Lou Reed
Hudson River Wind Meditations (2024 Reissue)
Light in the attic
January 23, 2024
Web Exclusive
Lou Reed's last solo recording released before his untimely death in 2013 is this gorgeous, quiet, all-instrumental, New Age-inspired set. It was originally intended (as the title implies) as background music for his yoga and later his tai chi practice before being given a wide release, initially in 2007 by the Sounds True label. Unavailable in any physical form for many years and officially on stream (apart from YouTube) until now, the album is now back in print thanks to the remarkable work of Light in the Attic and follows a 2022 release Words & Music, May 1965 as part two of the Lou Reed Archive series.
As a two-disc set, it splits nicely and evenly into four separate tracks, although it should be noted that “Move Your Heart” is split into two parts, each taking up an entire side. If this makes one think that sitting through this whole thing would be boring, I have to say that not only does it go by quickly, but with the right mood and setting, it can be incredibly hypnotic. When this album first came out, it was exciting as a longtime fan to hear Lou return to the drone of his polar but incredibly influential 1976 Metal Machine Music. Unlike that album, however, this music isn't meant to confront, but to soothe, and it does so beautifully.
The booklet and liner notes inside are also incredible, with beautiful photos and interviews with Reed's widow Laurie Anderson, Reed's longtime collaborator and friend Hal Wilner, and others detailing the painstaking creative process that led to creation of this beautiful album during its publication. in the context of what was going on in Reed's life at the time alongside his burgeoning interest in spirituality, Buddhism, tai chi, yoga and the like. 2024 may only be a few weeks away, but I'm sure it'll be on my best reissues list by the end of the year. (www.loureed.com)
Author Rating: 8/10
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