Hoho, I don't get Lou Reed. In 1976, he apparently claimed Dylan's worth was "two, maybe three songs", and that "It’s unfortunate for Dylan that studio techniques have improved to the point that it’s very hard for him to conceal any longer how musically bad he is". Sigh. I really don't get it - has he heard himself on any of his albums? He's..he's imitating Dylan perfectly. Does he seriously not recognize that? For some reason, I find it so funny when he does some songs, probably because I can predict exactly which words he's going to stress and accentuate. Truly amazing.

There's more, of course. He said Van Morrison only had one good song (Madame George, off Astral Weeks), and that while Neil Young was a good guitarist, his lyrics were "so stupid … so West Coast dumb". Mr. Reed, really. Heh, he sure seems like the atypical heartless so and so, but unfortunately some of his stuff is really good. If he was implying that he was better than the rest of them, though, I'd have to disagree. No doubt he was good, but rock 'n roll messiah he was not.

Of course, just because he imitates Dylan doesn't mean that it's hypocritical for him to dismiss Dylan. But it isn't in very good taste, that's for sure. And what's more, it seems a bit facetious, and purposely controversial. Perhaps if it were an artist of lesser repute, but Dylan? Nah, you have to provide some substantial reason to be taken seriously and not look like a total jerk. Then again, maybe he just wanted to get a few kicks. After all, he did have his "bad boy" image to preserve.

It also seems that Reed isn't the only one who isn't gaga over Dylan - fellow Velvet Underground bandmate Sterling Morrison confesses that he is a "Dylan hater". Sterling also thinks rock music isn't meant to be listened to for the lyrics, which is actually quite interesting. Maybe I'll write about that later on. There must be something about that band, eh? Yet their first album is so good..shucks, the inconsistencies are maddening. Not that I'd bash VU if they were really bad , of course.

It would appear that he changed his mind before he appeared on Dylan's 30th Anniversary concert celebration though, when he perfomed a hard-rocking version of Foot Of Pride. I wonder what would've happened backstage on that day...

An old saying that goes with the first VU album is that virtually no one heard it, but whoever did formed a band. After reading that and listening to the album, there's no way that you can't think the same thing! There probably isn't a weak song in the darn thing, actually, except of course the disastrous European Son. But otherwise, it's got it all - dark lyrics, creepy violas, eastern & German influences, and Dylan imitations! Heh couldn't resist that last one. But it's a seriously good album, and probably a must-have in any rock fan's collection - the sound is rather unique. After all this talk about Reed, I am a bit miffed with the band, but I forgive them.