Filmed over the span of 5 nights at the St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, Lou Reed finally performs his conceptual album Berlin in its entirety after 33 years. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t NOT playing a non-commercially successful album in concert go against what a true artist stands for? Was Lou throwing a hissy fit for the past 33 years, refusing to give what his most loyal fans really wanted to hear him play onstage? What a whiny knob. He practically makes you feel guilty for even watching him as he lazily muddles through his onstage performance. He’s never been the most dynamic musician, but I think he only smiles once and probably because he thought the cameras weren’t rolling. The green-ish projections and lighting create the perfect mod for that ambiance, but I half-expected to catch him peering at his watch hoping for his hellish ordeal to be put to an abrupt end. Director Julian Schnabel set the perfect tone but after a while it does get tired and falls a smidgen flat.
The concert is nicely intercut with images of actress Emmanuelle Seigner portraying the infamous “Caroline” with musical guests Antony (from Antony & The Johnsons) and an always delightful-yet-short glimpse at soul singing living legend Sharon Jones leading the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Maybe the concert would’ve also benefitted by the inclusion of Berlin studio session musicians like Jack Bruce, Steve Winwood or Aynsley Dunbar, I assume their schedules are wide open.
Listening to Berlin for the first time now I’m still not quite sure why this wasn’t a success back in 1973; granted the songs aren’t radio friendly but they pack enough punch to have a lasting effect, but maybe it’s because I’m listening to this live and not as a studio recording. Apparently when Reed originally recorded this album he set out to produce the most depressing album of all time. Sorry to burst your bubble, Lou, but maybe you’ve heard a little upstart called Leonard Cohen who kinda had that market cornered a few years prior.
InAn Excerpt From “Spectacle: Elvis Costello With Lou Reed & Julian Schnabel
Schnabel talks about his stalker obsession with Reed before they became the best of pals, begging the question: Who knew Elvis Costello hosted a talk show?
Berlin on Tour:
Clips from the world tour that should’ve happened over 30 years ago when Reed was slightly less frightening to look at.
I’m sure this live performance of Berlin is a treat for die-hard fans, but for the rest of us it’s like watching a talented musician trying to relive a glory he never experienced the first timer around. I can fully appreciate the musicians’ craftsmanship, but unless you’re in the right mood to not fidget through this, your face might slowly start drooping like Reed’s. Entertaining songs (with “Sad Song” being a major highlight) but unfortunately I can’t say the same for its writer/performer.
