Lou Reed spoke of life as he saw it at that time. I was 10 years old when this song came out. I learned to remember that no matter how different someone was than me, they were still humans and they each had a personal story to be told. Transwomen were thrown out of their families and traveled to NYC and formed new families. Unfortunately they did need to eat and Unfortunately they could only find work in the sex trade. Some can judge if they must. However it is always easier to judge when you've never been thrown away by your parents and slept on park benches with only an empty stomach.
The Holly mentioned in the first verse is Holly Woodlawn, a transgender actor/singer who was part of Andy Warhol's Factory crowd. She lived in the West Village and I'd see her in various cafes from time to time. She'd also occasionally come down to The Five Oaks piano bar and sing the Hawaiian novelty song "Princess Pupule Has Plenty Papaya."
As an alternative idea I will argue that in some ways radio and Mainstream TV have become way more socially cautious with religion taking over. Kind of like the change from the 20s to the 30s. The 70s we way more liberal than the 80s et cetera
Lou Reed was the lead singer with The Velvet Underground, who were a part of Andy Warhol's Factory. The characters in the song were ALL also a part of The Factory
This song was from his most successful album Transformer, which was produced by the late, great David Bowie, with Mick Ronson doing many of the musical arrangements. Bowie was highly influenced by Reed's earlier work with The Velvet Underground, and even performed a couple of his songs while touring in his later years. You can see the effect both had on the other's work.
@ Linda Taylor. I agree with that, Bowie was always great with ideas & Ronno was extremely skilled at arrangments. You can see it ALL at work here in this song.
Chris there is this great documentary out called Beside Bowie the Story of Mick Ronson, if you have prime it's 3.99 to rent but well worth the money, it really shows Ronno's contribution and David does a voice over for part (he died while it was being made) but well worth the watch
My Ma loved this. She's 94 now, so in her 40s when this came out. "I love this", she said. "Mum, it's about hookers, druggies and gay trade in New York City", we said. "I know that. I lived through the Depression, WWII and listened to Nellie Lutcher, I know what goes on." We're Northern (so straight-laced) English, but my Mum's REAL. Also, my Dad loved Iggy Pop's Lust For Life.
David Bowie produced this album,he also sand backup on Satalite of love.He was singing about Warhol stars, Holly Woodlawn,who shaved her legs,Candy Darling who never lost her head,Jackie Curtis and Little Joe Dellasandro.Amazing album.Perfect day and Satalite of love are also genius
Yes, most of his songs tell stories. Check out his earlier work with The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting for The Man, Heroine, Venus in Furs, Pale Blue Eyes... Also more picks from Transformer: Satellite of Love and Perfect Day.
Brilliantly creative, a master at storytelling. Lou Reed was the time of Andy Warhol, the velvet underground. Iconic…you got it. Glad you enjoyed this .
Lou Reed. Ahhh! You must check out his work with the Velvet Underground as well. Stylistically, the songs are QUITE varied. Venus in Furs, Heroin, Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes. Each is as transgressive as Walk on the Wild Side. The "Candy" in Candy Says is the one and the same Candy Darling from Walk on the Wild Side. And if you really want to take the plunge, there's The Black Angel's Death Song, but be warned. All the people Lou was singing about in Walk on the Wild Side--Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling, Little Joe Dallesandro, Sugerplum Joe Campbell, Jackie Curtis--were involved in Andy Warhol's Factory. Warhol was the Velvet Underground's promoter for the first couple of years . . . until Lou Reed fired him.
This song is over 50 years old & way ahead of its time. Lou Reed was a huge rock genius - he helped invent punk rock, glam rock etc. this is about real people he knew.
OMG, This so takes me back... “The song was a love song to all the people Lou knew and to New York City by a man who supported the community and the city his whole life.” But, lyrics misunderstood as transphobic or racist...Enjoyed as always, Thanks James
When he was with the Velvet Underground and came to Austin to perform, when the tiny little female drummer came out and started nailing her drum set to the floor, we knew we were in for something.
I saw Lou Reed in 1974. 16th birthday present from my boyfriend! Lou was a poet for his time. "Sweet Jane" is a recommended second track. And if you like Lou, try Patti Smith "Gloria" and "Because the Night" she WAS the poet laureate of her time and still is.
I suggest the live version from "Rock'N'Roll Animal" with possibly the best guitar duo ever laid to vinyl. Of course, the first line of Patti's "Gloria" is probably the best first line in Rock and Roll history!
David Bowie not only produced this song, he played the Sax solo on it. Still Recommending (I promise you will love them all) Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4 (Terry Kath guitar solo will blow you away) Yes - Roundabout (like nothing you have ever heard before, a pure masterpiece) Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath (Mix of several styles and instruments you won't expect)
lou reed was the founder of Velvet Underground, one of the most influential groups of the era and arguably the precursor to Punk. He is a brilliant story teller and his music ranges greatly depending on his creative state of mind over the years. Sadly he is gone
This is the coolest song he ever did. The bass at the beginning, at the end and during the choruses is TWO basses, an electric and a double bass playing at the same time. You can look that up here in the Tube and see the bass player (who did both parts) tell how it all happened. This was a huge hit in '72 - '73. Not played on AM radio because of the line about "giving head" (a true story,). Funny thing about it is that in Englsnd, where the BBC, which runs the radio and TV, is a very conservative organization and doesnt allow any sexual comments in songs, this song was allowed to play. Turns out that in England, the expression "give head" has no significance, so the BBC didnt notice and they let it play.
You won't beat Lou Reed, with a stick. In my youth a grandmother used the term colored for one of my babysitters after picking me up. Logically, considering clothing, I mentioned "I thought so too! Which one of the colors did you like?" The family got a real kick out of it!
Nice reaction, and review. Lou Reed as well as his work in Velvet Underground is fantastic. I believe David Bowie produced this album. Was lucky enough to see him live a few times. There's another singer and he's out there loved him since I was a teenager. His name is Nick Cave(live OMG) much like Reed. The show "Peaky Blinders" plays a lot of Cave's music due to Nick Cave that is the only reason I actually started watching the show. "Red Right Hand" is his most well known song. My personal Cave favorite "The Carny" it's out there(most of his music is), but what amazes me is how many who haven't a clue who Lou Reed or Nick Cave even are. Best song by Reed major toss up "Perfect Day", "Venus In Furs"(the book is fantastic written in 1870-Leopold von Sacher-Masoch) , "Heroin" and "Pale Blue Eyes". Both Reed and Cave are real story tellers and draw in listeners in. Nick Cave love every single album. One of the best covers of "Black Betty" besides Ram Jam's cover.
If you want other songs with a message: “Time in a Bottle” Jim Croce Or “Cats in the Cradle” Harry Chapin. If you want to learn about music history “American Pie” Don McClain.
lou was the man. his old band The velvet underground was doing mind blowing stuff for the time (early 60`s). the black angels death song is one of those songs you just cant picture a band from the 60`s making, hell, it`s even ballzy for today.
So I just have been going down the rabbit hole of reactions of this song and I love that you just enjoyed it. Can you imagine being about 10 and your friend playing their big brother’s album and kinda getting the lyrics back when being gay was still considered a mental illness? And then I saw Lola in the background…thing is, we gave zero effs about sexual orientation or gender identity back then…this song was a cool look into different lifestyles and it’s only recently that people are freaking out about it. The “colored girls” reference is a nod to all the unsung heroes of the background vocals most white bands and radio didn’t give credit to…people really get that part wrong. I’m so glad you enjoyed this! Much love ❤
My favorite from his solo are all on the transformer album, Perfect Day, Vicious, Satellite of love.... but he was also in THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, and they had so many amazing songs, Heroin (which is a storytelling song that will make you jones!), rock & Roll, waiting for the man, sweet jane, pale blue eyes, Venus in furs. I’m so glad you found Lou Reed! Thank you!!
Lou came straight out of the streets of New York and a lot of his songs are about the gritty life there. A great example is one with his early band The Velvet Underground called Heroin. Title doesn't hide anything but the song is amazing. Venus in Furs from that record is remarkable work too.
Haven't watched yet, but "Heroin " when he was with the Velvet Underground is a must listen. This is an autobiography you are about to watch. He's just singing in spoken word about his everyday life and people he knows.
Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson 1972. Lou Reed's next album is his masterpiece. It's called Berlin and incredibly intense. Love your reactions bro.
The only reason they played this song on the radio is because is was produced by Mick Ronson and David Bowie well probably more Ronno than Bowie because he could score music and knew how to use the controls, but Transformer is what took Lou from the underground to being played on the radio, the world was not ready for the Velvet Underground, you should play some tunes with Bowie and Ronson during the Ziggy days, you would have Bowie looking like he just landed from Mars and Ronno looking like God's gift to women, was a lethal combination
Lou Reed is one of the greats... he was originally in the Velvet Underground, and you should check out Waiting for the Man (recorded in 1966 and released in 1967), because in many ways that song is one of the main roots of the punk rock of the mid-late 1970's... and for a song much later in his sold career (1989), check out Dirty Boulevard ... but there are lots and lots of great Lou Reed songs
His most famous song . The secret about Lou is he has tons of good songs . He definatly knew the streets , and was an informal guru of the underground nightlife .
Check out Reed's Dirty Boulevard, another gritty urban tale. Also, for another slice of '70s NYC, Superfly by Curtis Mayfield, more great storytelling.
Ah, Lou Reed... I saw him live twice, not with the Velvets but as a solo artist (though I love the Velvets, too, and did before Lou went solo). There's just genuinely no one to compare him to, live or recorded. No way to classify his songs as one thing or another. All I can add is that, if you delve into his bio, he had a weird fucking life in so many ways and could be extremely hard to deal with, in so many ways, yet... What I'll always remember is, the first time I saw him right after Transformer came out, as always us kids in the floor seats rushed up to the stage as soon as the house lights went out. I was on the 2nd row, so I was right up against the heavy wood edge of the stage. But Lou was in one of his depressed periods and it took him a long time to pull himself together and come out. Meanwhile kids from the balconies were flooding down and suddenly I realized I was being crushed, it was going to get worse, and there was no way out of the mass of bodies around and behind me. I was just beginning to really panic when I felt a grown man's hand on my shoulder (I was 15). I looked up and it was Lou, reaching for my hand. I took his and he pulled me up on the stage, where I sat, at his feet, for the whole show. The dude probably saved my life. I didn't bother him, he didn't pay much attention to me except to be careful not to trip over me. He did chain smoke, lighting up with matches from a little run of the mill cardboard matchbook which he'd blow out and drop on the stage. The butts he smashed out with his boots and kicked them across the stage behind himself; but I kept one "Lou Reed Burnt Match" and still have it. He died on 10/27/13. Oddly, my sister-in-law killed herself the same day, nothing to do with Lou. In fact, he "outlived" her by, like, 3 hours. Loved, loved, loved the look on your face when he sang about Candy never losing her head even when she was giving it. I was 15 and listening to this song, and hearing him sing it live. Can't believe it now, really. My mother and father heard it through my bedroom walls and said nothing, teachers heard us blaring it out our car windows, singing along at the tops of our lungs. The 70s were a great time to be a teenager!
Thanks for this reaction! Lou Reed and Velvet Underground are legends. Check out literally anything by Velvet Underground, I can’t even pick just one to recommend. There are lots of great Lou Reed song suggestions by others here, but I’ll add “Turn To Me” to the list. Has some great lines in it and it jams too!
I was giggling like a 12y.o. waiting for ur reaction to the sordid lyrics. U did not disappoint! (Thought u’d know ATCQ’s sample) Really enjoying ur other reaction vids as well. U have a low key, genuine style. A couple of left-field hits from my day I’d love see ur reaction to: “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” Carly Simon 1971, and. “Is That All There Is?“ Peggy Lee 1969.
Lou Reed was also the singer for The Velvet Underground. Some more upbeat songs by them are Sweet Jane and Rock and Roll, but you have to listen to Pale Blue Eyes, it’s one of my favorite songs by them
This, Lola and Who Are You would get played on the radio when I was a kid and we just knew the fogies who owned the stations had NO idea what was actually being said. Hell, years later Bush's crew thought Born in the USA was just a song about patriotism.
Caught ya by surprise, did he? Yeah, Lou was all about THAT. And more. Like Janis and Jimi and a few others, he was a towering original. Add to that his earlier days with the Velvet Underground, which he led, and which was one of the most influential rock groups ever -- in the same rank as the Beatles and the Stones, just less popular in their time. I wonder if you could even play some of the cuts by the Velvet Underground without being censored -- "Heroin," "I'm Waitin for My Man," "Venus in Furs," or the deep, dark, noisy, and very long "Sister Ray" -- all genuine classics of New York underground rock. Oh, and by the way, Lou was the one who mentored David Bowie into stardom and icon status. Yeah, he was all that. See if you can track down video of something from the days of the great multimedia happening, "The Exploding Plastic Inevitable," that Andy Warhol put together when the Velvet Underground and Nico were his house band. Blow your mind and scare your channel!
Lou Reed had a long solo career and was in the Velvet Underground band. He liked writing about people who unusual or in subcultures that really were not known much about - but humanized them were interesting for him to write about. This is clearly about Trans people and back in 1970 this was very unusual - even being Gay was unusual. You could be arrested and institutionalized for being Gay, Trans or anything like that in the 50's and 60s - you definitely didn't talk about it and euphemisms like Walk on the Wild Side were used typically. Great lyrics Great beats amazing saxophone playing and great vibe. One of my Lou Reed and Velvet Underground songs was Sweet Jane. Lou hung out a lot with the artist Andy Warhol and a very unique crowd. Lou Reed passed a few years ago but left an great music legacy for us. Enjoy!
He totally switches it up. Check out Dirty Boulevard from later, or anything from the Velvet Underground (Waiting for My Man, Heroin, etc.) from earlier. The entire Songs for Drella album is a biography of his mentor Andy Warhol -- that's some fine storytelling.
Holly, Candy and Joe all refer to Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling and Joe Dallesandro - all pivotal figures in Andy Warhol's art complex known as "THE FACTORY". You'll find some interesting accounts about late Sixties/early Seventies New York City when you read up on Warhol, The Factory, The Velvet Underground, Lou himself, and just the culture overall of that time and place.
It is hard to go wrong with Lou. I'm a sucker for the first three songs on the New York Album; Romeo Had Juliet, Halloween Parade, and Dirty Boulevard.
The thing I like about this channel is you are not posting about the new music that is shopped about. I like the old stuff (like me) that has meaning and actually has musical merit. Kudos.
His songs are poems with a storytelling vibe. They ramble, and meander brialliantly. Listen to Sweet Jane, Rock and Roll, and his later work, Dirty Boulevard. A master.
He recorded a sad followup to this, called 'Halloween Parade', on the 1989 album 'New York'. All the songs on that album are great, but I'd especailly recommend 'Dirty Boulevard' and 'There Is No Time', if you're in the mood for more Lou Reed.
Hey Rome, there are the superior songs on Lou Reed, Rock and Roll Animal'! Its live and fine. First song intro/Sweet Jane, the 2 guitars starting song is amazing and goes into song. 2:Heroin, 9 minutes song feels like the drug Lou loved. 3rd song: rock an roll. Cheers, Chicago Ray
Your face when you realize what he's singin
I was laughing so hard
@@deborahzoppa5060 me too 😆
And that is why us old folks watch reaction videos...we know what's a comin', and you don't....priceless.
@@squirrley01 I'm gonna go and watch his reaction to "Lola", for that exact same reason.
@@Lauren-cq3co me 3🤣🙌
Lou Reed spoke of life as he saw it at that time. I was 10 years old when this song came out. I learned to remember that no matter how different someone was than me, they were still humans and they each had a personal story to be told.
Transwomen were thrown out of their families and traveled to NYC and formed new families. Unfortunately they did need to eat and Unfortunately they could only find work in the sex trade.
Some can judge if they must. However it is always easier to judge when you've never been thrown away by your parents and slept on park benches with only an empty stomach.
Lou Reed: Sweet Jane
Velvet Underground: Heroin
As mentioned below all the characters were part of the NYC scene with Andy Warhol Factory
Here's the actual film of the actual people: th-cam.com/video/RsVLIiI8Vfo/w-d-xo.html
I'm 56 years old. You should have seen my dad's face the first time he heard the song! Priceless.
The Holly mentioned in the first verse is Holly Woodlawn, a transgender actor/singer who was part of Andy Warhol's Factory crowd. She lived in the West Village and I'd see her in various cafes from time to time. She'd also occasionally come down to The Five Oaks piano bar and sing the Hawaiian novelty song "Princess Pupule Has Plenty Papaya."
Perfect Day, Satellite of Love, hell, anything off Transformer.
Transformer is one of my favorite albums ever. Also love the live Sweet Jane.
Have you heard anything off New Sensations? Came out in the late 80’s .
Don't forget Dirty Boulevard, Last Great American Whale from the New York Album. The whole album is mind blowing dude.
Vicious
Berlin.
That song got AM radio play at the time. Programmers had no idea what the lyrics meant.
I know... AM radio - and I was in high school, farm boy from nebraska- amazing
As an alternative idea I will argue that in some ways radio and Mainstream TV have become way more socially cautious with religion taking over. Kind of like the change from the 20s to the 30s. The 70s we way more liberal than the 80s et cetera
DJs would play the song when
they needed a few minutes for themselves.
If you really want freaky, give a listen to “Venus in Furs” when Lou Reed was in The Velvet Undergound.
Yup, "Venus in Furs" is definitely a kinky masterpiece - and its opening bars are hard to get out of your head once you've heard it.
And while you're at it, listen to Black Angel's Death Song. Or Heroin. Oh, and Beautiful Day was theirs too!
Can't get any more freaky than "Sister Ray" but that's too freaky
If it’s REALLY freaky you want then go for Lady Godiva’s Operation or Black Angels Death Song. Also by Velvet Underground.
thats nuthin, try dr hook
Lou Reed was the lead singer with The Velvet Underground, who were a part of Andy Warhol's Factory.
The characters in the song were ALL also a part of The Factory
My God your first reaction was PRICELESS, I laughed and laughed. Thx !!!!!
This song was from his most successful album Transformer, which was produced by the late, great David Bowie, with Mick Ronson doing many of the musical arrangements. Bowie was highly influenced by Reed's earlier work with The Velvet Underground, and even performed a couple of his songs while touring in his later years. You can see the effect both had on the other's work.
I think Ronno had much more to do with the production than Bowie, he could score, he knew the controls and Bowie didn't
@ Linda Taylor. I agree with that, Bowie was always great with ideas & Ronno was extremely skilled at arrangments. You can see it ALL at work here in this song.
Chris there is this great documentary out called Beside Bowie the Story of Mick Ronson, if you have prime it's 3.99 to rent but well worth the money, it really shows Ronno's contribution and David does a voice over for part (he died while it was being made) but well worth the watch
I remember hearing this when I was in high school, quite risque for that time
Me too, this song was so risque they censored the first verse about "Candy" haha
1973
I got a kick out of the "WTF!?" expressions you had on your face a few times. LMAO!!!!
Lou Reed's Street Hassle is epic. It's like Pulp Fiction in a song. Make sure you get the 11 minute version. Sweet Jane is great too.
Ahhhhh, I've found my people!
Lou was a great storyteller and a great songwriter. Lou was the Man.
My Ma loved this. She's 94 now, so in her 40s when this came out. "I love this", she said. "Mum, it's about hookers, druggies and gay trade in New York City", we said. "I know that. I lived through the Depression, WWII and listened to Nellie Lutcher, I know what goes on." We're Northern (so straight-laced) English, but my Mum's REAL. Also, my Dad loved Iggy Pop's Lust For Life.
David Bowie produced this album,he also sand backup on Satalite of love.He was singing about Warhol stars, Holly Woodlawn,who shaved her legs,Candy Darling who never lost her head,Jackie Curtis and Little Joe Dellasandro.Amazing album.Perfect day and Satalite of love are also genius
Yes, most of his songs tell stories. Check out his earlier work with The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting for The Man, Heroine, Venus in Furs, Pale Blue Eyes... Also more picks from Transformer: Satellite of Love and Perfect Day.
That's not something unique to Lou Reed.
This song is from his album Transformer which was co-produced by David Bowie
OMG!!! I loved your face when you realized what this song was about!!!! LOL!!!
Brilliantly creative, a master at storytelling. Lou Reed was the time of Andy Warhol, the velvet underground. Iconic…you got it. Glad you enjoyed this .
The trumpet & the girls ....everything was perfect
Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling, Joe Dallesandro, Jackie Curtis...this song is about real folks in Andy Warhol's circle back in the 60s.
Lou Reed. Ahhh! You must check out his work with the Velvet Underground as well. Stylistically, the songs are QUITE varied. Venus in Furs, Heroin, Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes. Each is as transgressive as Walk on the Wild Side. The "Candy" in Candy Says is the one and the same Candy Darling from Walk on the Wild Side. And if you really want to take the plunge, there's The Black Angel's Death Song, but be warned.
All the people Lou was singing about in Walk on the Wild Side--Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling, Little Joe Dallesandro, Sugerplum Joe Campbell, Jackie Curtis--were involved in Andy Warhol's Factory. Warhol was the Velvet Underground's promoter for the first couple of years . . . until Lou Reed fired him.
This song is over 50 years old & way ahead of its time. Lou Reed was a huge rock genius - he helped invent punk rock, glam rock etc. this is about real people he knew.
OMG, This so takes me back... “The song was a love song to all the people Lou knew and to New York City by a man who supported the community and the city his whole life.” But, lyrics misunderstood as transphobic or racist...Enjoyed as always, Thanks James
When he was with the Velvet Underground and came to Austin to perform, when the tiny little female drummer came out and started nailing her drum set to the floor, we knew we were in for something.
Amazing that you got to witness that!
I saw Lou Reed in 1974. 16th birthday present from my boyfriend! Lou was a poet for his time. "Sweet Jane" is a recommended second track. And if you like Lou, try Patti Smith "Gloria" and "Because the Night" she WAS the poet laureate of her time and still is.
Absolutely good move, from Lou Reed to Patti Smith. Agree with "Gloria" too.
I suggest the live version from "Rock'N'Roll Animal" with possibly the best guitar duo ever laid to vinyl. Of course, the first line of Patti's "Gloria" is probably the best first line in Rock and Roll history!
David Bowie not only produced this song, he played the Sax solo on it.
Still Recommending (I promise you will love them all)
Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4 (Terry Kath guitar solo will blow you away)
Yes - Roundabout (like nothing you have ever heard before, a pure masterpiece)
Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath (Mix of several styles and instruments you won't expect)
Agree with all 3 recommendations
lou reed was the founder of Velvet Underground, one of the most influential groups of the era and arguably the precursor to Punk. He is a brilliant story teller and his music ranges greatly depending on his creative state of mind over the years. Sadly he is gone
When you hit "Sweet Jane," look for the eightish-minutes live cut. It's best with the instrumental intro.
From the album Rock and Roll Animal
Oh yes the intro is crucial!
This is the coolest song he ever did. The bass at the beginning, at the end and during the choruses is TWO basses, an electric and a double bass playing at the same time. You can look that up here in the Tube and see the bass player (who did both parts) tell how it all happened. This was a huge hit in '72 - '73. Not played on AM radio because of the line about "giving head" (a true story,). Funny thing about it is that in Englsnd, where the BBC, which runs the radio and TV, is a very conservative organization and doesnt allow any sexual comments in songs, this song was allowed to play. Turns out that in England, the expression "give head" has no significance, so the BBC didnt notice and they let it play.
Some Velvet Underground tunes: Rock and roll, Heroine, Candy says, Sunday Morning, many others.
Not many tunes can be referred to as 'all time classic, but this is one.
It will be played in a thousand years.
I saw Lou Reed live and he did this song, imagine this, 30,000 people singing do, dodo, do,dodo etc along with it, wow!
Lou Reed is one of those people that liked writing about people on the fringes of society.
His face.... made my day :-) Perfect Day is another classic.
Reed and the Velvet Underground were contemporaries of the Beatles yet world's apart. Their first album came out in 1967 but they formed in 1964.
Lou Reed - Perfect Day
Your reaction priceless - catching flies with your mouth open after the 2nd line!
Yep. Check out Dirty Boulevard on New York.
You won't beat Lou Reed, with a stick. In my youth a grandmother used the term colored for one of my babysitters after picking me up. Logically, considering clothing, I mentioned "I thought so too! Which one of the colors did you like?" The family got a real kick out of it!
Nice reaction, and review. Lou Reed as well as his work in Velvet Underground is fantastic. I believe David Bowie produced this album. Was lucky enough to see him live a few times. There's another singer and he's out there loved him since I was a teenager. His name is Nick Cave(live OMG) much like Reed. The show "Peaky Blinders" plays a lot of Cave's music due to Nick Cave that is the only reason I actually started watching the show. "Red Right Hand" is his most well known song. My personal Cave favorite "The Carny" it's out there(most of his music is), but what amazes me is how many who haven't a clue who Lou Reed or Nick Cave even are. Best song by Reed major toss up "Perfect Day", "Venus In Furs"(the book is fantastic written in 1870-Leopold von Sacher-Masoch) , "Heroin" and "Pale Blue Eyes". Both Reed and Cave are real story tellers and draw in listeners in. Nick Cave love every single album. One of the best covers of "Black Betty" besides Ram Jam's cover.
All the characters in his story are based on real people from the NY scene.
I heard they were people he met at a Andy Worhol party
If you want other songs with a message: “Time in a Bottle” Jim Croce Or “Cats in the Cradle” Harry Chapin.
If you want to learn about music history “American Pie” Don McClain.
lou was the man.
his old band The velvet underground was doing mind blowing stuff for the time (early 60`s).
the black angels death song is one of those songs you just cant picture a band from the 60`s making, hell, it`s even ballzy for today.
WONDERFUL reaction! I have loved this song since it was released in '72. Really enjoy watching you younger guys discover it. ALWAYS fun!
So I just have been going down the rabbit hole of reactions of this song and I love that you just enjoyed it. Can you imagine being about 10 and your friend playing their big brother’s album and kinda getting the lyrics back when being gay was still considered a mental illness? And then I saw Lola in the background…thing is, we gave zero effs about sexual orientation or gender identity back then…this song was a cool look into different lifestyles and it’s only recently that people are freaking out about it. The “colored girls” reference is a nod to all the unsung heroes of the background vocals most white bands and radio didn’t give credit to…people really get that part wrong. I’m so glad you enjoyed this! Much love ❤
My favorite from his solo are all on the transformer album, Perfect Day, Vicious, Satellite of love.... but he was also in THE VELVET UNDERGROUND, and they had so many amazing songs, Heroin (which is a storytelling song that will make you jones!), rock & Roll, waiting for the man, sweet jane, pale blue eyes, Venus in furs.
I’m so glad you found Lou Reed! Thank you!!
Perfect Day......still chills
Lou came straight out of the streets of New York and a lot of his songs are about the gritty life there. A great example is one with his early band The Velvet Underground called Heroin. Title doesn't hide anything but the song is amazing. Venus in Furs from that record is remarkable work too.
Haven't watched yet, but "Heroin " when he was with the Velvet Underground is a must listen. This is an autobiography you are about to watch. He's just singing in spoken word about his everyday life and people he knows.
Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson 1972. Lou Reed's next album is his masterpiece. It's called Berlin and incredibly intense. Love your reactions bro.
The only reason they played this song on the radio is because is was produced by Mick Ronson and David Bowie well probably more Ronno than Bowie because he could score music and knew how to use the controls, but Transformer is what took Lou from the underground to being played on the radio, the world was not ready for the Velvet Underground, you should play some tunes with Bowie and Ronson during the Ziggy days, you would have Bowie looking like he just landed from Mars and Ronno looking like God's gift to women, was a lethal combination
Lou Reed is amazing and I am happy you heard this!
When I saw you were reacting to this song I just had to watch this video. Your reaction didn't disappoint.
Lou Reed is one of the greats... he was originally in the Velvet Underground, and you should check out Waiting for the Man (recorded in 1966 and released in 1967), because in many ways that song is one of the main roots of the punk rock of the mid-late 1970's... and for a song much later in his sold career (1989), check out Dirty Boulevard ... but there are lots and lots of great Lou Reed songs
His most famous song . The secret about Lou is he has tons of good songs . He definatly knew the streets , and was an informal guru of the underground nightlife .
Glad you liked this. One of my favorites, Satellite of Love is my favorite.
Check out Reed's Dirty Boulevard, another gritty urban tale. Also, for another slice of '70s NYC, Superfly by Curtis Mayfield, more great storytelling.
Despite the unexpected subject matter, this has got to be one of the most laid-back songs in existence.
Lou Reed was the singing voice for Mok from the movie Rock & Rule.
Ah, Lou Reed... I saw him live twice, not with the Velvets but as a solo artist (though I love the Velvets, too, and did before Lou went solo). There's just genuinely no one to compare him to, live or recorded. No way to classify his songs as one thing or another. All I can add is that, if you delve into his bio, he had a weird fucking life in so many ways and could be extremely hard to deal with, in so many ways, yet... What I'll always remember is, the first time I saw him right after Transformer came out, as always us kids in the floor seats rushed up to the stage as soon as the house lights went out. I was on the 2nd row, so I was right up against the heavy wood edge of the stage. But Lou was in one of his depressed periods and it took him a long time to pull himself together and come out. Meanwhile kids from the balconies were flooding down and suddenly I realized I was being crushed, it was going to get worse, and there was no way out of the mass of bodies around and behind me. I was just beginning to really panic when I felt a grown man's hand on my shoulder (I was 15). I looked up and it was Lou, reaching for my hand. I took his and he pulled me up on the stage, where I sat, at his feet, for the whole show. The dude probably saved my life. I didn't bother him, he didn't pay much attention to me except to be careful not to trip over me. He did chain smoke, lighting up with matches from a little run of the mill cardboard matchbook which he'd blow out and drop on the stage. The butts he smashed out with his boots and kicked them across the stage behind himself; but I kept one "Lou Reed Burnt Match" and still have it. He died on 10/27/13. Oddly, my sister-in-law killed herself the same day, nothing to do with Lou. In fact, he "outlived" her by, like, 3 hours. Loved, loved, loved the look on your face when he sang about Candy never losing her head even when she was giving it. I was 15 and listening to this song, and hearing him sing it live. Can't believe it now, really. My mother and father heard it through my bedroom walls and said nothing, teachers heard us blaring it out our car windows, singing along at the tops of our lungs. The 70s were a great time to be a teenager!
Thanks for this reaction! Lou Reed and Velvet Underground are legends. Check out literally anything by Velvet Underground, I can’t even pick just one to recommend. There are lots of great Lou Reed song suggestions by others here, but I’ll add “Turn To Me” to the list. Has some great lines in it and it jams too!
all the characters are real and are men your reaction priceless
I was giggling like a 12y.o. waiting for ur reaction to the sordid lyrics. U did not disappoint! (Thought u’d know ATCQ’s sample) Really enjoying ur other reaction vids as well. U have a low key, genuine style. A couple of left-field hits from my day I’d love see ur reaction to: “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be” Carly Simon 1971, and. “Is That All There Is?“ Peggy Lee 1969.
This song raised a few eyebrows when it played on the radio way back when.
OMG I haven't heard this in ages! LOL Loved it then, love it now. I think I will always love it.
This album was produced by David Bowie. It's one of the greatest songs of all time
Lou Reed is N.Y. check out his song Dirty Boulevard. And yes, his songs all tell stories, many about real people he knew.
Lou Reed was also the singer for The Velvet Underground. Some more upbeat songs by them are Sweet Jane and Rock and Roll, but you have to listen to Pale Blue Eyes, it’s one of my favorite songs by them
Lou was like Dylan, they are just on a level of their own.
Lou reed an absolute legend and this is his opus
This, Lola and Who Are You would get played on the radio when I was a kid and we just knew the fogies who owned the stations had NO idea what was actually being said. Hell, years later Bush's crew thought Born in the USA was just a song about patriotism.
It was all from real life...he was close to Warhol, and a place in NYC called The Factory...look up the history of the song... it's amazing!
Caught ya by surprise, did he? Yeah, Lou was all about THAT. And more. Like Janis and Jimi and a few others, he was a towering original. Add to that his earlier days with the Velvet Underground, which he led, and which was one of the most influential rock groups ever -- in the same rank as the Beatles and the Stones, just less popular in their time. I wonder if you could even play some of the cuts by the Velvet Underground without being censored -- "Heroin," "I'm Waitin for My Man," "Venus in Furs," or the deep, dark, noisy, and very long "Sister Ray" -- all genuine classics of New York underground rock. Oh, and by the way, Lou was the one who mentored David Bowie into stardom and icon status. Yeah, he was all that. See if you can track down video of something from the days of the great multimedia happening, "The Exploding Plastic Inevitable," that Andy Warhol put together when the Velvet Underground and Nico were his house band. Blow your mind and scare your channel!
Your side eye cracked me up!
Lou Reed had a long solo career and was in the Velvet Underground band. He liked writing about people who unusual or in subcultures that really were not known much about - but humanized them were interesting for him to write about. This is clearly about Trans people and back in 1970 this was very unusual - even being Gay was unusual. You could be arrested and institutionalized for being Gay, Trans or anything like that in the 50's and 60s - you definitely didn't talk about it and euphemisms like Walk on the Wild Side were used typically. Great lyrics Great beats amazing saxophone playing and great vibe. One of my Lou Reed and Velvet Underground songs was Sweet Jane. Lou hung out a lot with the artist Andy Warhol and a very unique crowd. Lou Reed passed a few years ago but left an great music legacy for us. Enjoy!
LOU!! The story telling! That was Lou Reed, poet, story teller, ground breaking band Velvet Underground
He totally switches it up. Check out Dirty Boulevard from later, or anything from the Velvet Underground (Waiting for My Man, Heroin, etc.) from earlier. The entire Songs for Drella album is a biography of his mentor Andy Warhol -- that's some fine storytelling.
Brilliant artist and that was a really challenging subject in the 1970s.
Lou Reed studied litterature. His career was one of a kind. He was an artist.
Your reaction of surprise was enjoyable, but imagine how surprised folks were when this was performed.
That's why people said cool in the seventies, everything was chill
Velvet Underground - Heroin
It’s beat in song that makes u get into it. And his voice. My favorite story telling songs.
Big Thanks for being open- these are real people trying to be themselves. ❤️
Holly, Candy and Joe all refer to Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling and Joe Dallesandro - all pivotal figures in Andy Warhol's art complex known as "THE FACTORY". You'll find some interesting accounts about late Sixties/early Seventies New York City when you read up on Warhol, The Factory, The Velvet Underground, Lou himself, and just the culture overall of that time and place.
I love that you have an open mind
It is hard to go wrong with Lou. I'm a sucker for the first three songs on the New York Album; Romeo Had Juliet, Halloween Parade, and Dirty Boulevard.
Legendary Hearts is soul stirring. The same great storytelling style. A New York City Storyteller!
The thing I like about this channel is you are not posting about the new music that is shopped about. I like the old stuff (like me) that has meaning and actually has musical merit. Kudos.
His songs are poems with a storytelling vibe. They ramble, and meander brialliantly. Listen to Sweet Jane, Rock and Roll, and his later work, Dirty Boulevard. A master.
Dude, the song is about transvestite prostitutes in New York City who hung out with Andy Warhol.
at 3:45, rome is about ready to pluck his eyebrows and shave his legs, after that next minute, rome is going GO GO GO!. ha ha ha ha
As a few others have suggested, you gotta check A Tribe Called Quest's "Can I Kick It?" which samples this throughout.
Loved the look on your face. I always liked this song since I was kid. Very different cool.
He recorded a sad followup to this, called 'Halloween Parade', on the 1989 album 'New York'. All the songs on that album are great, but I'd especailly recommend 'Dirty Boulevard' and 'There Is No Time', if you're in the mood for more Lou Reed.
Hey Rome, there are the superior songs on Lou Reed, Rock and Roll Animal'! Its live and fine. First song intro/Sweet Jane, the 2 guitars starting song is amazing and goes into song. 2:Heroin, 9 minutes song feels like the drug Lou loved. 3rd song: rock an roll. Cheers, Chicago Ray