Editorial Reviews
Music Review:
Music Review
Schubert: Symphony in D No3, D200; Symphony in C No6, D589
This Sceptred Isle: Music Inspired By the Events of the 20th Century
True Spirit: Chili Funk Records [Import]
United We Stand: Songs for America
Tarrega: Recuerdos De La Alhambra [Import]
Amazon.com
It's not surprising that Lou Reed finds a kindred spirit in Edgar Allan Poe. The godfather of punk's early ambition was to bring the darker elements of great literature--decay, death, and decadence--to rock & roll. The Raven was born following a spoken-word performance of Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" during which Reed "came to understand it in a way I never had before." Accordingly, The Raven may strike Reed's longtime fans in a way the artist never has before. Although dark, the music is stylistically all over the place--from Velvet Underground-like rock instrumentals to actor Steve Buscemi's creepy lounge-lizard take on the anti-showbiz "Broadway Song," to moments that recall such diverse past Reed ventures as Metal Machine Music and the Bells. He even reprises two classics--"Perfect Day" and "The Bed" from Transformer and Berlin, respectively -- in almost unrecognizable forms. Ornette Coleman and David Bowie drop in, and actors read text in which Reed mixes Poe's poems and stories with his own words. The opium references are surely Poe's; the explicit images probably all Reed's. It's hard to tell, though; the blend's that good. The single-disc version may be preferable for Reed's more song-oriented fans, but there are musical rewards to be found in this double-disc set if the listener is willing to give it some time. --Bill Holdship
Album Description
Lou Reed, the essential poet of modern music, brings to life in words and music, drama and rock 'n' roll, the visceral work of Edgar Allan Poe in The Raven. Featuring guest appearances by David Bowie, Laurie Anderson, saxman Ornette Coleman and The Blind Boys Of Alabama as well as actors such as Willem Dafoe and Steve Buscemi. This 2 CD version is limited and features the complete spoken word and song production. Artist Julian Schnabel created the packaging of the limited edition, which features a four-panel digipak and b/w poster of Lou on one side and notes, songs and performers on the other. (approx. 13 inches square). Sire. 2003.