Eagle Vision continues its fascinating series of “Classic Album” documentaries. This one features the surprise hit album by ex-Velvet Underground co-leader Lou Reed who hit the airwaves with the genre-bending song “Walk on the Wild Side” (which has NOTHING to do with the old gospel tune!) and was the apotheosis of the “glam-rock” movement that included stars like David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Insights into almost every song by the recently departed Reed, as well as footage of Bowie, producer Ken Scott and musicians including Mick Ronson give clues to the background of the songs as well as the NY attitude of the era as well. Going from the formative years with Andy Warhol, Reed takes you on a tour of the back alleys of NYC.
Fast forward a quarter of a century, and Reed is still churning out new material. He’s at the 2000 Montreux Jazz Fest and is focused as he delivers material from his ’89 release “New York” and he then recent session “Ecstasy.” The band is tight, Reed’s voice is in perfect ennui, and the attitude permeates each chord. A New York state of mind.
Eagle Vision dvd