The Missing Link: Restored Rock 'n Roll Animal remains a classic from Lou's early solo era; Extended Versions adds to the legend. Taken together the two form a satisfying whole. "Vicious", "I'm Waiting for the Man" and "Oh, Jim" equal anything on Rock 'n Roll Animal; indeed, it's hard to understand how the original release omitted some of the gems you'll find here. Steve Hunter and the backing band are superb throughout. The missing link has been restored. Long live the rock 'n roll animal.
Rock N Roll Animal II Excellent album! Who says this "second set" from the R&RA sessions didn't achieve greatness??? "I'm Waiting For The Man" and "Oh Jim" are the amazing jammy standouts. If you loved R&RA as much as I do, you'll love this too. For fun you could iMix the whole thing into the full show: Intro/Sweet Jane, How Do You Think It Feels, Caroline Says I, I'm Waiting for the Man, Lady Day, Heroin, Vicious, Satellite of Love, Walk On the Wild Side, Oh Jim, Sad Song, White Light / White Heat E: Rock 'N' Roll
Be carefull, it's NOT REALLY an extended versions collection. Hmmm... this one was, first of all, not nicely marketed. The real title of this album, as released in the 80's, is ''Lou Reed Live''. Its content is no more than rests from the ''Rock & Roll Animal'' sessions, which despite of being his best-selling album is not EVEN a register of one of his best live performances. The first time I saw this item announced here, with no cover picture and the 'live' thing excluded from the title, I instantly bought it hoping that it was a compilation of extended versions and that I would, for instance, get the complete sax session of ''Walk On The Wild Side'' and other nice stuff for freakie fans. But this has not been the case, and due to the misleading title I got a 3rd unnecessary copy of ''Lou Reed Live''. If you really know what you're getting here (so-so Reed live performances), then go ahead and complete your collection. Otherwise go check ''Take No Prisoners'' for the raw, real acid Lou or ''Perfect Night live in London'', ''Animal Serenade'' or ''Lou reed live Italy'' for more anthological live performances.
One of the best live albums ever. The searing guitar work alone is worth the price. This CD is the necessary companion to Reed's "Rock 'n' Roll Animal."
after intermission I was pleased to hear about this album because Rock & Roll Animal is one of my favorite "live" albums of all time. If not one of my favorite of all time period! The musicians on that album are great, especially the bass player. My only complaint was that it didn't seem long enough. Then a friend told me he thought there was another album that contained the rest of the show. This was before I had internet access, so it was hard to find what I was searching for, espesially without a name for the album. I finally found it and the name said it all "Lou Reed Live" If your a big of a fan as I am of Rock & Roll Animal then you'll love this. It has all the songs that you might have imagined or wished were on Rock & Roll Animal, it was like coming back to the concert after a beer & bathroom break. As I said it has the same great musicians on it & Lou's singing couldn't be more emotional. The sound quality isn't up to todays standards but that's what I think gives it that great 70's "live" sound. The only thing that would make this album better is if they would package it as a 2 disc set. That would be a great introduction for any listener to Lou's genius. If your not a fan of live albums I'd suggest "Transformer & Berlin" for a great start. Both of those albums have songs represented here, as well as some of his work with The Velvet Underground. If you've purchased this c.d. grab your beer, take a seat & enjoy the show!
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