279. Lou Reed - Berlin

Release Date: 1973
Label: RCA

'Berlin' is Lou Reed's third solo release and has been described as a 'tragic' rock-opera. If you're expecting downbeat and miserable, woe-is-me music, you'd be wrong. Of course the subject is dark - drugs, prostitution, suicide - but Lou Reed still has a way with a hook or melody. Two brilliant albums by former VU members in as many days.

Rating: 9/10

Favourite Track: Caroline Says II

251. Lou Reed - Transformer

 

Release Date: 1972
Label: RCA

Lou Reed of the Velvet Underground teamed up with the forgotten man of pop, David Bowie to record this testament to robots in disguise. It is arguably the best thing Lou Reed has ever done, and certainly contains his most well known tracks in the form of 'Walk on the Wild Side' and his glorious cover of Children in Need's 'Perfect Day'.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Perfect Day