Lou Reed: Berlin
Recording of an integral live performance of the legendary album Berlin, released fifty years ago, directed by Julian Schnabel (Basquiat). In memory of Lou Reed, who died ten years ago.
When BERLIN was released in 1973, the album garnered scathing reviews. ‘There are certain records that are so patently offensive that one wishes to take some kind of physical vengeance on the artists that perpetrate them. Reed’s only excuse for this kind of performance can only be that this was his last shot at a once-promising career. Goodbye, Lou’, Rolling Stone wrote.
The album is now considered a classic and was included by Rolling Stone in its list of best albums of all time. On the concept album, Reed tells the tragic story of Caroline and Jim; a raw account of addiction, domestic violence and suicide. In 2006, Reed performed the entire album live, during a series of concerts at St Anna’s Warehouse in New York. Director Julian Schnabel (THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY) captured those concerts impressionistically. The result is a sober recording of a mythical performance with Lou Reed on top form.