Lou Reed – Lou Reed

I’m just listening to this now flat EQ and LOUD!
Sounds great.
No issues with balance, top end, or dolby inadequacies as far as my mere mortal ears can pick up.
What I would say that is when this was recorded in 1971 music production was generally flat as fuck.
It wasn't until the next year of more flamoyant production (T.Rex/Glitter/Roxy/Bowie) that things changed.
As evidenced by Reed’s eventual masterpiece, the Bowie/Ronson-produced Transformer.
Prior to that, this sounds just like an artist exploring the space between Loaded and the next important steps.
Making cautious first solo steps for sure, but also setting the foundations for what would follow.
A really nice LP that stands the test of time.
Recommended.

Why wasn’t this reissued with Lou’s other 70s albums in 2016? I mean, it’s not the best of his career but neither is “Coney Island Baby.”

This is from 1984 due to the date on the inner sleeve (look at the photo).

I've got a copy of this without 'Stereo' on the labels but it's in a non laminated sleeve. Has "Print Code HH" on the rear sleeve too, top right next to cat number. Anyway else come across this variation?

Seems common place that the production value lacks. This is musically excellent but just doesn't sound very good.

Have to say it, this is probably one of my least favorite Reed albums, despite Reed's determination to make a hit solo record. With the majority of the songs being re-done VU demos, I had expected something still pretty aggressive and exciting... unfortunately, I still prefer the demo pieces, while the rest of the album is more of a mish-mash of great, but oddly produced material.

The album starts out strongly enough with the muscular guitar-driven I Can't Stand It, and I doubt there's a single Reed fan out there who would dismiss the song as a favorite. For me, the album does kick back up until I Love You, which I have always enjoyed, then Wild Child, another obvious Reed staple. Again, Ocean is another saviour from the mundane and a great closer.

All in all I don't hate the other songs, but, as many others have mentioned, along with Reed himself, it's the weakness of the production that brings the album down.

Personally though, I don't think Bowie's production on Transformer is the best either (even if I'm a big fan of his, just WAY too many backing vocals), but that's a different story, err, review.