The late ‘70s weren’t a particularly good time for Velvet Underground ex-bandmates, but that was true of virtually any artist from the ‘60s who was still hanging on.

Times were changing, and although it seemed highly unlikely that Lou Reed or John Cale would lose their cool mystique (and they didn’t), they didn’t seem to know how to confidently move forward either. There are good moments (and we cover them) but none of the albums in this episode could be considered ‘classic’. At best, the most well-known record in this group is famous for being notorious and unbearable. Still, it happened, and I’m here to cover it, warts and all. So, we rip our way through a few albums by both Lou Reed and John Cale, heading for better times.

Featured Tracks:

Mr. Wilson – John Cale

Guts – John Cale

Metal Machine Music (excerpt) – Lou Reed

My Maria – John Cale

China Sea – John Cale

Cable Hogue – John Cale

I Keep a Close Watch – John Cale

Nowhere at ALL – Lou Reed

Crazy Feeling – Lou Reed

Coney Island Baby – Lou Reed