His first solo release two years after leaving Velvet Underground. It didn't do well critically or comercially - US #189 and not charting in UK. Eight of the tracks are re-worked VU songs of which three already existed in different versions on group albums, the rest previously unissued. Two remaining - "Going Down" and "Berlin" - written especially for this release. Recorded in London and co-produced by Reed and Richard Robinson (who also produced Flamin' Groovies, David Johansen and later Reed's "Street Hassle"), engineered by Mike Bobak (before this working with Cat Stevens, Donovan, Faces and Steamhammer among others). Backing crew included Rick Wakeman on keyboards and guitarist Steve Howe, both playing in "Yes" at the time, plus oldtimer Clem Cattini on drums and two more top guitarists - Caleb Quaye and Paul Keogh. Just checking the credits and considering the zeitgeist you would expect this to be art rock, prog or maybe adventurous glam, but no. Except some ace guitars from Steve Howe it's simple and down to earth with a garage feeling. Following two studio albums would have more elegant productions, in a way changing both atmosphere and direction, but here it's Lou Reed as he was. Maybe it's just me, but I've always seen the follow-up "Transformer" as his actual solo debute. This still belongs to the Velvet Underground era and gives a chance to get first release from a couple of the band's unissued numbers. Even if they are reworked, the ambience remains. Favorite tracks - "Ride Into The Sun", "Ocean" and "I Can't Stand It". First US on RCA (LSP-4701). Premiere UK had flat, glossy label as shown here, thick vinyl and fully laminated cover.
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