Customer Reviews

Live in Concert

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Here is what Lou's phenomenal guitarist, Robert Quine, had to say about this album:

"There were no great shows on the "Live in Italy" tour. But the performances of "Heroin," "Martial Law," and "Some Kinda Love/Sister Ray" from the album are examples of that group at its best."

By 1983, Lou had become a tyrant to his bandmates. He refused to allow anyone in the band to wear sunglasses for cryin' out loud! (Quine refused to obey that order, by the way)

The band was not allowed ANY freedom which allows for some very boring music. To think, you have a legendary guitarist like Quine on your stage and you keep him as far in the background as you can! To be honest, I am completely underwhelmed by the music here. It doesn't help matters any that during the mastering process for the LP, Lou put himself way in the front of the mix and to a large extent hid Quine's and bassist Fernando Saunders' (another virtuoso) contributions.

There are so many other Live Lou recordings, both commercially released and bootleg, that are widely available and more worthwhile than this. I have read several professional reviews calling this album a must-have, but I just don't see it. It isn't BAD, but it really isn't all that good, either. However, I guess it is a good example of Lou's early 80's sound.

Overall, I'd say it is a good introduction to "live" Lou in the 80's (it gets MUCH worse by the 1984 tour). It certainly doesn't send lightning down your spine like "Rock 'N' Roll Animal" does.

Solo concert of Lou Reed in Italy (Caution: is identical with the CD „Live In Italy"!) with the musicians of his long approved band. They play old songs from the time of the Velvet Underground, of course with new arrangement, as well as newer material. I especially like „Sweet Jane", „I'm Waiting For The Man", „Betrayed", „Walk On The Wild Side" and „Rock And Roll". Likewise very recommendable is the video „A Night With Lou Reed" from a concert 1983 in New York with the same musicians.