Expression", selected lyrics of Lou Reed by Lou Reed, with a coupla interviews thrown in too. There were a handful of poetry readings thrown in here and there also, along with a few short tours and, not to mention some get togethers with the Velvet Underground as well. Busy time for Mr. Reed. Lotsa cool stuff well worth checking out! 'Til we groove again...