David Bowie Called Lou Reed and Metallica’s ‘Lulu’ a ‘Masterpiece’

Lulu, the 2011 collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica, was one of the most derided albums in recent memory, However, the album has one particularly reputable fan, David Bowie.

We've learned this from the speech Reed's widow, Laurie Anderson, gave at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night (April 18). "One of his last projects was his album with Metallica," she said. "And this was really challenging, and I have a hard time with it. There are many struggles and so much radiance. And after Lou's death, David Bowie made a big point of saying to me, 'Listen, this is Lou’s greatest work. This is his masterpiece. Just wait, it will be like Berlin. It will take everyone a while to catch up.'"

Upon the release of Lulu, hordes of critics practically fell over themselves to spew their invective in the most outrageous way imaginable. Our own review was more diplomatic, calling it "an odd and frequently ill-fitting pairing" and "long-winded and very pretentious stuff" while acknowledging that "Little Dog," "Pumping Blood," "Cheat on Me" and "Iced Honey" had their moments.

But even though Anderson admitted she may not have understood it at the time, the 18 months since Reed's death from liver problems in October 2013 have given her the opportunity to re-evaluate it.

"I've been reading the lyrics and it is so fierce," she continued. "It's written by a man who understood fear and rage and venom and terror and revenge and love. And it is raging. Anyone heard Lou sing 'Junior Dad' will never forget the experience of that song, torn out of the Bible. This was rock & roll taken to whole new levels."

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