Lou Reed

Already inducted for his work in the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed’s continued his solo career right where his work with the Velvet’s left off. He remained Rock’s most eccentric poet, breaking taboos as he went along. Nothing was off limits for Reed; transvestites, homosexuals, suicide and drug abuse were among his topics, yet Reed could be as equally poignant in songs that reflected more positive motifs. Certainly considered influential, even his deliberately bad “Metal Machine Music” is thought by some to be the origin of Noise Rock. The perception is that even though his solo work was long and substantial was not equal to the earlier work of the Velvets. This may be enough to deny him entry a second time.

 


The Bullet Points:

Previous Rank:

2010: #43

Eligible Since:

1997

 
Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (New York City)

 
Why He Will Get In:

He was certainly influential and has the respect of the music community.

Why He Won’t Get In:

He is already in as a member of the Velvet Underground thus the urgency to induct him doesn’t exist.

Nominated In:

2000 and 2001 Class

Essential Albums:

Transformer (1972)

Berlin (1973)

Coney Island Baby (1976)

New York (1989)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Perfect Day (From Transformer, 1972)

Walk on the Wild Side (From Transformer, 1972)

Satellite of Love (From Transformer, 1972)

The Kids (From Berlin, 1973)

Men of Good Fortune (From Berlin, 1973)

www.loureed.org