Looked at in retrospective an almost impossible project. By part rewriting and recycling songs from his Velvet Underground period and earlier solo albums generating a sort of rock opera about a couple - Jim and Caroline - deep down in drugs, prostitution and violence and making it commercial. It wasn't recieved well in US at first, scolded by crirics and only managing #98 on Billboard, while it did fine in Europe with top ten in many countries. Now considered a true classic and inspiration spawning dokumentaries, stage happenings and cover versions. As the world has changed while the album remained it sounds even better in today's context. The odd libretto conveyed by an art rock atmosphere, well performed and arranged yet personal, fits and makes it catchy in a strange way. Produced and arranged by Bob Ezrin, recorded in London and New York and guested by top names on both sides of the Atlantic - Jack Bruce, Aynsley Dunbar, Steve Winwood, B J Wilson, Michael Brecker, Steve Hunter and Tony Levin among others. With such a crew it just couldn't go wrong in the long run. Favorite tracks - "Lady Day", both "Caroline Says" and "Men Of Good Fortune". Issued and reissued all over the world on vinyl, 8-track, cassette and CD through the years. First US on RCA Victor orange label (APL1- 0207) with booklet. Premiere UK had label as shown here, thin matt cover and lyric insert. (RÖKÖ*)
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