Lou Reed's third solo album and the follow-up to 'Transformer' was 'Berlin'. The album forms a kind of tragic rock opera about a doomed couple, and addresses themes of drug use and depression.

At the time, and like much music that needs a period to settle, the response of fans and critics was not positive as many were expecting something more glam, like it's predecessor. Poor sales and harsh criticism disillusioned Reed and in subsequent years he rarely played any 'Berlin' material in his live shows. But over time, many have come to consider the album to be among Lou Reed's most impressive works as a solo artist.

I have to say, I was completely captivated from the first time I heard it. The album is so different to any of his others, with the use of heavy orchestral arrangements, complex structure, haunting choral voices, sound effects and top session musicians, it is magnificently produced by Bob Ezrin, who insists the atmosphere of each song is fully realized.

An odd thing then, because the production doesn't really reflect Lou Reed's personality. Judging by most of his other work, he clearly prefers something simple and raw - you get the impression he just wants to play his songs in the studio and leave again. Like any producer worth his salt, Ezrin obviously thought 'Let's do something more challenging with this'. That's what I find so striking; demonstrating what you can do with production, which is to take something that could be quite ordinary (although I don't think any of those songs are remotely ordinary), and turn it into something more meaningful, moving, with complexity and emotional accuracy. No easy option.

Note : I recently listened again to Joe Cocker's version of the The Beatles With A Little Help From My Friends. What finer example can there be of a musical arrangement completely transforming a song?

Reed and Ezrin actually planned a stage adaptation of 'Berlin' upon its initial release but shelved the plans due to mixed reviews and poor sales. However, in 2007, the original hopes were finally fulfilled and the album was toured featuring a 30-piece band and 12 choristers. Director Julian Schnabel filmed the concert and it was released in 2008.



Specific choice:

I could have chosen any track as, for me, 'Berlin' works best as a complete listen. 'Lady Day' is an example of the LP s grim evocative tone.

When she walked on down the street
She was like a child staring at her feet


But when she passed the bar
And she heard the music play
She had to go in and sing
It had to be that way
She had to go in and sing
It had to be that way


And I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
And I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day

After the applause had died down
And the people drifted away


She climbed down off the bar
And went out the door
To the hotel
That she called home
It had greenish walls
A bathroom in the hall

And I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
And I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
And I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
And I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
And I said no, no, no
Oh, lady day
And I said no, no,