If there existed the right words to summarize the tone of New York, the music industry, and the cultural sphere as the passing of Lou Reed sets in, Reed would have been the one to find them. His uncanny sense of the English language and wordplay made him the poet for a generation. Little did he know that he was writing poetry for the present day, as well. It's his words and keen sense of sonic construction that pump the very heart of what we gravitate towards, day in and day out.
Patti Smith said it best in a phone interview: "So many of us have benefited from the work he has done. We all owe him a debt. Most of us that owe a debt are not very happy to own up to it," she said. "Sometimes you like to imagine that you did everything on your own. But I think with Lou that everyone will stand in line to say thank you, in their own way."
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There is a saying in the music industry that can be attributed to instances like this: "When words aren't enough, sing." Expect a lot of singing over the next couple of weeks as more and more artists breathe life into that idiom, celebrating the life of man we are all, in some odd way, indebted to.
Twin Shadow, "Perfect Day"
George Lewis Jr., the voice behind Twin Shadow, lends his hypnotic production to Reed's classic. Simple, clean, and appropriately ethereal, this is one cover that will haunt you.
George Lewis Jr., the voice behind Twin Shadow, lends his hypnotic production to Reed's classic. Simple, clean, and appropriately ethereal, this is one cover that will haunt you.
Opening Photo: Courtesy of Lou Reed.
Arcade Fire, "Perfect Day" & "Satellite of Love"
In the middle of their NPR show, Arcade Fire twice paid tribute to Reed. Jump to the 00:17 minute mark for "Perfect Day" and then 00:22 mark for "Satellite of Love."
In the middle of their NPR show, Arcade Fire twice paid tribute to Reed. Jump to the 00:17 minute mark for "Perfect Day" and then 00:22 mark for "Satellite of Love."
Arctic Monkeys, "Walk on the Wild Side"
Vibes, on vibes, on vibes with the quartet's true-to-form cover.
Vibes, on vibes, on vibes with the quartet's true-to-form cover.
Moby & Julie Mintz, "Pale Blue Eyes"
Moby let Mintz take the lead with this one and stuck to the instrumental. Either way, a box of tissues might come in handy while listening to this.
Moby let Mintz take the lead with this one and stuck to the instrumental. Either way, a box of tissues might come in handy while listening to this.
Pearl Jam, "I'm Waiting for the Man"
The nostalgia of Pearl Jam combined with the imitable work of Reed? Sign us up.
The nostalgia of Pearl Jam combined with the imitable work of Reed? Sign us up.
The Killers, "Pale Blue Eyes"
Brandon Flowers & Co. kept it simple — just as it should be.
Brandon Flowers & Co. kept it simple — just as it should be.
Neil Young & Friends, "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'"
Said friends include Elvis Costello, My Morning Jacket, Jenny Lewis — a.k.a. feelings, many, many feelings.
Said friends include Elvis Costello, My Morning Jacket, Jenny Lewis — a.k.a. feelings, many, many feelings.
Gov't Mule, "Walk on the Wild Side," "Sweet Jane," and "I'm Waiting for the Man"
Warren Haynes invites the crowd to sing along, and so you should.
Warren Haynes invites the crowd to sing along, and so you should.
The Black Crowes, "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'"
The Velvet Underground and The Black Crowes — need we say more?
The Velvet Underground and The Black Crowes — need we say more?
Phish, "Rock & Roll"
Trey Anastasio, at the conclusion of this, said: "Thank you, Lou. You are the true father of rock and roll. We all are forever in your debt."
Trey Anastasio, at the conclusion of this, said: "Thank you, Lou. You are the true father of rock and roll. We all are forever in your debt."