Review of Lou Reed's "Ecstasy" album (2000)

[@MrLouRules]

Another great review of a great, great album. Your closing comments about why you love Lou Reed's music so much pretty much encasulates my own feelings - though i must confess you manage to express them far better than I ever could. All I can say to people when asked why I am so seemingly so obsessed with his music is that when I first heard a Lou Reed song it was as though a light had suddenly been switched on. Pure and simple. Keep the reviews coming!!

[@CalicoSilver]

Wow, thanks very much for your great comment. Yes it is hard to explain to most people why we enjoy Lou Reed's music so much. I've pretty much stopped trying to do so. I make these videos for people who know why I would make these videos, people like you! Great to meet other Lou fans. Cheers! Jeff

[@electricfence61]

Thanks so much Jeff, love this album, and love this review.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Mick!

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Really enjoyed it Jeff!! I'm not familiar with this album I may have to go back and try to find it on CD!! Thanks for putting these together for us these are very informational I know they took time to put together so thank you

[@CalicoSilver]

It's a good one, Rod! I think there is a double-LP vinyl version of it also.

[@rocky-o]

hey jeff...as you know, this my favorite lou reed album....new york comes in a close second (and animal serenade is a great live album), but ecstasy is his best....the title track and rock minute alone are magnificent, but the whole album is just brilliant...thank you for your introspection...always brilliant as well...peace my friend...rocky

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Rocky. When I am done "reviewing" (and I use that word with great humility) these Lou albums, I am going to re-rank them and see how much the new ranking differs from the old. It will be interesting. I am thinking that "Ecstasy" (which I'd already ranked quite high) might move up some notches.......but then again, I think that about many of Lou's albums, because I can't think of one example of a Lou album that has faded in my estimation over time. They all get better with time. Same with Dylan. Thanks for your comments! Jeff

[@stephenrostkoski837]

Great examination of the album and Lou in general, Jeff. I like how you describe chord progressions. I'm a sucker for certain chord progressions (why do you think Townshend is my favorite guitarist?), but can only describe them as "the cool parts." I think you nailed it by citing sensitivity as a major part of why fans enjoy Reed so much. I think the mark of a great artist is when they can take other people to unfamiliar places and experiences and make them universal. A heads up: My review of Neil Young's latest four archival releases will be posted this Friday.

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Stephen! Yeah, I should make more videos about chord progressions, now that I have achieved some ability to play my guitar again (don't have a piano here with me now) due to physical therapy on my fingers. But like you, I love chords also. Harmonies. I don't get overly technical about the "music theory" of music (zzzzzz) but I love it when I hear it and play it. And yes, Lou would not have had nearly the widespread appeal if it were not for his ability to reach people who were not native New Yorkers, etc., haha! He achieved his goal of taking rock and roll and presenting it as art, IMHO. Thanks for the heads up on your upcoming Neil Young blog! Cheers, Jeff

[@stephenrostkoski837]

@@CalicoSilver My Neil Young review is now posted. Next week: Pete Townshend!

[@lordbyron6293]

I really should listen to this album more often. The lyrics and guitar work are so good, but I usually put on New York, Take No Prisoners, New Sensations, or VU stuff. I'm definitely going to listen to this tomorrow.

[@CalicoSilver]

I love New York, Take No Prisoners, New Sensation, and VU also, so I don't blame you for choosing those albums. Great stuff. Other than Metal Machine Music or his new age album, I can't think of any Lou album that I don't enjoy at pretty much any time. Even The Bells, which I am quite so-so on personally, I do enjoy anyway. Thanks for your comment! Cheers. Jeff

[@gorvo31]

Hey Jeff, wonderful extended, insightful hangout here as ever. Have always appreciated how you go deep and dissect the music and it never sounds clinical. Again, just like we're hanging. Sounds like a heavy and passionate one from Lou indeed. By the way, did I hear you say you're all overseas? Thanks as always for sharing. -Carm

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Carm. I knew as soon as the words "living abroad" left my lips that I was inadvertently suggesting that I was living out of the USA....which I suppose is what "living abroad" means. But no, I just meant I was living on the road, so to speak. We sold our home in Florida in January and have been living in different places since. But still in USA. Haha. Anyway, thanks for your nice comments as always. Always great hearing from you! Cheers. Jeff

[@scottross4280]

I would like to hear your thoughts on some more contemporary musicians. What do you think of Ezra Furman? (1) Ezra Furman - "Rock & Roll" (3/10/22) - KZbin

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Scott. You're probably going to hate what I have to say here. I have heard several songs by him and I think Ezra Furman is fine. I think just about ALL of the "contemporary musicians" I've heard over the past 10-20 years are fine. They play the same chord progressions, the same repeating melodic phrases, sing with the same affected vocal stylings, perform on the same instruments......as all of the "contemporary musicians" of 2,3, or 4 generations ago. In other words, derivative and boring. I have not heard one single new or original idea from a "contemporary musician" in 30 years. I am not putting anyone down on purpose here, but that is just how I see it. And that is why I have not bothered commenting on newer music on my channel (except for Life Without Buildings or Bjork, both of whom emerged over 30 years ago). The music my generation listened to was absolute NOISE and almost offensive to my parents' and grandparents' generations. The music of today BORES today's parents and grandparents. Again, I don't say any of this to offend you or anyone else - it is just my opinion. Jeff

[@scottross4280]

@@CalicoSilver I don’t hate what you said. I respect your opinions immensely. That’s why I watch your channel when I have a chance. I actually agree with you in general. But aren’t we all compelled to be the allies of our own gravediggers? And rock and roll is more about attitude and swagger than musical innovation, isn’t? Granted, there is a serious lack of genuine attitude and swagger these days, but it’s not non-existent. Anyways, keep up the good work on your videos and thanks for taking the time to respond.

[@CalicoSilver]

@@scottross4280 Good point, Scott. Yes I agree that rock and roll is about the gut and not the intellect necessarily. And I do enjoy some of the more contemporary acts for what they are. I will admit a bemused frustration that the "cutting edge" music of my day is considered even more cutting edge by today's standards, instead of the opposite. But then again, what do I know? Haha! Thanks for your comments - I really do appreciate them. Jeff

[@amherst88]

Thanks as always for sharing your take on things Jeff -- don't know his work as well as I'd like to & you're always inspiration for horizon-broadening. Off-topic but I wonder (as you have out-ed yourself as a non-Springsteen fan) if you've ever seen this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWbGoKWFl69_sMk

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks for that link. I am impressed with Bruce's guitar playing here. Excellent performer, no doubt about it. I'd probably really enjoy one of his shows, just for the passion and energy he puts into them. Cheers! Jeff

[@amherst88]

@@CalicoSilver I get that growing up in N. Carolina puts you in a bit of a different musical 'map' than some of us (which is part of why I so enjoy your posts) -- I grew up in a post-industrial city outside of Boston and the music he makes is literally drawn from the atmosphere of that area of the country -- it actually surprised me that he became so popular in laid back places like CA. You're right, seeing him live is something else. If you're ever more curious, there is a film of his debut at the Hammersmith in London (in '75 I think) -- on the edge of becoming what he became, a threshold that captures a lot of earlier stuff and showcases the band as well. Hope you're still enjoying your travels.

[@Trifixion22]

Kind of strange that this was his last "proper" album. The only ones that came after this are Raven, that weird Taichi one, and Lulu. Definitely not one of his better album covers. I get it's called Ecstasy, but Lou making an o-face doesn't make for the most interesting cover. P.S. These comment bots are getting out of hand! Wish KZbin would do something about it. (but they won't do anything unless it involves censoring people)

[@CalicoSilver]

Yeah, the cover ranks right up there with Sticky Fingers as one of the worst album covers ever. Yes, you read that right - I HATE the Sticky Fingers cover. Haha. But then again, I'm not sure what other cover idea I'd come up with for an album called "Ecstasy".......but I'll bet I could've come up with something better, haha! It is the ONLY thing I don't like about the album, though. And yeah, only three albums left to review: The Raven, Animal Serenade (live) and Lulu. Looking forward to those reviews! As for the comment bots....you know damned well that KZbin could do something about them if they wanted to.....after all, KZbin seems to find ways to cancel/delete so many channels that I used to enjoy watching, just because they ASK QUESTIONS (heaven forbid). Thanks, Nick.