MONOLITH OR MONOTONE?
A review of Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music.
I have a few theories concerning this new Lou Reed album:
1. In general, Lou is not excessively fond of other members of the human race, so this album is, or wants to be, some kind of ultimate antisocial act. When the MC5 debuted, John Sinclair said that they and their music would “make you feel it or leave the room.” Lou wants to make music that’ll make you feel it and leave the room. That way he can be happy: alone, with his machines. Has he succeeded? No. Everybody stayed put when it came on. They chuckled at it and went back to their chores. (If Lou really wants to get into irritation scientifically, he should study the work of somebody like Sparks.) He has succeeded in taking a hissing muzak whiz. Perhaps I should also mention that I like this record. Why? Because I am an Insect Death buff.
