"Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed" is the first greatest hits compilation by Lou Reed, formerly of The Velvet Underground. It is issued by RCA Records after the termination of Reed's first contract with them ended in 1976.
In the world of vinyl record collecting, few names shine as brightly as Lou Reed, the iconic figurehead of rock and roll and a founding member of The Velvet Underground. Today, we delve into the world of "Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed", a 12" LP vinyl album that encapsulates the essence of this musical legend's solo career.
The Making of the Album
Released in 1977 by RCA Records, "Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed" marked a pivotal moment in Lou Reed's post-Velvet Underground solo career. After parting ways with RCA Records following his album "Coney Island Baby", this compilation served as a retrospective of his work up until that point.
Lou Reed, along with collaborators like David Bowie, Mark Ronson, and Bob Ezrin, took the helm as producers, ensuring that every track on this album was a true representation of Reed's artistic evolution.
Behind the Vinyl
The vinyl album "Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed" is more than just a collection of songs; it's a journey through Reed's sonic exploration. This LP comes complete with its original company inner sleeve, adding to its collectible charm.
The album art direction, a crucial aspect of any vinyl record, was masterminded by Julie Harris and Steve Ridgeway, while the cover design was a collaborative effort between Lou Reed himself and the talented photographer Mick Rock. The album's cover art is a glimpse into Reed's enigmatic personality, capturing the essence of the music within.
The Tracklist
Now, let's explore the soul-stirring tracks that make up "Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed":
1. "Satellite Of Love" - This song opens the album with its soothing yet thought-provoking lyrics and Reed's distinctive vocals.
2. "Wild Child" - A rebellious anthem that showcases Reed's ability to blend rock and poetry seamlessly.
3."I Love You" - A brief yet poignant moment that tugs at the heartstrings.
4. "How Do You Think It Feels" - A reflection on life's complexities, delivered with Reed's trademark wit.
5. "New York Telephone Conversation" - A short but sweet glimpse into Reed's lyrical genius.
6. "Walk on the Wild Side" - The title track, a timeless classic that needs no introduction.
7. "Sweet Jane" (live) - A live rendition of one of Reed's most beloved Velvet Underground songs.
8. "White Light/White Heat" (live) - Another live gem that captures the raw energy of Reed's performances.
9. "Sally Can't Dance" - A playful and catchy tune that showcases Reed's versatility.
10. "Nowhere At All" - A song that takes you on a journey through Reed's introspective side.
11. "Coney Island Baby" - The album concludes with this epic track, a testament to Reed's storytelling prowess.
A Collector's Must-Have
"Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed" is not just an album; it's a piece of music history. For collectors of vinyl records from the 1960s through the early 1990s
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Music Genre: American Rock Pop |
| Album Production information: The album: "LOU REED - Walk on the Wild Side the Best of Lou Reed" was produced by: Lou Reed, David Bowie, Mark Ronson, Bob Ezrin Album cover design: Lou Reed, Rachel by Mick Rock Album Art Direction: Julie Harris and Steve Ridgeway Mick Rock, born on 24 November 1948, is a renowned British photographer widely known for his iconic images of rock and roll legends. Dubbed "The Man Who Shot the Seventies", Rock's distinctive style and uncanny ability to capture the essence of the music and artists he photographed have solidified his position as one of the most influential rock photographers of all time.
Early Life:
Rise to Fame: Rock's ability to capture the raw and flamboyant energy of the emerging glam rock movement brought him to the forefront of the music scene. Throughout the 1970s, he became the go-to photographer for rock and roll royalty, working with iconic acts such as Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Queen, The Ramones, and many others.
Photographic Style: The visual language he developed became synonymous with the glam rock era and significantly influenced the perception of rock and roll culture during that time. His images exuded an aura of decadence and hedonism, reflecting the spirit of the era's music and lifestyle.
Later Career: In addition to his photography work, Mick Rock has also directed music videos for prominent artists like David Bowie, including the iconic video for "Life on Mars?" He has published several acclaimed photography books, showcasing his vast collection of images from his decades-long career.
Legacy and Recognition: Mick Rock a selection of album covers for which he has done the photography: Queen , David Bowie , Syd Barrett, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, Geordie, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Joan Jett, Talking Heads , Roxy Music , Crossfade, Thin Lizzy, Mötley Crüe , and Blondie. Often referred to as "The Man Who Shot the Seventies", most of the memorable images of David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust were shot by Mick Rock, in his capacity as Bowie's official photographer. Heavy Metal bands he has photographed include: Attila, Def Leppard , Doro , Fates Warning, Hallows Eve, Piece Dogs, Riot V, Thin Lizzy, Voivod , Yngwie J. Malmsteen. |
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Record Label Information: RCA NL 83753 |
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Year & Country: 1973 Made in Germany |
Complete Track-listing of the album "LOU REED - Walk on the Wild Side the Best of Lou Reed" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "LOU REED - Walk on the Wild Side the Best of Lou Reed" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Walk On The Wild Side The Best Of Lou Reed" Black Colour RCA Record Label Details: RCA NL87353
Lou Reed was an iconic American musician, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame as a member of the Velvet Underground. His work as a solo artist during the period 1970-1989 was marked by experimentation, innovation, and a willingness to explore different genres and styles.
The Early 1970s
Following his departure from the Velvet Underground in 1970, Lou Reed embarked on a solo career that would prove to be just as influential as his work with the band. His debut album, "Lou Reed," was released in 1972 and showcased his songwriting skills and gritty, streetwise style. The album was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson and featured songs such as "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Vicious," which would become signature tunes of Reed's solo career.
In 1973, Reed released "Transformer," which was produced by Bowie and Ronson and featured the hit singles "Satellite of Love" and "Perfect Day." The album was a commercial success and helped to cement Reed's reputation as a solo artist. The following year, he released "Berlin," a concept album that told the story of a doomed romance in the titular city. While the album was not a commercial success, it has since become recognized as one of Reed's greatest achievements, with its bleak themes and raw emotional power.
The Late 1970s
In 1975, Reed released "Metal Machine Music," a double album of avant-garde guitar feedback that was widely derided by critics and fans alike. Despite its commercial failure, the album was a bold statement of Reed's experimental tendencies and helped to establish his reputation as an artist who was willing to take risks and push boundaries.
Reed returned to more conventional songwriting with 1976's "Coney Island Baby," which featured the hit single "She's My Best Friend." The album was a critical and commercial success and demonstrated Reed's ability to craft memorable and accessible pop songs.
The 1980s
Reed's output during the 1980s was marked by a series of collaborations with other artists and a continuing willingness to explore new genres and styles. In 1980, he released "Growing Up in Public," an album that featured guest appearances from guitarists Robert Quine and Chuck Hammer. The album was not a commercial success, but it showcased Reed's ability to collaborate with other musicians and experiment with different sounds.
In 1982, Reed released "The Blue Mask," which was produced by Quine and featured the same backing band as "Growing Up in Public." The album was a critical success and demonstrated Reed's ability to blend his gritty streetwise style with more introspective and personal themes.
In 1989, Reed released "New York," an album that addressed issues such as urban decay, AIDS, and the Gulf War. The album was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as one of Reed's finest works. Its themes of social and political commentary marked a departure from his earlier work, but demonstrated his continuing relevance and willingness to tackle important issues through his music.