Short Answer: Metal Machine Music Review
Metal Machine Music is an experimental double album by Lou Reed, released in 1975. It consists entirely of guitar feedback, with no traditional melody or lyrics. The album has been largely divisive among critics and fans, with some viewing it as a landmark avant-garde work, while others see it as self-indulgent noise. Despite the controversy surrounding the album, it remains a notable entry in Reed’s discography and a touchstone for experimental music.
How to Approach a Metal Machine Music Review: A Guide for Curious Listeners
Metal Machine Music is an album that has gained significant notoriety and admiration over the years. The experimental nature and sonic chaos of this record have made it a cult classic in the music world. However, approaching a review of such a polarizing album can be daunting for many curious listeners. Fear not! This guide will provide you with tips and tricks to help you navigate and understand Lou Reed’s masterpiece.
1. Embrace the Chaos
The first thing to keep in mind when approaching Metal Machine Music is that chaos is expected. Reed’s intention was to create a soundscape that was visceral, unorthodox, and hypnotic; he succeeded in spades. The best way to appreciate what Metal Machine Music has to offer is by embracing its chaotic nature.
2. Listen Loudly
One of the most noticeable elements of Metal Machine Music is how incredibly loud it is – at times overwhelming. It would help if you listened as loudly as possible to truly experience all the nuances that the album has to offer.
3.Suspend Judgement
Suspend judgment while listening because initial impressions may not always be accurate about what Reed had envisioned or wanted his listeners to perceive in specific tracks such as “Metal Machine II.” Be sure to approach everything with an open mind.
4. Pay Attention To Detail
Metal Machine Music comprises several layers of soundscapes – mechanical drones, interlocking feedback-loop medleys, guitar noise music, etcetera… All these components blend together seamlessly throughout most songs or fully dissipate by themselves at different points throughout others, meaning you must pay close attentionto detail from track-to-track, song-by-song..
5.Understand The Album’s Context
Metal Machine Music was released in 1975 during an era where artists were experimenting with different sonorities and sonic aesthetics, pushing musical boundaries further than ever before through their work -something which we shouldn’t forget appreciate for its groundbreaking character here since even some of the recent albums from our time do include MM’s influence. Understand that Reed’s vision made him an early pioneer and always keep this wider context into consideration.
6. Write From Your Joie De Vivre
For those looking to write a review of Metal Machine Music, it is important to bring your own characterization and enunciation to the table because Reed’s album is culturally fluid, harbors socioeconomic concerns throughout, as well as a dimensionality far remand and inclusive from any other song based collection of snippets we may hear in our era. With such an experimental album like Metal Machine Music, there is ample opportunity for you to showcase your own individual style of expressive writing – where your words can be funny and witty or philosophically influential… Whatever suits your riverboat fancy!
In conclusion, one should commend Lou Reed for his brave ideas and execution in creating an album that has genuinely withstood the eras that have followed on since its initial release date. It is a unique work of art that may not be easily appreciated by everyone but certainly deserves recognition for its uniqueness within its musical genre,and audacity at-large.
So go ahead! Listen more closely with each session,take plenty of notes and enjoy all the textures/rewards throughout Metal Machine Music – then express yourself fully upon writingyour analytical journey towards its appreciation But don’t forget: Suspend judgmentfirst; Embrace chaos; Listen Loudly; Pay attention to detail; Understand the Album’s Contextual valueadditions whilst Writing from YOUR joie-de-vivre… then Dear Writers/Listeners,the Metal will take care of itself!!
Breaking Down Metal Machine Music Review Step by Step
Metal Machine Music is a unique and controversial album that has been puzzling and dividing the music critics ever since it was released in 1975. The brainchild of rock iconoclast Lou Reed, Metal Machine Music is a sprawling, four-sided opus of feedback, distortion, and noise that is often likened to the sound of a garbage truck colliding with a jet engine. At first listen, it can be difficult to know what to make of this abrasive and seemingly unlistenable album. However, upon closer inspection and repeated listens, one may discover that there’s more than meets the ear when it comes to Metal Machine Music.
Firstly, before getting into any detail about the review itself I should highlight some background on Lou Reed himself as he remains one of the most influential figures in rock history who has always followed his own artistic vision. Best known as founder and lead vocalist for the Velvet Underground during their short-lived but hugely important run between 1964-1970 – due largely to Reed’s creative vision – he departed to pursue an unpredictable solo career journey that took twists in urban folk balladry right through glam rock theatrics.
Now moving onto our breakdown at first glance (and listen), we realize how tricky this could be – with no recognizable notes or melody let alone structure – however looking closer we can catch a glimpse of brilliance from Lou Reed surprisingly adding harmonic subtleties hidden just below several layers of distorted guitars. As a famed cynic who embraced harsh sounds before they became synonymous with avant-garde experimentation in popular music so you have an ill-advised yet innovative creation which transcended typical “music” boundaries.
The ever-persuasive influence behind Metal Machine Music must have drawn from Dr Frankenstein when constructing these monstrous tracks filled fuzzed out drones pushed past their breaking point while wildly placed textures become scrambled at random intervals over long takes via heart-racing distortion patterns – far beyond any normal album one would find.
Looking further into the review, you can understand how Lou Reed had an ironic approach embedded in his album – stripping away any familiar sounds from rock and pop plus mocking artist critics not comprehending the record. One can see through the ambition and demand of Reed to break free from conformity, departing from the Velvet Underground-style while still showcasing his legendary talent with a guitar.
In conclusion, we can say Metal Machine Music is nothing less than a work of art delivered by one of rock’s most daring minds ever – challenging constraints to push boundaries beyond traditional music. Although most listeners will be damned trying to make sense or endorse it as standard listening material, its avant-garde ethos prove this project deserves attention due to its contribution in rewiring the collective understanding of what constitutes “popular” music.
So whether you love it, hate it or something in between; Metal Machine Music is an undeniable must-listen – once experienced breaking down barriers between noise and music deciphering its magic will leave one hooked forevermore!
Metal Machine Music Review FAQ: Answering Your Burning Questions
Metal Machine Music is an album that has divided audiences since its release in 1975. It’s an experimental record by Lou Reed, which features no lyrics, no recognizable melody, and is void of any traditional song structure. Instead, it consists of distorted guitar feedback and noise that seems to have no end. And yet, it has developed a cult following over the years.
If you’ve never listened to Metal Machine Music before or want to know more about it, I’ve put together this handy FAQ to answer some of your burning questions.
Q: Is Metal Machine Music really music?
A: Yes! While it may not fit into the traditional definition of music that we’re used to, it is still technically music. Reed created patterns of sound with his guitar feedback and noise, which can be perceived as musical compositions.
Q: Why did Lou Reed create Metal Machine Music?
A: The origins of Metal Machine Music are shrouded in mystery. Some believe that Reed was trying to fulfill his contractual obligation with his record label by providing them with an album they wouldn’t want to release (he was unhappy with their promotion of his previous album). Others think that he was experimenting with sound in a way that had never been done before.
Q: Who would listen to this?
A: Fans of experimental music will appreciate what Reed accomplished with Metal Machine Music. It’s not for everyone though; those looking for catchy melodies or lyrics should stay away.
Q: Is there any rhyme or reason to the tracks on the album?
A: There is some sense of order within each track but as a whole , It’s hard for most people who don’t like dissonance and love conventional structures appreciate it . However , for those who are willing to surrender themselves completely into sheer sonic exploration will find solace in this masterpiece
Q: Did anyone actually like this when it was released?
A: Critics were harsh on the record, with some calling it “unlistenable” and labeling Reed as a fraud. However, there were some fans who appreciated what he was trying to do and found the album fascinating.
Q: How did Metal Machine Music influence music in the years that followed?
A: It is considered one of the earliest examples of noise rock, a genre that would become popular in the 1980s. It also played a role in shaping industrial music, which took elements from noise rock and added electronic instrumentation to create its own sound.
In conclusion, Metal Machine Music may not be for everyone, but it’s important to consider its place in music history. Lou Reed’s willingness to push boundaries and experiment with sound helped pave the way for future artists to explore uncharted territory. Give it a listen with an open mind (and maybe some earplugs) – who knows, you might discover something new about yourself!
The Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Metal Machine Music Review
Metal Machine Music, Lou Reed’s enigmatic and polarizing experimental noise album, has been a subject of fascination for music fans and critics alike since its release in 1975. Some consider it to be a groundbreaking work of art, while others view it as unlistenable nonsense. If you fall into the former category, then here are the top five facts you need to know about Metal Machine Music:
1. The album was intentionally created to be an assault on the ears
Lou Reed himself has stated that he wanted Metal Machine Music to be “desperately, brutally honest,” and intended it to be a “blatant mistake.” The decision to create an hour-long wall of screeching feedback was not motivated by any commercial or critical aspirations – Reed simply wanted to push boundaries and see what kind of reaction he could elicit from listeners.
2. It was never meant to be performed live
Metal Machine Music is essentially an hour-long abstract sound collage with no traditional song structures or melodies. Consequently, attempting to recreate it live would require a high level of improvisational skill and sonic manipulation. Although there have been some rare performances featuring Reed and other musicians playing variations on pieces from the album solo or periodically looping sections, these instances are few and far between.
3. The reception was divided from the start
When Metal Machine Music hit shelves in 1975, critics were quick to voice their displeasure over what they viewed as an exercise in unbridled noise pollution. In some cases they described it as “an act of sabotage” against Arista Records who had reportedly pushed him for more commercial pop-friendly output programming like his previous LPs Transformer (1972) and Sally Can’t Dance (1974). However several important voices like Lester Bangs – a critic whom Reed respected – saw this piece as substantially breaking new ground warranting serious consideration specifically praising his total committment towards creating something new with such a raw power.
4. It has influenced many musicians in the years since its release
Despite the critical backlash to Metal Machine Music, it has become something of a cult classic over the years, with fans and critics reevaluating and praising its audacity and innovation. Reed’s experimentation with feedback and distortion had an enduring impact on the development of punk rock, noise rock, industrial, shoegaze music and a whole range of other sub-genres that prioritized experimentalism over traditional notions of melody or structure. His work especially from his solo-era inspired generations of alternative rockers including Sonic Youth, Japanese Noise legends Merzbow (Masami Akita), Andrew WK & more.
5. There have been subsequent releases featuring remixes and reinterpretations of Metal Machine Music
In 2010 Lou Reed released “Metal Machine Trio” which was dedicated as ‘A homage to Metal Machine Music (MMM)’ assisted by two guitarists – Ulrich Krieger who had previously performed live versions for Reed himself in past decade including late guitarist Keith Splynter who unfortunately passed away early in TMT’s time together shortly after initial touring schedule without releasing any full album until then – where occasional recorded instances were publicly shared. The legend is now further extended as two surviving members Ralph Gibson (guitar) & Sarth Calhoun being teamed up again joined by Marco Eneidi forming fresh interpretations paying respect to original compositions adding freestyle improvisations between dynamic bursts of soundwaves resembling heavy metal thrashing at times paralleled with Nubian rhythms reminiscent of latter-day Sun Ra Arkestra line-ups. Another project by Danish noise musician Claus Poulsen renamed MMM2 led to his own take on it titled Zonk / Fog Tones – not only cited by many enthusiasts but also actively integrating other elements like samples taken from various source recordings manipulated electronically – touching upon dark ambient territory while sacrificing nothing substantial in terms keeping to the integrity presented by Reed.
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying the impact that Metal Machine Music has had on underground music and art culture. Lou Reed was one of the bravest musicians who used his platform to push artistic expression to its limits with nary a care for commercial hazards or critical adulation – if you take anything away from his disrupted catalogue, let it be that innovation is always worth taking risks even if in your heart you know accolades may elude yet making possible any triumphant liberation at last!
Appreciating the Artistry of Lou Reed’s Experimental Work Through a Metal Machine Music Review
Lou Reed is recognized as an influential musician of the 20th century, known for his innovative and experimental work that shifted the paradigms of rock music. His album “Metal Machine Music” was an erratic, unorthodox composition consisting of a seemingly endless barrage of feedback, distortion, and noise that challenged conventional musical structures. While initially received with bafflement and negative criticism, Lou Reed’s “Metal Machine Music” represents both avant-garde artistry at its most brilliant and challenging.
Released in 1975 on RCA Records, the album’s four sides stretch over an hour-long soundscape that transcends expectations to offer a whole new world of musical exploration. The captivating thing about Metal Machine Music is not necessarily its sound but rather what it attempts to accomplish: pushing boundaries beyond what any other artist had attempted before.
The title alone serves as a potent clue into the purposeful eschewing of traditional guitar-based rock instrumentation in favor of a high-frequency drone reminiscent (if far more extreme) meshing together Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band and Aphex Twin’s most out-there tracks. Listening to Metal Machine Music can make one feel like they’re standing in front of a light rail or inside an industrial complex where sound ricochets off steel walls.
It’s hard to pick standout moments from such an intentionally abrasive album; however, side two exemplifies Metal Machine Music’s greatness through the sheer diversity within its noisy drones. As if playing off each other in tongue-in-cheek response to those who argue for traditional song length structure — or even melody — Lou deliberately ups both factors by throwing numerous listeners off-beat with occasionally speedy jolts here; pauses there.
Despite being considered by many critics as Lew Reed’s most “unlistenable” record,” Metal Machine Music has become revered by some musicians who credit it for expanding their understandings not only of what popular music could be but also how it could be presented. It is genuinely an album that’s either loved or not understood, but perhaps like anything truly avant-garde and progressive, its significance comes from being uncompromisingly unique in spirit.
In conclusion, Lou Reed’s “Metal Machine Music” remains a significant cultural artifact of the 20th century that encapsulates the creative spirit of experimentation in its purest form. It’s an album that challenges preconceptions of what constitutes as music and pushes boundaries to create something mesmerizingly new. Regardless of whether one considers it art or merely noise, the legacy of Metal Machine Music speaks volumes within those who allow themselves to embrace its power and appreciate how it subverts norms creatively.
From Controversy to Cult Status: A Look Back at Metal Machine Music Review’s Legacy
Metal Machine Music is considered one of the most notorious albums in rock history. Released by Lou Reed in 1975, the album was a sonic departure from his previous work and caused uproar among critics and fans alike. A double-album consisting of four side-long tracks of blistering guitar feedback and screeching noise, the album was initially dismissed as unlistenable and mocked by critics as a joke.
However, over time Metal Machine Music has achieved cult status amongst experimental music enthusiasts, with many considering it to be an early example of noise rock and influential on genres such as industrial, ambient, and drone music. The album was also groundbreaking in its use of distortion and unconventional techniques, which inspired artists such as Sonic Youth and Nine Inch Nails.
Despite initial negative reactions to the record, Metal Machine Music became a lightning rod for discussion around avant-garde music at the time. The controversy surrounding the album earned Reed a reputation as a musical provocateur who defied industry convention. This reputation helped enhance Reed’s position as an outsider even further: following Metal Machine Music’s release he went on to collaborate with Brian Eno on several critically acclaimed records that firmly placed him on the experimental edge of popular culture.
The echoes of Metal Machine Music are still felt today; when contemporary musicians unveil something radical that shakes up convention they inevitably face comparisons to Reed’s masterpiece – often to their benefit or detriment depending on how far outward their own creativity extends. Certainly few records have ever polarized audiences quite this much – pitting art vs commerce so sharply against each other; Raw noise against listener comfort.
In conclusion, although it started out controversially, Lou Reed’s ‘Metal Machine Music’ pushed boundaries beyond anyone’s imagination not just musically but conceptually too—effectively carving out new lanes for genres-to-be down-and introducing thousands upon thousands of people to become fascinated by (and also horrified by) what creative experimentation can achieve. Lou Reed continues to be one of music’s greatest antiheroes, and his legacy with Metal Machine Music is a testament to both his willingness to experiment and the enduring power of avant-garde music.
Table with Useful Data:
| Title | Artist | Release Date | Genre | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Machine Music | Lou Reed | July 1975 | Experimental rock | 3/5 |
| Metal Machine Trio | Thurston Moore, Jim O’Rourke, and Mats Gustafsson | January 2011 | Free jazz, Noise rock, Experimental rock | 4.5/5 |
| Metal Machine Music: The Amine β Ring | Lou Reed | October 2010 | Experimental rock, Avant-garde | 3.5/5 |
| Metal Machine | Nicolas Collard | May 2008 | Experimental music, Ambient | 3.8/5 |
Information from an expert:
Metal Machine Music, released in 1975, is one of the most controversial experimental albums in rock history. Composed entirely of guitar feedback loops and treated sounds, it’s often cited as one of the first examples of noise music. While some fans consider it a masterpiece that influenced generations of experimental musicians to come, others dismiss it as an unlistenable mess. Reviewing Metal Machine Music requires an open mind and a willingness to embrace noise as a musical form. From my expert perspective, Metal Machine Music is an important work that paved the way for noise, industrial and ambient music genres.
Historical fact:
Metal Machine Music, a double album consisting entirely of guitar feedback and noise by Lou Reed, was initially met with scathing reviews and considered a commercial failure upon its release in 1975, but over time it has gained recognition as an influential work in the development of various music genres such as industrial, noise rock, and ambient music.