LOU REED/TRANSFORMER LSP 4807 (-72) UK

His second solo album and a meeting between two musical worlds that really shouldn't blend - American outspoken avant-garde and melodic British glam-rock. Surprisingly it fit and even if the critical reactions weren't 100% positive at the time (some thought it was too "gay") it eventually turned out to be a big seller and true classic. Part of the song list already existed as promos or unissued trials while others were written directly for the LP. But regardless of origin and initial mood it all comes out unified, carefully put together by production and arrangements. David Bowie was having a major breakthrough at the time and some of the attention and sales the album had in Europe was linked to his growing fame and the outcome seen as a product of his genious due to some background vocals and production credit. That may have led to bigger sales, but it seems guitarist Mick Ronson (1946-93) was behind most of it with a bunch of top notch guitars, piano and vocals, co-production and handeling a large part of the arrangements. He was later hailed for his work by Lou Reed, calling it "beautiful". Anyway they managed to put the two worlds together, not by letting one take over but creating an environment where they both could exist. Engineered by Ken Scott, formerly one of Beatles main engineers and also known for producing a large number of best-selling Bowie albums. Favorite tracks - "Satellite Of Love", "Viscious", "Walk On The Wild Side" and "Perfect Day". First US had same label, number and cover design as UK. I've seen discussions about which UK issue was absolutely first. Earliest matrixes -1E/-1E seems to exist in either matt or fully laminated cover. Both also came on glossy label with large font "STEREO", later on the label would be matt and "STEREO" removed. Maybe there's no way to know exactly what sleeve variation came first - obviously they don't differ musically though I prefer the laminated for keeping the images fresh through the years. This copy (guaranteed unswapped) also shows the laminated was pressed for some time parallel to the matt. It has the same glossy label design as first, but with rim, -2E matrixes and slightly thinner vinyl.