1001 Albums Summary

I really appreciate the story-telling in Walk on the Wild Side. I remember listening to this album in high School or college for the first time and feeling really cool LOL. I'd like to appreciate more the impact Lou Reed had on creating new types of music like punk and alternative. I know people have said that Lou was more of an "observer" or reporter of the subcultures of drug use, transgender exploration etc. in New York, but I'm not sure how I feel about the morally ambiguous message and content of the songs or even the deadpan delivery/tone. The whole album sounds sarcastic to me, which is especially obvious in the song Make Up as an example. I don't know if sarcasm is the intention but either way it doesn't impress me the way that it used to when I was younger. The music certainly doesn't uplift or inspire me but maybe if I learn to appreciate the music more for what it is and the impact it had I would get more enjoyment from it. I think out of curiosity I will listen to it again and also try to learn more about the inspiration and impact of it.

I did not listen to much of the album because the lyrics of the songs I did hear made me feel anxious.

I think the reason I stayed engaged with this album for the most part is the variation in instruments and musical style from song-to-song. The Revolving Door song is heavy and mechanical with drums and the next song is relaxed and fluid with piano. As someone who is usually most attentive to lyrics and meaning, the way the instruments were used is what I enjoyed most about this album and what kept me interested. I feel the artist is meditating on pain and angst which I can enjoy to some extent but by the end of the album felt a bit draining as a listener. I think the album could have been much shorter.

I can only imagine what a party it would have been hearing this music live. I loved the trilling piano and the soulful harp. Favorite song: Soon Forgotten "There been so many people forgotten, one day I'm gonna forget you." 3.5 stars

Just because something is new, shocking or controversial doesn't mean that it's good or profound. This album is a great example of this.

Rose parade

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