Rock 'n' Roll Animal

Rock 'n' Roll Animal. This live album by Lou Reed was recorded at the Academy of Music in New York City and features Reed on vocals and guitar, accompanied by Pentti Glan on drums, Prakash John on bass, Ray Colcord on keyboards, and Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter on guitars, who were both members of the Detroit Wheels and had previously worked with Alice Cooper. The album was produced by Steve Katz and Lou Reed, and engineered by Ruthann Friedman and Leanne Ungar. The live performances were also attended by other notable figures, including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Debbie Harry of Blondie.

Background

The concept of Rock 'n' Roll Animal was born out of Lou Reed's desire to create a live album that would showcase his music in a more energetic and dynamic setting, similar to the live performances of The Velvet Underground, his previous band, which had been known for their Andy Warhol-produced shows at Max's Kansas City. Reed had been touring extensively with his new band, which included Pentti Glan and Prakash John, and had developed a strong stage presence, influenced by the likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The album was also influenced by the work of other artists, such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks, who were all known for their high-energy live performances. Additionally, Reed had been friends with David Bowie, who had been a major influence on his work, and had also been inspired by the live performances of Iggy Pop and The Stooges.

Recording

The live recordings for Rock 'n' Roll Animal took place on December 21-22, 1973, at the Academy of Music in New York City, with Steve Katz and Lou Reed producing the album. The band performed two shows each night, with the best performances being selected for the final album. The recordings were engineered by Ruthann Friedman and Leanne Ungar, who had previously worked with The Doors and Jimi Hendrix. The live performances were also attended by other notable figures, including Andy Warhol, John Cale, and Sterling Morrison, all of whom had been associated with The Velvet Underground. The album was mixed at Record Plant in New York City, with assistance from Jay Messina and Shelly Yakus, who had both worked with John Lennon and Aerosmith.

Track listing

The track listing for Rock 'n' Roll Animal features a mix of Lou Reed's solo material and songs from his time with The Velvet Underground, including Heroin, Sister Ray, and Sweet Jane. The album also includes performances of Lady Day and Charley's Girl, which were written by Reed and had been previously recorded by The Velvet Underground. Other tracks on the album include Intro/Sweet Jane, Heroin, How Do You Think It Feels, and Lady Day, all of which feature Reed on vocals and guitar, accompanied by his band. The album's track listing is as follows: 1. Intro/Sweet Jane 2. Heroin 3. How Do You Think It Feels 4. Caroline Says I 5. Lady Day 6. Men of Good Fortune 7. Wild Child 8. I'm Waiting for the Man 9. White Light/White Heat 10. Sister Ray.

Release and reception

Rock 'n' Roll Animal was released in February 1974 to positive reviews from critics, with many praising the album's energetic and dynamic performances. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 50 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning Lou Reed a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The album received positive reviews from critics, including Robert Christgau, who praised the album's "tough, guitar-heavy sound" and Reed's " commanding stage presence". Other critics, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times, also praised the album, noting its "intense" and "dynamic" performances. The album has since been cited as an influence by a number of other artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Iggy Pop.

Legacy

Rock 'n' Roll Animal has had a lasting impact on the development of Rock music, influencing a number of other artists and bands, including The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Ramones. The album's energetic and dynamic performances have been cited as an influence by a number of other live albums, including The Who's Live at Leeds and The Rolling Stones' Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!. The album has also been praised for its raw, unpolished sound, which has been cited as an influence by a number of other artists, including Patti Smith and Television. In 2003, the album was ranked number 293 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and in 2015, it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. The album has also been named as one of the greatest live albums of all time by a number of other publications, including NME and The Guardian. Category:Rock music