Lou Reed

UK first press 1976. Record EX. Sleeve EX.
Lou’s first for Arista and a bit of a curveball. Less snarling than the RCA years, more relaxed, almost like he’s testing out what a “straight” rock and roll record might sound like through his lens. There’s still bite in the lyrics, but musically it drifts between slick grooves, ballads and the odd scrappy jam. Not his most famous, but it’s got a charm if you like your Lou a bit looser. FFO: Dylan in a leather jacket, Lou when he’s not trying too hard, late-night NYC bar bands with poetry hiding in the smoke.