Lou Reed's New York

Lou Reed's New York is the eleventh solo studio album by Lou Reed, released in January 1989 by Sire Records. The album features Lou Reed on guitar and vocals, Mike Rathke on guitar and production, and Rob Wasserman on bass guitar. The album was recorded at Mediasound and Skyline Studios in New York City, with Lou Reed and Mike Rathke producing. The album is notable for its rock music sound and features songs about New York City, Andy Warhol, and John Cale.

Background

The album was recorded during a time of great change for Lou Reed, who had recently reunited with his former The Velvet Underground bandmates John Cale and Maureen Tucker for a one-off performance at UCLA. The album's sound was influenced by Lou Reed's work with The Velvet Underground, as well as his solo work with David Bowie and Brian Eno. The album features a number of notable musicians, including Mike Rathke, Rob Wasserman, and Moe Tucker, who had all worked with Lou Reed on previous projects. The album was also influenced by Lou Reed's interests in art rock and experimental music, which he had explored with John Cale and La Monte Young.

Composition and Recording

The album was composed and recorded over a period of several months in 1988, with Lou Reed and Mike Rathke producing. The album features a number of songs that were written by Lou Reed during this time, including Halloween Parade, Dirty Blvd., and Dime Store Mystery. The album was recorded at Mediasound and Skyline Studios in New York City, with Lou Reed and Mike Rathke handling the production duties. The album features a number of notable guest musicians, including Maureen Tucker, who played drums on several tracks, and Strawberry Fields's John Sebastian, who played harmonica on one track. The album's sound was also influenced by Lou Reed's work with Robert Quine and Fernando Saunders.

Lyrical Themes

The album's lyrics deal with a number of themes, including New York City, politics, and social commentary. The album features songs about Times Square, Halloween, and Christmas, as well as songs about JFK Airport and LaGuardia Airport. The album also features songs about Andy Warhol and John Cale, both of whom were friends and collaborators of Lou Reed. The album's lyrics are notable for their poetry and storytelling, which were influenced by Lou Reed's interests in literature and poetry. The album's lyrics also deal with themes of love and relationships, which were influenced by Lou Reed's personal life and experiences.

Release and Reception

The album was released in January 1989 by Sire Records and received generally positive reviews from critics. The album was praised for its rock music sound and Lou Reed's vocals and guitar work. The album was also praised for its lyrical themes and poetry, which were seen as some of Lou Reed's best work. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earning Lou Reed a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male. The album has since been recognized as one of the best albums of the 1980s, with many critics praising its influence on alternative rock and indie rock.

Track Listing

The album features the following tracks: 1. Romeo Had Juliette 2. Halloween Parade 3. Dirty Blvd. 4. Endless Cycle 5. There Is No Time 6. Last Great American Whale 7. Beginning of a Great Adventure 8. Busload of Faith 9. Sick of You 10. Hold On 11. Good Evening Mr. Waldheim 12. Xmas in February 13. Strawman 14. Dime Store Mystery

Legacy

The album has had a significant influence on rock music and has been cited as an inspiration by many artists, including R.E.M., The Smiths, and Radiohead. The album's sound and lyrical themes have also been influential, with many artists incorporating elements of art rock and experimental music into their work. The album has been recognized as one of the best albums of the 1980s, with many critics praising its influence on alternative rock and indie rock. The album has also been included on several lists of the greatest albums of all time, including Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and NME's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The album's legacy continues to be felt, with many artists still citing it as an influence and inspiration. Category:1989 albums