Lou Reed
Berlin
Live stage performance of Lou Reed's 1973 album, recorded at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York over five nights in 2007. When it was first released, 'Berlin', Reed's third solo outing, received a critical mauling, especially since it followed his earlier triumph, 'Transformer', with its hit single 'Walk On The Wild Side'. 'Berlin' is a tragic rock opera which deals with the drug-addled relationship of a doomed couple, and all its attendant depression and angst. The use of orchestral arrangements, horn sections and top session musicians alienated a large section of Reed's fanbase on release. However, over time the album has been re-evaluated, and is now regarded as one of Reed's best solo works, ranking 344 on 'Rolling Stone' magazine's 500 greatest albums of all-time.