Lou Reed - New York [Rocktober, 2 Crystal Clear Vinyl LPs]

Lou Reed's fifteenth solo album New York originally emerged on January 10, 1989 through Sire Records as a triumphant return to form for the Velvet Underground legend. In contrast to the prevailing high-gloss, sleek, and electronic sound of the day, Reed opted for a primal sound with two guitars, bass, and drums that recalled his groundbreaking work with the Underground. This Rocktober 2021 pressing on two crystal clear vinyl LPs presents the album in stunning gatefold packaging, allowing Reed's stark urban portraits to shine through with pristine clarity.

Lou Reed's New York was an angry love letter, a biting indictment, an open-hearted outpouring of empathy, despair, resignation, fury and outrage directed at his beloved but troubled city. The album showcases Reed's storytelling at its most focused and compelling, with singles 'Romeo Had Juliette' and 'Dirty Blvd.' leading the charge alongside powerful tracks like "Busload of Faith," "Halloween Parade," and "Last Great American Whale." Each song serves as a vivid snapshot of late-1980s Manhattan, from the political climate to personal struggles, delivered with Reed's characteristic blend of cynicism and compassion.

This crystal clear double LP edition allows the album's raw, unvarnished production to breathe across four sides, showcasing every nuance of Reed's distinctive guitar work and Fred Maher's driving rhythms. The transparent vinyl pressing creates a striking visual presentation that mirrors the album's unflinching honesty, while the gatefold packaging provides ample space for Reed's compelling urban narratives. This was the start of a rich vein of form for Reed, with Songs For Drella (with John Cale) and Magic and Loss all coming within three years of New York, making this pressing a cornerstone of his late-career renaissance.

• Format: Crystal Clear Vinyl 2LP
• Standout tracks: "Romeo Had Juliette," "Dirty Blvd.," "Busload of Faith"
• Pressing details: Rocktober 2021 edition, limited edition, indie exclusive, crystal clear vinyl, gatefold jacket
• Genre/style: Art Rock, Alternative Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Post-Punk
• UPC: 603497843206

This crystal clear pressing captures one of Reed's most celebrated albums with the sonic fidelity and visual elegance it deserves.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Romeo Had Juliette
2. Halloween Parade
3. Dirty Blvd.
4. Endless Cycle

Side B:

1. There Is No Time
2. Last Great American Whale
3. Beginning Of A Great Adventure

Side C:

1. Busload Of Faith
2. Sick Of You
3. Hold On
4. Good Evening Mr. Waldheim

Side D:

1. Xmas In February
2. Strawman
3. Dime Store Mystery