Included with the DVD is an interview with Reed who talks about creating the original Metal Machine Music back in 1975. Unfortunately, the interviewer isn't the greatest, but Reed confirms my long-time belief that he is a highly intelligent, thoughtful, and creative man. The sound for both the CD and DVD are superlative, and the option exists for 5.1 surround sound.
Metal Machine Music was never intended to be popular music; in fact Reed took it to the classical music section of RCA when he first recorded it. Like his more recent composition, Hudson River Wind Meditations this is an experiment in composition with sound and tone. The performance that has been recorded on this CD/DVD set is an amazing reproduction of electronic music utilizing only acoustic instruments.
To paraphrase Reed, nothing beats live instruments for the immediacy and excitement that's generated. Watching and listening to this live performance of Metal Machine Music really brings that home. It might not be for everyone, but for those who are believers in the potential and possibilities of what can be created completely live, without tapes or machines, this is certainly vindication. In all honesty, I can say that you've probably never seen or heard anything quite like this.
Leave aside your preconceptions of what you think music should be, and take a step into the new and dangerous by listening to Metal Machine Music as performed by the zeitkratzer ensemble and Reed live at the Berlin Opera House. You might just be in for a surprise and find you appreciate something new and exciting.
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Nice write-up, Richard, but these days home is where I hang my preconceptions. So Mister, you're a better man than me.
2 - Bill Berkley
Totally agree with your review. The new MMM live album is a joy to behold. In many ways, Zeitkratzer's spin is even better than Lou's original 1975 milestone album. Great stuff. In fact, startling!
3 - JC Mosquito
Does it come with a lyric sheet?
4 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
I think the long-delayed follow-up to MMM, 'Lyric Sheet Metal Music', will contain vocals and printed lyrics.
5 - Diamanda Galas
Metal Machine Matzah! I taught Lou Reed everything I know.
Now about that new Siouxsie solo album...
6 - Dave Futrell
Another triumpth for Zeitkratzer, Berlin's best avant-garde chamber music ensemble. This is the most exciting album since Iggy and the Stooges Raw Power. Bliss.
7 - Jeff C.
Does anyone know if Metal Machine Music was ever release on 8-track cartridge tape back in '75?
8 - Richard Marcus
Jeff
As far as I know the only deviation from normal vinal was that it was also released in Quadrophonic sound. I really doubt RCA bothered with any other format after the first three week's sales were such a disaster.
Richard
9 - Wayne Trower
Actually, Jeff C is right. There was an 8-Track Cartridge tape release of Metal Machine Music in 1975. Creem magazine online details the cartridge tape.
10 - Porter Gee
Who could forget Lester Bangs' seminal album review of Metal Machine Music, originally published in Creem magazine in 1975 (reprinted online courtesy of Rock N Roll Net...
11 - Making Ears Bleed Since 1975
Music critics these days are fond of characterizing Lou Reed's 1975 double album Metal Machine Music as "misunderstood," which is pretty pale verbiage considering what the four solid LP sides of layered, dissonant, speed-adjusted guitar feedback and screeching electronic noise hath wrought. Dig the new sound, same as the old sound. Check your moneymaker.
12 - JC Mosquito
Oddly enough, Jeff C, mein doppelganger, I had MMM on 8 track all those years ago. I'm sure it sounds much better on CD.
13 - JC Mosquito
Hahahaha! "Sheet Metal" Music! I just got it!
14 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Thanks, JC.
15 - Robocop IV: Mommy's Crying
First Lou Reed tours Berlin in Europe in 2007, and now he revisits Berlin again by collaborating with a Berlin-based chamber music ensemble called Zeitkratzer. Is the Berlin connection deliberate or a coincidence? I remember reading when Lou wrote the Berlin album in 1973, he'd never even been to Berlin. Iggy Pop and David Bowie did it for him a few years later. Almost hilarious. But then again, Bowie always followed whatever Lou was into. I draw the line at Tin Machine.
16 - Bettina
I love the cd and DVD
The original I never played completely. But I like this one!
Bettina