Rock 'N' Roll Animal

Lou’s band at this time are tight as hell but create space to jam and showcase their musical skills. The Into/Sweet Jane is one of the greatest beginnings to any rock album. Stunning fret work. In my opinion the album is bookended by my 2 favourite songs. The afore mentioned’ Intro/Sweet Jane and the final track : the irresistibly catchy ‘ Rock n Roll.’ On this musical odyssey we go from lead guitar glory to Prakash John’s bass workout. Which has stood the test of time as one of the ‘ funkiest and groovy bass workouts ‘ EVER. Treat yourself and buy this CD. GLORIOUS.I owned this on Vinyl back in 1980 and it didn’t have these 2 songs on it1/ Caroline Says I2/How Do You Think It Feels I can’t recall whether Steve Hunter was mentioned on the Vinyl.Much as I bemoan the ‘ death of vinyl ‘ the revamped CD album comes packed with Lou’s life and band member stories.( Which I have yet to read ). If after Listening to Transformer : most peoples intro to Lou : I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND “ Rock n Roll Animal “ as the next port of call. An awesome sonic experience. Play LOUD and then LOUDER !! All killer : No filler.Lou Reed. RIP.

Good music

Heard this in the 70s long players in those days! It hasn't lost any of its raw power on CD Lou Reed is a total master he can keep u involved listening I mean right to the end

Amazing live album though unrepresentative of most of his records. I still love it 45 years after buying it as a 15 year old. Great to have the extra music that wasn’t on the original vinyl.

Here is Lou and that amazing seventies super band letting rip in an old theatre, the low-fi Velvet Underground are given the seventies crunch, funk and disco swagger, showcasing the monster riffs submerged in the mellow VU early outings. The creepy swirling organ that fills the thirteen minutes of heroin could be the ceremonial accompaniment to rock & roll's black mass and Lou Reed in dog collar and black leather officiating as High Priestess. Can you imagine Heroin with a pulsing disco beat after intermitting with long hypnotic, guitar splashes? it shouldn't work, is almost a travesty, but it does by Jove! The funk is released in the famous wah-wah section of Rock n' Roll, that wet rippling effect-- what can you say? with typical understated Lou Reed cool the album is "alright."

Superb

The opening intro to "Sweet Jane" should be by rights used as a teaching aid for all budding axemen who are looking for a sound worth emulating, this is Classic Lou Reed at the Pinnacle of his career, after this nothing much of note has come our way, so snap this up before it gets deleted or something similar that happens to old rock and rollers.I particularly like "Heroine" not the drug,only the song which accurately states "It's my wife and it's my life" this song should probably be banned because sadly it almost glorifies everything mum and dad hope their sons and daughters will not get intobut ironically it's cautionary as well because it speaks of the highs and lows I like it it's dirty street wise feeling.It has a cracking tongue in cheek song "Rock And Roll" which ends the set and could so easily be misunderstood "Despite all the amputation you a can dance to a rock and roll station" only Lou Reed could write that.

ALL TIME CLASSICThis CD is a long overdue replacement for my very worn vinyl album.Like some other reviewers I was fortunate enough to attend the gig on this Tour at Newcastle City Hall over 40 years ago. I went as a 20 year old student not quite knowing what to expect and initially thought during ' Intro' it was another support act. How wrong I was! . Even now this still ranks as one of the best gigs I have been to ( and I have been to a lot in 40 years) The sheer vitality , energy and musicianship of the band really stands out especially the interplay between the twin lead guitars. Live Classic Rock at its finest,To the VU devotees who moan about this CD , don't be so precious and accept this album for what it is - the embodiment of a vibrant live performance,