Wild Child



Lou in '72

Lou Reed released eight albums with RCA between 1972 and 1976.  In 1977 after he left them, RCA released a compilation of these years, a 1981 re-issue of which I found at a car boot sale for £2.

Lou Reed - Walk On The Wild Side: The Best Of (1977).
The set of Polaroids on the cover feature Lou with
former long- term partner Rachel; a transgender man.

It contains songs from six albums, from 72's self-titled debut through to 76's Coney Island Baby.  1972's Transformer is the most represented album with three tracks appearing.  It has to be said that for a collection of his more mainstream material, the non-appearance of Perfect Day is puzzling.

Thankfully though, there's nothing from 75's Metal Machine Music; a double LP of feedback loops.

This collection is really geared towards the more casual fan (like me).  Definitely a walk on the safe side in terms of Reed's overall solo output, but a great introduction.

Top tracks (Spotify):

Lou Reed – Sweet Jane    Lou Reed – Wild Child    Lou Reed – New York Telephone Conversation