Hi Brian great idea on writing down what you think your rankings will be vs what shakes out in the end. Your collection of Reed is amazing to include compilations and live albums. Great deep dives on the studio albums. Agree 100% on the egg cream! I think I will start my collection of Reed with Transformer, New York and maybe a compilation.
That's such a fantastic video Brian. Superb artist superb collection. When l see one l buy it, but they are few and far between. You showed some l've never seen before. Between Ben, Mike PC31 and you, my wants list is massive.l really need to win the lottery 😂 One of my favourite ever watched videos. Thank you.
Hi Mike - Thank you for the very nice comment. Occasionally, I encounter someone who does not like Lou and it perplexes me. But, I can see how his voice is maybe not for everyone. I identify with the need to win a lottery, if only so I can get a house with more space for records! My wish list is much longer than ever before, thanks to the VC 🙂
Awesome to see someone take on the task of ranking Lou Reed's rather large discography. I've always liked Lou Reed but I never took a full deep dive into listening to all his albums until the last couple or years or so and man was I impressed with almost every single thing he released. My favorite album is a 3-way tie between Berlin, The Blue Mask, and Growing Up in Public and my favorite song from Lou would probably be either Think it Over or Ladies Pay
Thanks for stopping by! It's great met meet another Lou fan. I'm fascinated when someone tells me that they don't like Lou (it happens a lot) and it makes me wonder if these people have ever heard more than a few songs. His output was really diverse, so it's not surprising that we all have different opinions on what was his best album. You have a very interesting three-way tie 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
@EmbryonicRobot Yeah, as far as artists with huge discographies go, Lou might be the most divisive in terms of fan's rankings. Speaking of artists with huge discographies, is there any chance of you ranking or reviewing any of Bob Dylan's albums at some point? He's tied with Lou Reed for being my favorite songwriter, so it would be cool to see you rank his albums too (assuming you're a fan, of course)
Great video Brian. I really like Songs for Drella though I haven't spent enough time with it. I'm not sure what my favourite Lou album is though I am very fond of The Blue Mask. The Bells is great in its way though I guess it's not up there lyrically. City Lights is great, one of my faves. I just listened to Mistrial the other day and thought it was OK. Interesting one to have as your first CD. A couple you showed I don't own and have still never heard.
I was immediately captivated by Songs for Drella. It's too bad they never got together to do a further project, apart from the short-lived VU tour in Europe. A fried of mine saw that show, but it fell apart before they came back to North America. I would have purchased tickets for sure!
I'll be honest, I'll probably never listen to these, but I enjoyed the video anyway. You do a great job breaking down each album. Lulu is my #1, and MMM is my number #4000. 😆 Cheers Brian!
No surprise! I' m aware that Lou is not appealing to many people, and I think I can see why. I have to congratulate you for enduring the video. Good thing I did not add any needle drops!
Hi Brian. Thanks for that. I think I would've been 16 when New York came out, and my sister gave me a copy on tape. I can't remember if that was my first introduction to his music, but it certainly made a big impact on me. I then went and picked up any of his back catalogue I could find. I loved Songs For Drella and Magic and Loss, but drifted away from him after that. I must've found other music to buy instead. I still haven't listened to all of his records, but you've moved me to check out some of those I've missed. I have a real soft spot for Rock and Roll Heart. I think it was the first of his albums I got on vinyl. Cheers - Hedley
Hi Hedley - I've heard from a couple of other people who appreciate Rock and Roll Heart more than I do. I guess the theory that the first album you hear from an artist is likely your favourite may well be true. I suppose that makes a lot of sense. I can't recall the first album I heard from him, but the first I owned was a compilation. It must have made an impression on me 👍
Seeing Lou live at seventeen years old in a club in Boston called the Paradise Rock Club was pretty surreal. Especially when they did the song "Heroin" from the Velvet Underground days. I remember him acting the whole middle part with a white light beaming down on him. I remember thinking to myself how different the show was compared to some of the other rock shows that year. I don't want to blow it for anyone else. But I completely agree with your number one. I did see him a few more times after 1978. One was for the New York tour at the Orpheum Theater in Boston. Did you ever see him live Brian? You surely know his music. Well done~ Rob/Boston
I never got to see Lou live and that s a big regret. But, as I may have mentioned in the past, I spent most of my early life in a small town and there were no concerts. Getting to Toronto was a chore too. I will live vicariously through live recording, I guess. The show at the Paradise Rock Club must have been incredible!
Brian, Sally Can't Dance - from my foosball years. Good video. I am impressed with the amount of vinyl. I only have CDs from Songs for Drella onward. I haven't heard the 1971 Demos album. Thanks, Chris
I always forget how heavy vinyl is, because one record weighs nothing, but those together were quite the load. My school didn't have a football team, if you can believe that! The 1971 demos is really great. I was surprised.
Enjoyed every minute of this, Brian. So much to talk about, but it will have to wait until I see you at MGK's in Buffalo! I will say, though, that the song The Blue Mask, is one of my all-time favorite Lou songs as well. I never got into New Sensations, but now I'm thinking I need to give it another chance. Fantastic episode, Brian. I know we could talk for hours on this topic!
Hey, are you going to the MGK Buffalo thing? That will be awesome. I think New Sensations is dismissed by some people. Maybe it hit me at the right time. In any case, it just connected with me. It is not a deep record, but I always like the feel of it. Nice to know another serious Reed fan 🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot I don't think Mike would have me! I was excited about the records you showed and your comments. I know we'd have fun. My ranking would be different, of course, but we're not far off. I had some friends who gave me grief for liking Coney Island Baby so much, and so it was nice to hear such a favorable impression. I love The Blue Mask, New York, and Berlin! Believe it or not, Growing Up in Public was the first Reed album I bought. I bought it because one of the Playmates of the Month mentioned that she loved Bowie and Lou Reed. I thought, "I love Bowie, so maybe I'll love Lou Reed." That was the only Reed record our local store had, so I bought it. It never got me a date with the Playmate of the Month, though.
Funny story. I can see why you bought the record. If you ever met the Playmate, you'd have something to talk about and you would certainly have impressed her. Excellent strategy. Too bad you didn't get a date with her 😔 This made me wonder if I ever bought a record to impress a woman, even one I knew, but I can't recall...
Great video, Brian. I have to say I was a little taken aback by an exchange that was left in your comments. You are one of the most articulate members of the VC when it comes to describing, ranking, and sharing your passion for the albums. You were far too generous with your time. After watching your video, I immediately put on "Songs for Drella" (I know, you didn't include it). I always get emotional when I listen to that recording. The Velvet Underground's story would have been very different if it weren't for their close link with Warhol. We probably wouldn't be talking about them today if it weren't for the opportunities he gave them while he was in charge. “Transformer”, "The Blue Mask," "Rock 'n' Roll Animal." How does one decide? Cheers.
I probably have just said thanks for the feedback, or something similar, and left it at that. No one can please everybody! I'm always happy when I hear that someone else loves Songs for Drella. It's truly is. wonderful album!
That’s a LOT of Lou Reed!! Sounds like I need to go down that rabbit hole and investigate some things (I have no VU or Lou, but a LOT of Laurie Anderson, go figure)…well done, sir! 😎👍
Brian! Wow! Such a massive undertaking, and what a fantastic job you did. I'm a huge Lou Reed lover as well. I own most of what you have, don't have any of the compilations, and I owned Metal Machine Music when it first came out, and just never played it after a couple of listens. I do like Lulu though. Ecstasy is a killer album. I played Hudson River Wind Meditations while eating lunch on Monday. My top 5 would be----- 5) The Blue Mask 4) Coney Island Baby 3) Berlin 2) New York 1) Transformer Cheers
I really love Hudson River Wind Meditations. In fact, I might play it again today. That is a great top 5! If I ever see a reasonably priced MMM, I will grab it (but I never do). The last time I saw a copy it was $70!
@@EmbryonicRobot Thanks. I saw two copies of it last week and they were $100. First time in a long time I saw them in the wild. Couldn’t pay that though. Cheers
Outstanding job on the ranking and what a great Lou Reed collection you have with all those live records as well as the 12" singles. I always find it so difficult to rank Artist's records, when I did do a King Crimson ranking I kept it to my Top 5 to make it a little easier on myself. I love Lou and The VU and I agree with your debut ranking. It's not the greatest. Interesting that Rock N Roll Heart came dead last. Completely agree with your assessment of The Raven. I really like The Bells quite a bit...it would rank higher for me (but that's the beauty of these rankings), everyone is different. Wow! Coney Island baby doesn't crack the top 10!!! The Blue Mask is so good! Hard to argue with your top 3....Berlin might be #1 in my list. Excellent job Brian!!
Coney Island baby deserves to be higher, but so do the ones in the top ten! Ha ha. This was tough! Maybe I could do it again in a few years to see if I come to the same conclusion.
Great stuff Brian, I've passed over New York so many times when he was less that a tenner now its £25-£30...may still pull the trigger one day. The Lou Reed I play most now is that RCA Demos album that came out on RSD 2021? Incredible sound quality & a few of the songs I felt were average on the studio albums sound wonderful when acoustic ''kill Your Sons' being an example.
Love that lyrics book. I've been wanting to collect lyrics books like that, but I can never seem to find any. What's the point of making the text blurry anyway....that makes no sense. Beautiful CD box set. That's quite the collection of albums and such that you have there. As usual, I'm jealous lol. This is an impressive and concise video. This must be your longest yet. I do like Lou Reed, but I'm am lacking on his discography, so this was a very informative and intriguing video, even though I had to watch it in different sittings.
Blurry text would have worked for younger eyes, but it pisses me off now. I have old eyes! Ha ha. This video was far from concise 😀 It was indeed my longest video ever. Maybe, one day, I can make a longer one, but I have to recover first 😳
I heard Scott likes Lou Reed he's one of his favourite artists 😅 Double speed is a handy tool, saved me 20 minutes 😂 but in all seriousness you certainly have a great collection albeit nearly all stuff I've never heard before 😄 Sorry Brian that's all I got 😅.
46 mins of HP. I'm in heaven. I wouldn't even know how to put chapters in, but I like to make people suffer through the whole thing. What a task you've set yourself. I'm impressed but also bracing myself for when "that" cover appears. That's a lot of records you have outside of his studio albums. Even just having all of the studio albums adds up to a lot. The live one's I have are Rock 'n Roll Animal & Live In Italy (I think this one is particularly great). I think I have about 13 of Lou's albums in total including Songs For Drella & ending at New York. Even though I enjoyed that live Berlin DVD from a some years back, I'm with you in that I'm not a fan of Antony's backing vocals. They're too over the top. Maybe they're making up for the fact that Lou couldn't sing for shit by this stage. He still made it work though. Lou leaving us with Lulu surely enhanced his legacy. What a way to go out 😂Lulu & Tai Chi is how I like to remember Lou. Only he would think that no music but his own is up to the standards of accompanying thousands of years old martial arts. Now you know I love Lou HP, but I always thought he was a dork trying really hard to look cool. His writing is what made him cool to me. John Cale, especially in VU looked effortlessly cool. On a completely unrelated not; I'm so going to get VU's Loaded when the in the Atlantic 75 45rpm series done by Analogue Productions. It kinda breaks my brain that an audiophile label would do a VU album. I know Loaded might be their best recorded but it's still far off the usual fare. I'm intrigued. I'm also going to get the Mofi Super Vinyl thing of Berlin too. Your 1-4 are stellar albums and 5 I refuse to own. Very comprehensive list HP. Well done and have fun putting them all back. Cheers...KOS
This was a chore, no question, but I had delayed it long enough. I managed let that album cover pass without a single reference to the circumstances! Good for me and the viewers. One day, I will listen to Lulu again, but I am not sure when. Maybe after a drink (or two). I would have thought that the VU is the complete opposite of of audiophile. It is intriguing, but I am thinking that maybe Lou would have disapproved. But, it does sound interesting. I hadn't even heard of the Berlin Super Viny thing. You are in the loop, it seems. One day, you will have to get #5. It was hell putting the records back...🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot I'd think about listening to Lulu if they put out a version without Metallica. Even then I'm not sure. I can't remember where I heard about the Berlin reissue. You'd think it would have all the elements in place to make it a great sounding record. I have heard a few of those Atlantic 75's and they sound phenomenal. Otis Redding's Dock Of The Bay was one that probably wasn't the best source but that 75 sounds brilliant. If they reissue number 5 with alternate cover "preferably completely off theme" I'll think about it because you certainly gave it a big wrap.
@benrankins4446 Hmm, Lulu without Metallica. What an idea! That might work. #5 with an alt cover just wouldn't be the same. It requires that insane cover. It's important for the music 😕 Just kidding; the cover is awful. I will have to keep my eyes open for the Atlantic 75. Sounds intriguing.
@@EmbryonicRobot You know if they did that to Lulu there'd be the Metallica equivalent of the Beatles Naked outcry 😂The Atlantic 75's are not cheap, but not out of control like a lot of those audiophile releases like the one record in a box type things. Also they really do sound better than nearly anything else out there. Don't trust me Mike the In Groove who is very fussy even digs 'em.
Sword of Damocles! Great track. I've heard from some people who like Rock 'n Roll Heart more than I do, probably because it was their first Lou Reed album. My first was a compilation and I can't recall the next!
I agree. Overall, his 80s output was very good. People often ignore or dismiss his later years too. There was more to Lou than Talk a Walk on the Wild Side 🙂
Very impressive collection, Brian. Almost complete. Enjoyed listening to someone who truly knows Reed's music. However, 'Street Hassle' surely placed a bit low? 😊 And then we have "Lou Reed's masterpiece"....Damn right it is. 👏🏻👏🏻
Hi David - Well, maybe Street Hassle is a bit low, but I had no place for it higher up! It is congested at the top. Honestly, some of these are so close in my mind, they could be shuffled a bit and still be correct. We agree on #1! 🙂
I was curious if Lulu would be included, but then you mentioned that it wouldn't be a part of the overall ranking. I just saw Metallica in concert a few weeks back and was revisiting their discography and eventually got to Lulu again. I'm not very familiar with any Lou Reed material (with some exceptions), so that record has always confused me. I'll have to check out some songs from your top 5 and finally discover what I've been missing.
The Walk On The Wild Side compilation was one of my few thrift store scores. I have several Lou Reed albums but now I have a guide for future purchases. I always liked the song "Egg Cream." It reminded me of when I used to get a chocolate Coke at the drug store when I was a kid. A friend recorded New York on a cassette for me and is in a box somewhere in the garage. I will try and keep an eye out for a better copy. Cheers.
Egg Cream is a great track, even though I still have no idea what an egg cream is. Walk On The Wild Side is a really solid thrift store find. As I have said many times, it's all James Last and Anne Murray up here 😔
When I Swedish Death Cleaned a few years back, I got rid of all my Lou Reed albums - except "Set The Twighlight Reeling". I think that's great and I think Egg Cream is one of the best songs on it! And the video for Hooky Wooky was hilarious!! I swear that was Van Morrison yelling out just before Lou threw the dude off the building. Oh, the worst critics are the ones - especially profligate on TH-cam who write the reviews AS THEY LISTEN to the album! You know who they are...
And I thought I ws the only one who loved "Set The Twilight Reeling" and Egg Cream! I have never heard the term "Swedish Death Cleaned" before. I may need to look it up.
Hi Dave - I didn't know that Reed felt that way about The Bells. He is probably correct. Legendary Hearts is really really fine album. I had it early on, even before some of his more critically acclaimed albums, so I have a strong feeling of nostalgia for it. 🙂
The three you left off, I can't agree with, Lulu (btw Bowie was quoted as saying that it was his favorite Lou album) and MMM are definitely both Lou albums, As for Songs for Drella, I would rank that with VU stuff.
“Sorry if it’s chaotic, but that’s just the way it’s gonna be”.. “It doesn’t have to be reissued I guess”…”Not a Lou Reed solo album because it has Metallica”…I really like Magic & Loss but my copy is on CD. Agree with you on that music video from that album. “Does it rock out? it’s pretty aggressive though”…”I’m coughing “… I absolutely never get tired of hearing Lou’s Perfect Day. I loved the VH1 Classic albums series. ✌️
The book with Reeds lyrics is actually more like a 21th century kind of ‘collected poems’ or ‘collected ultra-short stories’ publishing, I think. Kind of like (French) poetry from the 1920’s (typography). Once you consume it like that, some of the design choices made in it (like typography) feel less strange. More like an extension of Reeds literary art. It’s a book. Art. Not an excell lyrics sheet with a cover. Great video! Thanks. 🖖
I don't disagree with you. The funny thing is that I have an extensive collection of poetry books, including small press publications, chapbooks, etc., and I can't think of one book that deviates significantly from the traditional, linear, justified page format. Maybe this means Reed really was a visionary 🙂 One the other hand, I have comparatively few poetry books from the 21st century and no French poetry from the 1920s, so I am clearly not the most knowledgable person. It also could be my old eyes talking. Tiny type in liner notes also irritates me now more than ever! It all makes me feel old 😔 Thanks for the interesting comment 👍
I know it's a live album but Rock N Roll Animal is my favorite Lou Reed album. Transformer, Berlin, Sally Can't Dance and Coney Island Baby round out my top 5 in that order. If live albums don't count bump every studio album up on my list and add The Blue Mask at 5.
@@EmbryonicRobot Thanks. Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner's guitar playing on the album is awesome. Imo the definitive version of Sweet Jane is on Rock N Roll Animal.
hey brian,i'm not quite the fan of lou reed as a lot of other people are,but,im on the look out for minstrial and the new sensations albums, and just for shits and giggles,id like to find the Metal Machine Music album, one of his weirdest ones!
I bought MMM in 1975 from of the cut-out bin for $2.99, complete with saw cut notch. Didn't know what to expect other than Lou Reed's music that I was familiar with from VU and his early solo albums. I can't say that I play it a lot, but glad to have it.
I gave up on Lou Reed in the 80’s. I should do a Lou Reed video. I would rate Sally Can’t Dance higher than you but it is not my favorite. You’ll have to watch my video if you want to know my #1.
Reeds first record kind of sucked. Could not agree more on #1. I was just listening to Magic and Loss today and would put that maybe as #3. It’s a bummer but the music is great.
Magic and Loss could have been higher. My ranking would still be right if it was #3, because I feel that his top albums are very close together. Tough decisions had to be made! His debut is really messy, but I suppose it showed some promise. But, it had to be a downer for everyone after the VU.
Hi Brian great idea on writing down what you think your rankings will be vs what shakes out in the end. Your collection of Reed is amazing to include compilations and live albums. Great deep dives on the studio albums. Agree 100% on the egg cream! I think I will start my collection of Reed with Transformer, New York and maybe a compilation.
Hi Shawn - I hope you like those records! I am always amazed when I hear from people who hate Reed. I have never understood that 🙂 Thanks!!
That's such a fantastic video Brian. Superb artist superb collection. When l see one l buy it, but they are few and far between. You showed some l've never seen before. Between Ben, Mike PC31 and you, my wants list is massive.l really need to win the lottery 😂 One of my favourite ever watched videos. Thank you.
Hi Mike - Thank you for the very nice comment. Occasionally, I encounter someone who does not like Lou and it perplexes me. But, I can see how his voice is maybe not for everyone. I identify with the need to win a lottery, if only so I can get a house with more space for records! My wish list is much longer than ever before, thanks to the VC 🙂
Bravo, Brian! I remember us talking about this in Boston. Great ranking and overview.
I remember. In fact, if it hadn't been for that conversation, I probably would have put this off longer. Now I can relax 🙂
Awesome to see someone take on the task of ranking Lou Reed's rather large discography. I've always liked Lou Reed but I never took a full deep dive into listening to all his albums until the last couple or years or so and man was I impressed with almost every single thing he released. My favorite album is a 3-way tie between Berlin, The Blue Mask, and Growing Up in Public and my favorite song from Lou would probably be either Think it Over or Ladies Pay
Thanks for stopping by! It's great met meet another Lou fan. I'm fascinated when someone tells me that they don't like Lou (it happens a lot) and it makes me wonder if these people have ever heard more than a few songs. His output was really diverse, so it's not surprising that we all have different opinions on what was his best album. You have a very interesting three-way tie 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
@EmbryonicRobot Yeah, as far as artists with huge discographies go, Lou might be the most divisive in terms of fan's rankings. Speaking of artists with huge discographies, is there any chance of you ranking or reviewing any of Bob Dylan's albums at some point? He's tied with Lou Reed for being my favorite songwriter, so it would be cool to see you rank his albums too (assuming you're a fan, of course)
@@gamma5672 That is an interesting idea! I am, indeed, a fan. This would take some thought... I will consider it 🙂It may take some time.
This is outstanding. A great reminder of how much I don’t know lol. Will take a listen to blue mask right away. Excellent video.
I feel the same way after watching some VC videos. I have a lot to learn! (about so many things). 🙂
I love the track Waves of Fear, with Robert Quine on lead guitar.
I agree. Waves of Fear is awesome. I really love the guitar work.
Great video Brian. I really like Songs for Drella though I haven't spent enough time with it. I'm not sure what my favourite Lou album is though I am very fond of The Blue Mask. The Bells is great in its way though I guess it's not up there lyrically. City Lights is great, one of my faves. I just listened to Mistrial the other day and thought it was OK. Interesting one to have as your first CD. A couple you showed I don't own and have still never heard.
I was immediately captivated by Songs for Drella. It's too bad they never got together to do a further project, apart from the short-lived VU tour in Europe. A fried of mine saw that show, but it fell apart before they came back to North America. I would have purchased tickets for sure!
@@EmbryonicRobot I'm a big Cale fan, so will be checking out your videos soon. I did an all-in-one video on him a few years ago.
Cool!
I'll be honest, I'll probably never listen to these, but I enjoyed the video anyway. You do a great job breaking down each album. Lulu is my #1, and MMM is my number #4000. 😆 Cheers Brian!
No surprise! I' m aware that Lou is not appealing to many people, and I think I can see why. I have to congratulate you for enduring the video. Good thing I did not add any needle drops!
Hi Brian. Thanks for that. I think I would've been 16 when New York came out, and my sister gave me a copy on tape. I can't remember if that was my first introduction to his music, but it certainly made a big impact on me. I then went and picked up any of his back catalogue I could find.
I loved Songs For Drella and Magic and Loss, but drifted away from him after that. I must've found other music to buy instead.
I still haven't listened to all of his records, but you've moved me to check out some of those I've missed.
I have a real soft spot for Rock and Roll Heart. I think it was the first of his albums I got on vinyl.
Cheers - Hedley
Hi Hedley - I've heard from a couple of other people who appreciate Rock and Roll Heart more than I do. I guess the theory that the first album you hear from an artist is likely your favourite may well be true. I suppose that makes a lot of sense. I can't recall the first album I heard from him, but the first I owned was a compilation. It must have made an impression on me 👍
Seeing Lou live at seventeen years old in a club in Boston called the Paradise Rock Club was pretty surreal. Especially when they did the song "Heroin" from the Velvet Underground days. I remember him acting the whole middle part with a white light beaming down on him. I remember thinking to myself how different the show was compared to some of the other rock shows that year. I don't want to blow it for anyone else. But I completely agree with your number one. I did see him a few more times after 1978. One was for the New York tour at the Orpheum Theater in Boston. Did you ever see him live Brian? You surely know his music. Well done~
Rob/Boston
I never got to see Lou live and that s a big regret. But, as I may have mentioned in the past, I spent most of my early life in a small town and there were no concerts. Getting to Toronto was a chore too. I will live vicariously through live recording, I guess. The show at the Paradise Rock Club must have been incredible!
Hi Brian, im so glad someone else loves "new york" as much as i do, great ranking mate - Lloyd
It's an awesome record. He made really great music well into his career!
Brian, Sally Can't Dance - from my foosball years. Good video. I am impressed with the amount of vinyl. I only have CDs from Songs for Drella onward. I haven't heard the 1971 Demos album. Thanks, Chris
I always forget how heavy vinyl is, because one record weighs nothing, but those together were quite the load. My school didn't have a football team, if you can believe that! The 1971 demos is really great. I was surprised.
Not football. I actually meant foosball. A table top soccer type game.
Wow, a total misreading! Foosball is a fun game 🙂
Enjoyed every minute of this, Brian. So much to talk about, but it will have to wait until I see you at MGK's in Buffalo! I will say, though, that the song The Blue Mask, is one of my all-time favorite Lou songs as well. I never got into New Sensations, but now I'm thinking I need to give it another chance. Fantastic episode, Brian. I know we could talk for hours on this topic!
Hey, are you going to the MGK Buffalo thing? That will be awesome. I think New Sensations is dismissed by some people. Maybe it hit me at the right time. In any case, it just connected with me. It is not a deep record, but I always like the feel of it. Nice to know another serious Reed fan 🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot I don't think Mike would have me! I was excited about the records you showed and your comments. I know we'd have fun. My ranking would be different, of course, but we're not far off. I had some friends who gave me grief for liking Coney Island Baby so much, and so it was nice to hear such a favorable impression. I love The Blue Mask, New York, and Berlin! Believe it or not, Growing Up in Public was the first Reed album I bought. I bought it because one of the Playmates of the Month mentioned that she loved Bowie and Lou Reed. I thought, "I love Bowie, so maybe I'll love Lou Reed." That was the only Reed record our local store had, so I bought it. It never got me a date with the Playmate of the Month, though.
Funny story. I can see why you bought the record. If you ever met the Playmate, you'd have something to talk about and you would certainly have impressed her. Excellent strategy. Too bad you didn't get a date with her 😔 This made me wonder if I ever bought a record to impress a woman, even one I knew, but I can't recall...
Great video, Brian. I have to say I was a little taken aback by an exchange that was left in your comments. You are one of the most articulate members of the VC when it comes to describing, ranking, and sharing your passion for the albums. You were far too generous with your time. After watching your video, I immediately put on "Songs for Drella" (I know, you didn't include it). I always get emotional when I listen to that recording. The Velvet Underground's story would have been very different if it weren't for their close link with Warhol. We probably wouldn't be talking about them today if it weren't for the opportunities he gave them while he was in charge. “Transformer”, "The Blue Mask," "Rock 'n' Roll Animal." How does one decide? Cheers.
I probably have just said thanks for the feedback, or something similar, and left it at that. No one can please everybody! I'm always happy when I hear that someone else loves Songs for Drella. It's truly is. wonderful album!
That’s a LOT of Lou Reed!! Sounds like I need to go down that rabbit hole and investigate some things (I have no VU or Lou, but a LOT of Laurie Anderson, go figure)…well done, sir! 😎👍
I love Laurie Anderson.I am a bit surprised that you have no Lou or VU! There is lots to investigate, maybe too much!
@@EmbryonicRobotThat could be why…but now, thanks to your ranking, maybe I can try out a few 👍
Brian! Wow! Such a massive undertaking, and what a fantastic job you did. I'm a huge Lou Reed lover as well. I own most of what you have, don't have any of the compilations, and I owned Metal Machine Music when it first came out, and just never played it after a couple of listens. I do like Lulu though. Ecstasy is a killer album. I played Hudson River Wind Meditations while eating lunch on Monday. My top 5 would be----- 5) The Blue Mask 4) Coney Island Baby 3) Berlin 2) New York 1) Transformer
Cheers
I really love Hudson River Wind Meditations. In fact, I might play it again today. That is a great top 5! If I ever see a reasonably priced MMM, I will grab it (but I never do). The last time I saw a copy it was $70!
@@EmbryonicRobot Thanks. I saw two copies of it last week and they were $100. First time in a long time I saw them in the wild. Couldn’t pay that though. Cheers
$100! Maybe $70 isn't that bad after all 🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot Hah. Maybe so.
Outstanding job on the ranking and what a great Lou Reed collection you have with all those live records as well as the 12" singles.
I always find it so difficult to rank Artist's records, when I did do a King Crimson ranking I kept it to my Top 5 to make it a little easier on myself. I love Lou and The VU and I agree with your debut ranking. It's not the greatest. Interesting that Rock N Roll Heart came dead last. Completely agree with your assessment of The Raven. I really like The Bells quite a bit...it would rank higher for me (but that's the beauty of these rankings), everyone is different. Wow! Coney Island baby doesn't crack the top 10!!!
The Blue Mask is so good! Hard to argue with your top 3....Berlin might be #1 in my list.
Excellent job Brian!!
Coney Island baby deserves to be higher, but so do the ones in the top ten! Ha ha. This was tough! Maybe I could do it again in a few years to see if I come to the same conclusion.
Great stuff Brian, I've passed over New York so many times when he was less that a tenner now its £25-£30...may still pull the trigger one day. The Lou Reed I play most now is that RCA Demos album that came out on RSD 2021? Incredible sound quality & a few of the songs I felt were average on the studio albums sound wonderful when acoustic ''kill Your Sons' being an example.
Just watched again, I see you showed it at the start..I skipped to the countdown the first time!
Ha ha! The video was a bit too long ...
I agree. I was surprised at how great those demos are. I must play that one again soon 👍
Love that lyrics book. I've been wanting to collect lyrics books like that, but I can never seem to find any. What's the point of making the text blurry anyway....that makes no sense. Beautiful CD box set. That's quite the collection of albums and such that you have there. As usual, I'm jealous lol. This is an impressive and concise video. This must be your longest yet. I do like Lou Reed, but I'm am lacking on his discography, so this was a very informative and intriguing video, even though I had to watch it in different sittings.
Blurry text would have worked for younger eyes, but it pisses me off now. I have old eyes! Ha ha. This video was far from concise 😀 It was indeed my longest video ever. Maybe, one day, I can make a longer one, but I have to recover first 😳
I heard Scott likes Lou Reed he's one of his favourite artists 😅
Double speed is a handy tool, saved me 20 minutes 😂 but in all seriousness you certainly have a great collection albeit nearly all stuff I've never heard before 😄
Sorry Brian that's all I got 😅.
Ha ha. I recall watching Scott's video. My only mistake was not dedicating this video to him! Double speed is the way to go sometimes 🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot I'm just now trying to tackle this video. Change my mind, Brian! 😆
@@n0s0luti0n Ha ha. It could be the best 46 minutes you will ever spend 🙂
Not Lou Reed fan but this was a good video I enjoyed the longness of this video!
I have learned that some people don't like Lou. I never understood that in the past, but I guess I can see why! I've always been a big fan 🙂
46 mins of HP. I'm in heaven. I wouldn't even know how to put chapters in, but I like to make people suffer through the whole thing. What a task you've set yourself. I'm impressed but also bracing myself for when "that" cover appears. That's a lot of records you have outside of his studio albums. Even just having all of the studio albums adds up to a lot. The live one's I have are Rock 'n Roll Animal & Live In Italy (I think this one is particularly great). I think I have about 13 of Lou's albums in total including Songs For Drella & ending at New York. Even though I enjoyed that live Berlin DVD from a some years back, I'm with you in that I'm not a fan of Antony's backing vocals. They're too over the top. Maybe they're making up for the fact that Lou couldn't sing for shit by this stage. He still made it work though.
Lou leaving us with Lulu surely enhanced his legacy. What a way to go out 😂Lulu & Tai Chi is how I like to remember Lou. Only he would think that no music but his own is up to the standards of accompanying thousands of years old martial arts.
Now you know I love Lou HP, but I always thought he was a dork trying really hard to look cool. His writing is what made him cool to me. John Cale, especially in VU looked effortlessly cool.
On a completely unrelated not; I'm so going to get VU's Loaded when the in the Atlantic 75 45rpm series done by Analogue Productions. It kinda breaks my brain that an audiophile label would do a VU album. I know Loaded might be their best recorded but it's still far off the usual fare. I'm intrigued. I'm also going to get the Mofi Super Vinyl thing of Berlin too. Your 1-4 are stellar albums and 5 I refuse to own. Very comprehensive list HP. Well done and have fun putting them all back. Cheers...KOS
This was a chore, no question, but I had delayed it long enough. I managed let that album cover pass without a single reference to the circumstances! Good for me and the viewers. One day, I will listen to Lulu again, but I am not sure when. Maybe after a drink (or two). I would have thought that the VU is the complete opposite of of audiophile. It is intriguing, but I am thinking that maybe Lou would have disapproved. But, it does sound interesting. I hadn't even heard of the Berlin Super Viny thing. You are in the loop, it seems. One day, you will have to get #5. It was hell putting the records back...🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot I'd think about listening to Lulu if they put out a version without Metallica. Even then I'm not sure. I can't remember where I heard about the Berlin reissue. You'd think it would have all the elements in place to make it a great sounding record. I have heard a few of those Atlantic 75's and they sound phenomenal. Otis Redding's Dock Of The Bay was one that probably wasn't the best source but that 75 sounds brilliant. If they reissue number 5 with alternate cover "preferably completely off theme" I'll think about it because you certainly gave it a big wrap.
@benrankins4446 Hmm, Lulu without Metallica. What an idea! That might work. #5 with an alt cover just wouldn't be the same. It requires that insane cover. It's important for the music 😕 Just kidding; the cover is awful. I will have to keep my eyes open for the Atlantic 75. Sounds intriguing.
@@EmbryonicRobot You know if they did that to Lulu there'd be the Metallica equivalent of the Beatles Naked outcry 😂The Atlantic 75's are not cheap, but not out of control like a lot of those audiophile releases like the one record in a box type things. Also they really do sound better than nearly anything else out there. Don't trust me Mike the In Groove who is very fussy even digs 'em.
@@benrankins4446 OK. Good info. I'm sort of cheap, though!
I love the track Ladies Pay off Rock n Roll Heart. - And Sword of Damocles from Magic and Loss.
Sword of Damocles! Great track. I've heard from some people who like Rock 'n Roll Heart more than I do, probably because it was their first Lou Reed album. My first was a compilation and I can't recall the next!
Love Ladies Pay. Piano is great.
I did have a couple of people comment that they love that track. You are right: the piano is awesome 🙂
Love Lou’s work in the 80’s. Very underrated
I agree. Overall, his 80s output was very good. People often ignore or dismiss his later years too. There was more to Lou than Talk a Walk on the Wild Side 🙂
Very impressive collection, Brian. Almost complete. Enjoyed listening to someone who truly knows Reed's music. However, 'Street Hassle' surely placed a bit low? 😊 And then we have "Lou Reed's masterpiece"....Damn right it is. 👏🏻👏🏻
Hi David - Well, maybe Street Hassle is a bit low, but I had no place for it higher up! It is congested at the top. Honestly, some of these are so close in my mind, they could be shuffled a bit and still be correct. We agree on #1! 🙂
I was curious if Lulu would be included, but then you mentioned that it wouldn't be a part of the overall ranking. I just saw Metallica in concert a few weeks back and was revisiting their discography and eventually got to Lulu again. I'm not very familiar with any Lou Reed material (with some exceptions), so that record has always confused me.
I'll have to check out some songs from your top 5 and finally discover what I've been missing.
To be fair, I need to listen to Lulu again. I guess I gave up on it, so I should revisit it. I might even change my mind about it 🙂
The Walk On The Wild Side compilation was one of my few thrift store scores. I have several Lou Reed albums but now I have a guide for future purchases. I always liked the song "Egg Cream." It reminded me of when I used to get a chocolate Coke at the drug store when I was a kid. A friend recorded New York on a cassette for me and is in a box somewhere in the garage. I will try and keep an eye out for a better copy. Cheers.
Egg Cream is a great track, even though I still have no idea what an egg cream is. Walk On The Wild Side is a really solid thrift store find. As I have said many times, it's all James Last and Anne Murray up here 😔
We need a Lou biographies ranking
I have to say that this is a great idea 👍 Oddly, I have never even read one Lou biography, but I really should!
@ I've only read the one about how extremely difficult he was as a person. It was highly entertaining
@@RayleneSteves I imagine. I've watched a bunch of Lou interviews on TH-cam. Some of very uncomfortable to watch, though also very entertaining!
When I Swedish Death Cleaned a few years back, I got rid of all my Lou Reed albums - except "Set The Twighlight Reeling". I think that's great and I think Egg Cream is one of the best songs on it! And the video for Hooky Wooky was hilarious!! I swear that was Van Morrison yelling out just before Lou threw the dude off the building. Oh, the worst critics are the ones - especially profligate on TH-cam who write the reviews AS THEY LISTEN to the album! You know who they are...
And I thought I ws the only one who loved "Set The Twilight Reeling" and Egg Cream! I have never heard the term "Swedish Death Cleaned" before. I may need to look it up.
I still need the 71 RCA demos. The various live Lou Reed are interesting. I have several and they are all different.
The 71 RCA demos is very good. In fact, I was surprised at how good it is.
The New York boxset has a dvd of that VHS you mention.
I guess this means I will have to track down that box set!
Really enjoyed this Brian. Side note - Lou claimed The Bells was his most underrated album. Personally, I rate Legendary Hearts as his best ever.
Hi Dave - I didn't know that Reed felt that way about The Bells. He is probably correct. Legendary Hearts is really really fine album. I had it early on, even before some of his more critically acclaimed albums, so I have a strong feeling of nostalgia for it. 🙂
I saw Lou live, Manchester England, The Raven tour.
Very cool. I never managed to see him 😔
The three you left off, I can't agree with, Lulu (btw Bowie was quoted as saying that it was his favorite Lou album) and MMM are definitely both Lou albums, As for Songs for Drella, I would rank that with VU stuff.
OK! Thanks for your feedback 🙂
“Sorry if it’s chaotic, but that’s just the way it’s gonna be”.. “It doesn’t have to be reissued I guess”…”Not a Lou Reed solo album because it has Metallica”…I really like Magic & Loss but my copy is on CD. Agree with you on that music video from that album. “Does it rock out? it’s pretty aggressive though”…”I’m coughing “… I absolutely never get tired of hearing Lou’s Perfect Day. I loved the VH1 Classic albums series. ✌️
Ha ha. You always pick out the highlights! Perfect Day is a song for the ages 🙂
@@EmbryonicRobotAlways so many quotable moments Brian! 😂
The book with Reeds lyrics is actually more like a 21th century kind of ‘collected poems’ or ‘collected ultra-short stories’ publishing, I think. Kind of like (French) poetry from the 1920’s (typography).
Once you consume it like that, some of the design choices made in it (like typography) feel less strange. More like an extension of Reeds literary art.
It’s a book. Art. Not an excell lyrics sheet with a cover.
Great video! Thanks.
🖖
I don't disagree with you. The funny thing is that I have an extensive collection of poetry books, including small press publications, chapbooks, etc., and I can't think of one book that deviates significantly from the traditional, linear, justified page format. Maybe this means Reed really was a visionary 🙂 One the other hand, I have comparatively few poetry books from the 21st century and no French poetry from the 1920s, so I am clearly not the most knowledgable person. It also could be my old eyes talking. Tiny type in liner notes also irritates me now more than ever! It all makes me feel old 😔 Thanks for the interesting comment 👍
I know it's a live album but Rock N Roll Animal is my favorite Lou Reed album. Transformer, Berlin, Sally Can't Dance and Coney Island Baby round out my top 5 in that order. If live albums don't count bump every studio album up on my list and add The Blue Mask at 5.
That is a great list. Rock N Roll Animal really is fabulous!!
@@EmbryonicRobot Thanks. Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner's guitar playing on the album is awesome. Imo the definitive version of Sweet Jane is on Rock N Roll Animal.
@@SuperStrik9 Yes, that version of Sweet Jane is incredible!
hey brian,i'm not quite the fan of lou reed as a lot of other people are,but,im on the look out for minstrial and the new sensations albums, and just for shits and giggles,id like to find the Metal Machine Music album, one of his weirdest ones!
Hi Dave - The good news is that Mistrial and New Sensations are usually cheaper and easy to find. MMM, on the other hand, is stupidly expensive 😔
@@EmbryonicRobot i read theres even a quadraphonic version of MMM, that be wild to listen to!! very hard to find album out in the wild.
I have seen MMM a few times and it is always insanely expensive. It's odd because I am not sure that it would get many spins in anyone's house!
I bought MMM in 1975 from of the cut-out bin for $2.99, complete with saw cut notch. Didn't know what to expect other than Lou Reed's music that I was familiar with from VU and his early solo albums. I can't say that I play it a lot, but glad to have it.
$2.99! That's a deal. I'd like to have a copy. If I ever find one at a reasonable price, I would buy it 👍
I gave up on Lou Reed in the 80’s. I should do a Lou Reed video. I would rate Sally Can’t Dance higher than you but it is not my favorite. You’ll have to watch my video if you want to know my #1.
Damn, I knew I would misquote someone sooner or later! I would like to know your #1!
Reeds first record kind of sucked. Could not agree more on #1. I was just listening to Magic and Loss today and would put that maybe as #3. It’s a bummer but the music is great.
Magic and Loss could have been higher. My ranking would still be right if it was #3, because I feel that his top albums are very close together. Tough decisions had to be made! His debut is really messy, but I suppose it showed some promise. But, it had to be a downer for everyone after the VU.