Glam Slam Guide

The leather-clad poet who dragged the Velvet Underground's shades into the daylight and painted them glitter-black.

He never wore platforms, never needed a spaceship, and definitely didn’t smile for the cameras… but without this deadpan, sunglasses-at-night New York City vampire, glam rock would have sounded a lot less dangerous

The Glam Slam Essentials

1. Transformer (1972) – Album Release (1972)Bowie & Ronson production magic. “Walk on the Wild Side”, “Perfect Day”, “Satellite of Love” – the album that turned Lou from underground legend to chart-flirting superstar.

2. Berlin (1973) – Album Release (1973)The bleakest, most beautiful concept album ever – a tragic opera about junkies, suicide, and lost children. Glam’s dark, mascara-streaked heart.

3. Rock ’n’ Roll Animal (1974) – Live Album Release (1974)Twin lead guitars, white suit, black nail polish – Lou live with the way glam always wished it sounded.

4. Sally Can’t Dance (1974) – Album Release (1974)Lou goes full sleaze-disco-glam – and still hits the US Top 10.

5. Metal Machine Music (1975) – Album Release (1975)64 minutes of guitar feedback. The ultimate “f**k you” to the glam machine – and somehow still iconic.

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Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. Walk on the Wild Side – the coolest bassline in history

2. Perfect Day – heartbreaking beauty (yes, that one from Trainspotting)

3. Vicious – “You hit me with a flower” – pure Lou sarcasm

4. Satellite of Love – Bowie on backing vocals, pure cosmic glam

5. Sweet Jane (live from Rock ’n’ Roll Animal) – the riff that launched a thousand bands

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Lou Reed didn’t join the glam party – he gatecrashed it in mirror shades, stayed for the drugs, and left with the best stories.Turn it up, strike a pose, and remember: glamour can be dirty too.

Deep Dive:

Background: Born in Brooklyn, New York, Reed grew up in Freeport, Long Island. He was an only child, and his early life was marked by a complex relationship with his parents, particularly his father, which would later influence his songwriting.

Education: Reed attended Syracuse University, where he studied under poet Delmore Schwartz, who had a significant impact on his lyrical approach. He also experimented with music, playing in bands.

The Velvet Underground:

Formation: In 1964, Reed co-founded The Velvet Underground with John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker. Their music was groundbreaking, blending art rock, avant-garde, and street-level rock with lyrics that dealt with themes often considered taboo at the time.

Impact: Though not commercially successful during their initial run, The Velvet Underground's influence on punk, alternative rock, and indie music is immense. Their album "The Velvet Underground & Nico," produced by Andy Warhol, is one of the most influential albums in rock history.

Solo Career:

Post-VU: After leaving The Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed embarked on a solo career. His first album, "Lou Reed" (1972), was somewhat overshadowed by his next:

Transformer (1972): Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, this album included "Walk on the Wild Side," Reed's biggest hit. It marked his commercial and critical breakthrough.

Berlin (1973): A concept album that was initially poorly received but later acclaimed for its dark, orchestral storytelling.

Other Notable Works: Albums like "Rock 'n' Roll Animal" (1974), "Coney Island Baby" (1975), and "Street Hassle" (1978) showcased different facets of Reed's musicality, from live rock performances to introspective ballads.

'80s and Beyond: Reed's career in the 1980s included albums like "New Sensations" (1984) and collaborations with artists like Robert Quine. His later work, like "Magic and Loss" (1992), dealt with themes of mortality and loss.

Personal Life and Legacy:

Relationships: Reed was known for his relationships with high-profile figures, including his marriage to musician Laurie Anderson in 2008.

Health: Reed battled various health issues, including a liver transplant in 2013. He passed away later that year from liver disease.

Musical Style and Influence:

Lyrics: Reed's lyrics were often raw, dealing with drug use, sexual themes, urban decay, and personal introspection. His approach was poetic yet blunt, capturing the underbelly of American life.

Sound: His music ranged from folk to hard rock, punk, experimental, and even ambient music, reflecting his wide-ranging influences and artistic restlessness.

Cultural Impact: Reed's work has influenced countless musicians across genres. His exploration of the darker sides of human experience, combined with his unique voice and guitar style, has made him a pivotal figure in rock music.

Honors and Tributes:

Inductions: Reed was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice - once with The Velvet Underground and once for his solo work.

Posthumous Recognition: His legacy continues through ongoing tributes, reissues, and the enduring popularity of his work.

Lou Reed's career is a testament to an artist who continually pushed boundaries, both in terms of music and lyrical content, leaving behind a rich and varied body of work that continues to resonate with new generations.