Set the Twilight Reeling

In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Lou Reed had built a formidable narrative with the steely eye of New York, the thoughtful collaboration with John Cale for the Andy Warhol tribute Songs for Drella, and an unflinching portrait of illness and death with Magic and Loss. It was time to turn up the amps and find release. "Egg Cream" blows off the cobwebs with its sweet and earnest celebration of the fizzy drink while the guitars burn through the drums. "NYC Man" throws in a horn section to gild the gritty realities. The E Street Band's Roy Bittan adds his grandiose piano to "Finish Line." "Sex with Your Parents" rails against social conservatives. Bassist Fernando Saunders add his rich lyricism to the bottom end. Laurie Anderson provides backing vocals to "Hang on to Your Emotions." The album is dedicated to her, and tunes like "Hooky Wooky," "The Proposition,” and the title track express an unusual level of joy and affirmation by Reed standards.