Classic Albums: Lou Reed - Transformer(2001)

This installment of the Classic Albums series looks at the making of Lou Reed's seminal glam-rock solo album, Transformer, featuring a relaxed Reed (though decidedly less glam than he was in '72) looking like he's having the time of his life as he reminisces and isolates separate tracks to illustrate how the album came together. Bassist Herbie Flowers demonstrates how he recorded the swingy, impossibly catchy bass riff in "Walk on the Wild Side," and coproducer David Bowie makes a brief appearance, as do many of Reed's contemporaries and fellow musicians. Many express delight that the tracks sound as fresh as they did when they were recorded, especially "Vicious" and "Perfect Day." DVD bonus interviews include a fascinating tale from Reed on how he first met Andy Warhol--while he and the Velvet Underground were playing in a seedy Village café, being attacked by drunken sailors offended by one of their songs. --Anne Hurley
　　Lou Reed with the help of Andy Warhol at the 'Factory', made The Velvet Underground a massively influential band. However it was Transformer, Lou Reed's second solo album, which took him from cult hero of The Velvet Underground to international superstar status.
　　The program takes a track-by-track look at the album, which was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson. In an exclusive interview in New York, Lou Reed talks of the making of the album and together with Ken Scott, the original engineer, takes us through the multi-track tapes of "Perfect Day" "Vicious", "Satellite Of Love" and "Walk On The Wild Side" amongst others. In London Herbie Flowers shows us how the bass line on "Walk On The Wild Side" was recorded, creating what is one of the most famous riffs in popular music. Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics talks of Lou Reed's influence on him as a songwriter and musician. The program is illustrated throughout with archive footage of Lou Reed in concert, The Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol and the 'Factory' and features exclusive new acoustic material from Lou.
　　This program provides a unique insight into the process behind the recording of Transformer, which perfectly captured the spirit of the early 1970's, and illustrates why today it is still considered a truly Classic Album.