Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Album Review :: Lou Reed - Berlin, Live at St. Ann's Warehouse


















In 1973 Lou Reed recorded his third solo album, Berlin. The album was a darker departure from the mostly pop catalog of his other solo work and his previous band, the Velvet Underground. It tells a love story of two junkies in the city from which the album gets its title.

It was considered a commercial failure when released and over the next thirty three years Reed rarely played songs from the album live. Two years ago, during the course of five nights in Brooklyn, Reed recorded Berlin - Live at St. Ann’s Warehouse. It includes three tracks not on the original album: “Candy Says” sung by Anthony Hegarty, “Rock Minuet” and “Sweet Jane.”

The live recordings sound full, well produced and orchestrated in contrast to the original album. It brings a new life and unique sincerity to the songs. Some of the tracks sound more like spoken poetry with musical accompaniment. Reed plays only the guitar and is joined by some of New York's top jazz and rock musicians.

A concert film was released in conjunction with the live album that was directed by Julian Schnabel, who also directed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

Mango Nebula favorite from this artist:
The Velvet Underground & Nico

~Lee Stepien
Published at WERS.org on November 30, 2008

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