Lou Reed, a legendary musician known for his provocative and boundary-pushing work, made a significant impact on the rock world with his daring musical choices. One of his most controversial moves was the release of 'Metal Machine Music,' a double-LP in 1975 that consisted solely of intense guitar feedback and effects. This bold artistic statement, made at the height of his commercial success, shocked and divided fans, leading to the album being pulled from the market after just three weeks.
Despite the initial backlash, 'Metal Machine Music' has since gained recognition as a landmark in noise and ambient music genres. Its avant-garde nature has found appreciation over time, with the album even being considered for release on RCA's classical label, Red Seal. The enduring influence of 'Metal Machine Music' was further highlighted by a tribute album titled 'Metal Machine Muzak,' set to be released on May 3.
'Metal Machine Muzak' features four extended tracks reimagining Reed's original work, created by indie rock luminaries Lou Barlow, Cory Hanson, W. Cullen Hart, and Mark Robinson. The album will be available in digital format or as a limited edition double vinyl set, pressed on 180-gram colored vinyl. Only 300 copies of the vinyl edition will be produced, with just 90 available for online purchase.
The tribute album was curated and released by Dave Gebroe, who drew inspiration from Reed's fearless approach to music. Gebroe envisioned a compilation that paid homage to Reed's groundbreaking experimentation, acknowledging the enduring impact of 'Metal Machine Music' on the music landscape. Reflecting on Reed's legacy, Gebroe emphasized the album's significance, stating that it remains a benchmark for artistic expression and a testament to Reed's uncompromising vision.
