LOU REED Transformer Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Collectors Information Art Rock #vinylrecords

"Transformer" Album Description:

In the autumn of 1972, a musical transformation took place that would leave an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. Lou Reed, the iconic American rock musician, unveiled his second studio album, aptly titled "Transformer." Produced by none other than David Bowie and Mick Ronson, this German release showcased Reed's evolution as an artist and marked a significant cultural moment in the early 1970s.

The Time Period: 1972

The early 1970s was a dynamic period for music, witnessing the emergence of various genres and the blurring of traditional boundaries. The cultural landscape was undergoing a metamorphosis, with artists pushing the boundaries of creativity and self-expression. Lou Reed, already a prominent figure in the music scene as the leader of The Velvet Underground, embarked on a solo career that would redefine his artistic identity.

Released in November 1972, "Transformer" captured the zeitgeist of the era. It was an era of experimentation, both musically and culturally, as artists sought to break free from conventional norms and explore new sonic territories. Reed's collaboration with David Bowie, a musical chameleon himself, brought a fresh perspective to the album, infusing it with a unique blend of glam rock, proto-punk, and art-pop elements.

Production at Trident Studios, London

The sonic tapestry of "Transformer" was woven at Trident Studios in London, a hub of creative energy where numerous iconic albums were brought to life. The studio's vibrant atmosphere played a crucial role in shaping the album's distinctive sound. Under the guidance of Bowie and Ronson, Reed's compositions came to life, each track a testament to the collaborative synergy between these musical luminaries.

Album Artistry: Ernst Thormahlen and Photography by Stoeker and Rock

The visual representation of "Transformer" was as striking as its musical content. The album cover, designed by Ernst Thormahlen, encapsulated the essence of Reed's transformation. The photography by Karl Stoeker and Mick Rock captured the enigmatic aura surrounding the artist, creating an iconic visual identity for the album.

Musical Alchemy: Band Members and Collaborators

The album featured a stellar lineup of musicians, each contributing to the eclectic mix of sounds. Herbie Flowers, with his prowess on bass guitar, double-bass, and tuba, added a distinctive touch to tracks like "Goodnight Ladies" and "Make Up." Mick Ronson's lead guitar, piano, and backing vocals, accompanied by his intricate string arrangements, showcased his musical versatility.

The rhythmic foundation provided by John Halsey on drums, complemented by the baritone saxophone of Ronnie Ross on select tracks, created a rich and textured musical landscape. The backing vocals of David Bowie and The Thunderthighs added depth and dimension to Reed's lyrical narratives.

Album's Back Cover Controversy

A controversy on the back cover of Lou Reed's Transformer album centers around the image of a man, Ernie Thormahlen, who appears to have a large bulge in his pants.

Here's the breakdown:

The photo features two figures: fashion model Gala Mitchel and Ernie Thormahlen, a friend of Lou Reed and the album's art director.

Thormahlen's pose and clothing create the illusion of an erection.

Lou Reed has claimed that the bulge was actually a banana strategically placed down Thormahlen's pants. Whether it's a banana or not, the image sparked conversation and raised eyebrows due to its suggestive nature. This fit with the overall theme of the album, which touched on sexuality and gender identity.

In some countries these controversial photos have been cleverly censored. A censored version is here

Music Genre:

Art Rock, Prog Rock

Art rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its ambitious and experimental approach to music, incorporating elements from various genres, such as classical, jazz, avant-garde, and progressive rock. Art rock bands sought to expand the boundaries of popular music by incorporating complex musical structures, unconventional instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics.

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Art rock musicians aimed to create music that was intellectually stimulating and artistically expressive. They often embraced a wide range of influences and drew inspiration from diverse sources, including literature, visual arts, and philosophical concepts. By blending different styles and experimenting with musical techniques, art rock bands created a sound that was both sophisticated and innovative.

One of the defining features of art rock is its emphasis on musical complexity and instrumental proficiency. Bands would often employ intricate arrangements, unconventional time signatures, and extended song structures, challenging the traditional verse-chorus format of mainstream rock. This allowed for a more dynamic and expansive musical landscape, giving artists the freedom to explore a wide range of moods and emotions within a single composition.

Lyrically, art rock often tackled unconventional themes and explored philosophical and introspective concepts. The lyrics were often poetic and laden with symbolism, reflecting the influence of literature and poetry on the genre. Art rock songs frequently delved into introspection, existentialism, social commentary, and surreal imagery, offering listeners a deeper and more thought-provoking experience.

Several influential bands and artists have contributed to the development and popularization of art rock. Progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, and King Crimson pushed the boundaries of rock music with their epic compositions, intricate instrumentation, and conceptual albums. David Bowie, with his ever-evolving musical style and theatrical stage presence, incorporated art rock elements into his music, blurring the lines between rock, pop, and avant-garde.

Other notable art rock artists include Roxy Music, with their blend of glamour, artifice, and musical experimentation; The Velvet Underground, who combined avant-garde sensibilities with rock and roll; and Kate Bush, known for her ethereal vocals, poetic lyrics, and eclectic musical arrangements.

The influence of art rock can be seen in subsequent genres and movements, such as post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock. Many contemporary bands continue to draw inspiration from the art rock tradition, incorporating experimental and progressive elements into their music.

Overall, art rock represents a fusion of musical creativity, intellectual exploration, and artistic expression. Its emphasis on innovation, complexity, and lyrical depth has left a lasting impact on the evolution of rock music, expanding its boundaries and inspiring generations of musicians to push the limits of popular music.

Album Production information:

The album: "LOU REED - Transformer" was produced by:David Bowie, Mick Ronson

This album was recorded at: Trident Studios , London

Album cover design: Ernst Thormahlen

Album cover photography: Karl Stoeker, Mick Rock

Mick Rock was a British photographer celebrated as “The Man Who Shot the Seventies.” His striking images captured legendary artists like David Bowie, Queen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and The Ramones, shaping the visual identity of rock and glam culture. His work includes iconic album covers and music videos, leaving an enduring impact on music history. Read more about Mick Rock.

Record Label & Catalognr:

RCA International NL 83806

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram

Year & Country:

1972 Made in Germany

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: LOU REED - Transformer

Herbie Flowers – bass guitar, double-bass, tuba on "Goodnight Ladies" and "Make Up"
Mick Ronson – lead guitar, piano, recorder, backing vocals, string arrangements
John Halsey – drums
Ronnie Ross – baritone saxophone on "Goodnight Ladies" and "Walk on the Wild Side"
David Bowie – backing vocals
The Thunderthighs – backing vocals
Barry DeSouza – drums
Ritchie Dharma – drums
Klaus Voormann – bass
Klaus Voormann: From Beatles Confidant to Record Producer. Explore the life of the artist behind the iconic Revolver album cover, a talented bassist who shaped the sounds of legendary musicians, and a prolific record producer whose vision propelled artists to success .