Few artists have embodied the essence of New York cool in the way Lou Reed did. With a deadpan delivery espoused subject matter which challenged society’s conventions at every turn, Reed’s brand of sex, drugs, and rock n roll always felt like a bit of an art project put on by a neurotic socially awkward 30-something year old who was forever stuck in his college dorm room.
And it worked, first as a frontman with The Velvet Underground in the 1960’s and then during a solo career that spanned five decades. 1972’s Transformer was Reed’s glam album, a bold David Bowie-esque trek through the banality and challenges of contemporary life. Forever the poet and sardonic miscreant, Reed covers ample ground in Transformer and laid the groundwork for alternative and indie rock artists to follow in his path for years to come.
Standout Songs: “Perfect Day”, “Walk On the Wild Side”, “Goodnight Ladies”
