Lou Reed's 1978 masterpiece, Street Hassle, is a sonic exploration of the darker side of life, infused with the raw energy of glam rock, proto-punk, and art rock. Released on 1 February 1978 via Arista, this 36-minute album is a testament to Reed's innovative spirit and unapologetic style.
From the opening notes of 'Gimmie Some Good Times' to the closing strains of 'Wait', Street Hassle takes listeners on a journey through the gritty streets of New York City, with Reed's distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics painting vivid pictures of urban decay and rebellion. Tracks like 'Dirt' and 'I Wanna Be Black' showcase Reed's ability to craft infectious, high-energy rock songs, while 'Real Good Time Together' and 'Shooting Star' demonstrate his capacity for melancholic introspection.
With its eclectic blend of genres and themes, Street Hassle is a quintessential Lou Reed album, full of attitude, experimentation, and creative risk-taking. As a work of art, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking statement, one that continues to resonate with fans of innovative and uncompromising music.
Vinylscout