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Lou Reed — Rock 'N' Roll
Album: Rock 'n' Roll Animal
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1220









Released: 1974
Length: 9:34
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Jenny said when she was just five years old
You know there's nothing happening at all
Every time she puts on the radio
There was nothing goin' down at all
Then one fine mornin' she puts on a New York station
She couldn't believe what she heard at all
She started dancin' to that fine fine music
You know her life was saved by Rock 'n' Roll

Despite all the amputations
You could just dance to a rock 'n' roll station

Jenny said when she was just five years old
My parents are gonna be the death of us all
Two TV sets and two Cadillac cars--
Ain't gonna help us at all

Then one fine mornin' she puts on a New York station
She don't believe what she heard at all
She started dancin' to that fine fine music
You know her life was saved by Rock 'n' Roll

Despite all the computations
You could just dance to a rock 'n' roll station
And it was alright.
Comments (105)add comment
One of the best live rock albums. Lots of high energy guitar work. Enjoy at max volume .
Posted 8 months ago by dlirious    [ Reply ]
GREAT TUNE! GREAT ALBUM!  Sweet Jane/ Intro is my favorite from this album. Thanx RP   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
One of the definitive voices of R&R.
Posted 2 years ago by zurcronium    [ Reply ]
I got to live in NYC for a year - 1980-81 - I was 19/20 - Had the time of my life..
Anything by Lou Reed, and Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' make me feel that year more than anything in music. I love it.
Posted 4 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Ramones - Do You Remember Rock N Roll
Elvis Costello - Radio, Radio
Lou Reed - Rock 'N' Roll

Well played sir, well played.

(Duke Ellington - Caravan being an especially nice intro)
Posted 4 years ago by nmcvaugh    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
Well, he died of liver disease in the Hamptons.  I suppose that jives with a NYC nightclub staple.

No criticism; just noting something that seems a bit out of joint with his early persona.

This tune's a solid 9, especially because of the guitar and bass noodling at the end.
 

I once "died" in East Hampton, too. Kinda sorta but not really. My liver was working fine at the time, so there was... that. Whew! 
Posted 5 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
 Shaggy27 wrote:
Lou was an awful human being. Great artist. Awful person.
 



Halls of Morrissey. Have always had to closet-choreograph to this one.  Proving you CAN separate the art from the artist. If you don't try too hard. 
Posted 5 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
Lou was an awful human being. Great artist. Awful person.
Posted 5 years ago by Shaggy27    [ Reply ]
Well, he died of liver disease in the Hamptons.  I suppose that jives with a NYC nightclub staple.

No criticism; just noting something that seems a bit out of joint with his early persona.

This tune's a solid 9, especially because of the guitar and bass noodling at the end.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
What a talent!!
Posted 5 years ago by danthebeachman    [ Reply ]
 phlattop wrote:
Classic tune but could do without the mindless noodling on the guitar near the end.
 
Bite your tongue this man is a god
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Wonder if there was a way to rate this above a 10
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Go for it Lou!!!
Posted 5 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Why have I never heard this? Amazing guitar work.
Posted 5 years ago by be4con    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Don't know that I have ever heard this?!  {#Eyes}   Excellent!  
 
Me either!  Great!
Posted 5 years ago by dziebell    [ Reply ]
Holy shit. This song makes me drive too fast. Such. Good. Music.
Posted 5 years ago by Gregfine    [ Reply ]
Makes me think of big Lou Reed fan Belgian Raymond van het Groenewoud's 'Meisjes'.
Posted 5 years ago by Dick_Klees    [ Reply ]
have this one on original vinyl; smokin!
Posted 5 years ago by masonatlas    [ Reply ]
Why can’t you play the whole fucking song? What is this, commercial radio? I won’t pay for that either.
Posted 5 years ago by kurt_from_kanada    [ Reply ]
Mitch Ryder perfected this one
Posted 5 years ago by chuck.b.meyers    [ Reply ]
Never gets old. Mick Ronson and Lou Fuckin Reed. This is rock n roll
Posted 5 years ago by bmabee245    [ Reply ]
Ladies and gentlemen, Brak on vocals tonight.  Let's hear it for Brak, everbody
Posted 5 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 year ago by DaidyBoy: I'm getting nothing done here.

Pearl Jam - Black
Dick Dale - Miserlou

and now this.

Goddammit, I've got stuff to do.

Think maybe this is a coincidence...? 
Posted 5 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
 Faithful_Fool wrote:
{#Dancingbanana_2} TEN.
 
11! Rock & Roll Animal
Posted 5 years ago by danw64    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I'm getting nothing done here....

Goddammit, I've got stuff to do.
 

      LOL  take a deep breath, relax and enjoy this awesomeness 
Posted 5 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
Can you imagine being lucky enough to have been there to witness this? This song, Sweet Jane, Heroin.

The energy must have been amazing. And the guitars, even the bass are outstanding. Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter are awesome. Lou's singing isn't the best.  But the rest is unbelievable.
Posted 6 years ago by rabaak    [ Reply ]
 haljordan wrote:
Who did you say was on guitar on this album?
 
Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter.
Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Classic tune but could do without the mindless noodling on the guitar near the end.
Posted 6 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
this is what happens when Punks work with actual musicians
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Lou is a bad person
Posted 6 years ago by Shaggy27    [ Reply ]
S P E C T {#Bananasplit}A C U L A R
Posted 6 years ago by LinThizzy    [ Reply ]
I always just stop to listen to this jam....spectacular!
Posted 6 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Never really cared for Lou's vocals, but damn did he not sing with some bad ass musicians or what?  {#Crown}
Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
"Lou Reed is a creep." ~ Handsome Dick Manitoba
Posted 6 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:
The guitar intro is legendary and appropriately so.

But this is the worst version of Sweet Jane. The best? This one.
 
Sorry, Steely_D. Wrong number.
Posted 6 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
mitch ryder has best arrangement
Posted 6 years ago by LinThizzy    [ Reply ]
Lou had a good voice back then...
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Wagner and Hunter!!!!  One of the great guitar duos!
Posted 6 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
 jambo wrote:

are you kidding? it gains MOMENTUM as it goes. 

 
ABSOLUTELY - love this version!
Posted 6 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
 BonzoWiltsUK wrote:
Goes on far too long

 
are you kidding? it gains MOMENTUM as it goes. 
Posted 6 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
Pretty impressive how Lou upped the musicianship and production values during this Glam Rock period while still maintaining that grimy New York edge
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Goes on far too long
Posted 6 years ago by BonzoWiltsUK    [ Reply ]
One of the absolute best Put It On, It's Past Midnight, Let's Get This Party On To The Next Level!-kind of songs! ROCK IT; loud; yeah!
Posted 6 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
{#Hug}
Posted 6 years ago by NUH    [ Reply ]
I'm getting nothing done here.

Pearl Jam - Black
Dick Dale - Miserlou

and now this.

Goddammit, I've got stuff to do.
Posted 6 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
One of the greatest albums of all time, IMHO.
Posted 7 years ago by kt.johnson.jr364    [ Reply ]
Was lucky enough to see Lou in Chicago around the time this came out. I was kind of expecting 'Berlin' but was really thrilled with the tight rock'n'roll I heard that night.
Posted 7 years ago by skibbenr    [ Reply ]
love, love, love. Imperfect but perfect. 
Posted 7 years ago by lucyvp    [ Reply ]
 Wardleader wrote:
If you play Joan Jett next, you have no complaints from me.

 
double that, WOOO-HOOOOO!!!
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
{#Music}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 7 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
Wow ripping!
Posted 7 years ago by SurfDoc    [ Reply ]
                                    
Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Had a dream last night with Lou ...
Posted 7 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana_2} TEN.
Posted 7 years ago by Faithful_Fool    [ Reply ]

RIP Lou Reed and Dick Wagner who is one of the two lead guitarists on this fine live recording. Steve Hunter is the other fine guitarist on this.


Posted 7 years ago by stevetheshoe    [ Reply ]
I dare Bill to play Led Zep's Rock and Roll next, for four in a row.
 
Posted 7 years ago by kylieh    [ Reply ]
If you play Joan Jett next, you have no complaints from me.
Posted 7 years ago by Wardleader    [ Reply ]
Lou Reed un grand créateur de rock urbain quoi que l'on puisse penser de son soit disant "mauvais caractère" ... C'est tout simplement l'un des meilleurs moment live de toute l'histoire du rock !

l'album complet ci-dessous ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJYu9Rl_23Y

Je ne peux au passage faire l'impasse sur cette album, le magnifique "Berlin" paru avant le live et qui fût boudé injustement à sa sortie par la critique US ... "Lou Reed profondément meurtri du rejet de ce qu’il considère comme son œuvre la plus personnelle et aboutie jusque-là, sombre dans l'amertume. Le ressentiment qu'il en retire à l'égard des journalistes durera jusqu'à la fin de sa vie." ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFd1nEk7tWc

pour l'histoire de cet album french/english lire ici ...
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_(album)

Posted 7 years ago by subtle    [ Reply ]
I know things have moved on a tad in the music world since this was recorded, but I do miss the raw energy that music had in this era. Does it still exist? Who is laying down stuff like this nowadays? Am I just so out of the loop?

Whatever. It's lovely to remember and engage with the past and know I was extremely lucky to hear and enjoy it first hand. 
Posted 7 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Unapologetic, uncooked rock and roll.  Niner!
Posted 7 years ago by pete238    [ Reply ]
I rated this an 8, then the second half kicked in.  Sorry guys.  Instant 10.
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
So do you folks on the east coast of North America start the day with the news or radio paradise or rushed quiet?

Here in British California on the NOT TRUMP!?!! far west coast, I am up and plugging away at various tasks and an investment risk assessment.  The cats would not let me sleep. 

I can't believe the raw uncertainty that President Trump has introduced. 
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
I miss this guy. Excellent version!
Posted 7 years ago by linemant2182    [ Reply ]
Great version
Posted 7 years ago by MTboy    [ Reply ]
As Der Trumper would say, that's a very low energy song. 
Not.  
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
I don't know how someone could upload only half of this song and leave out the amazing "Intro" part with Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner trading guitar riffs.  What were they thinking?
Posted 8 years ago by raulman1    [ Reply ]
Jane's Addiction does an interesting version of this tune.
Posted 8 years ago by citybiker    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Don't know that I have ever heard this?!  {#Eyes}   Excellent!  

 
I owned this on vinyl but don't remember this track. It really cooks! Haveta disagree with those who mutter about the band being too high—they sound pretty tight. 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
And John Prakash on the bass - pretty Pastorious-ish grooves there, liked it very much.
Posted 8 years ago by martin1451    [ Reply ]
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
Loved Lou Reed.  But...well, he really couldn't sing "in tune" but he knew how to rock.  What a guy...

 
He seldom "sang" at all, but he usually spoke in tune.
lovers
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
PLAY LOUD! Great start to my friday night-the guitar playing is amaaaaaaaazing!
Posted 8 years ago by rimi    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

Don't the peeps in Brooklyn dress like flannel wearing Gomers these days?

 

Nah.

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH2U8hogSTQ
Posted 8 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]

I haven't seen many flannel Gomers in Brooklyn in recent months. Not by April. Not as a fashion statement, not even one of practical or po' hipster budget necessity. Various forms of hattage and holes in the knees of jeans was the newest, pre-summer fashion.  But yes, Charlie was ahead of his time. It was 1975. He was prepping for '76. Still, this Lou and V.U. shit was smokin' hot even then. (And still is, for sure.)  I just didn't hear it. 

A New Hampshire hillbilly in flannel and work boots played this multiple times in a row during his party at our Beacon Street Back Bay Boston dorm in 1975. I wanted to pound him. Where's the Deep Purple and Bachman Turner Overdrive?  New York music spinning endlessly on the turntable of a Gomer who ought to be chopping wood someplace in Maine...!  Now I think his taste was at least as good as mine. This track is pretty bomb. 
 

  
Don't the peeps in Brooklyn dress like flannel wearing Gomers these days?  Maybe that guy was really ahead of his time.
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Wonderfull........jump jump hop hop skip strut strut......
Posted 8 years ago by Imagi    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
A New Hampshire hillbilly in flannel and work boots played this multiple times in a row during his party at our Beacon Street Back Bay Boston dorm in 1975. I wanted to pound him. Where's the Deep Purple and Bachman Turner Overdrive?  New York music spinning endlessly on the turntable of a Gomer who ought to be chopping wood someplace in Maine...!  Now I think his taste was at least as good as mine. This track is pretty bomb. 
 

 
Don't the peeps in Brooklyn dress like flannel wearing Gomers these days?  Maybe that guy was really ahead of his time.
Posted 8 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
If only they'd been a little less high....

 
...we wouldn't have this amazing song and would be the poorer for it.
Posted 8 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
They must have been halfway straight for that performance actually. Even their studio recordings sound like they are stoned out of their minds and playing in a garage with the door open.
Posted 8 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
If only they'd been a little less high....
Posted 8 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
9+
Posted 8 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
Getting plenty of NEW YORK Music Bill, awesome evening.  Ramones and Lou Reed.  AWESOME.
Posted 8 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
Loved Lou Reed.  But...well, he really couldn't sing "in tune" but he knew how to rock.  What a guy...
Posted 8 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Ramones, Elvis C, and now Lou Reed.

Someone is in need of RNR on a beautiful Spring night. Sleep with those windows open and watch the moon cross the southern horizon.  
Posted 8 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Don't know that I have ever heard this?!  {#Eyes}   Excellent!  
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 

kingart wrote:
A New Hampshire hillbilly in flannel and work boots played this multiple times in a row during his party at our Beacon Street Back Bay Boston dorm in 1975. I wanted to pound him. Where's the Deep Purple and Bachman Turner Overdrive?  New York music spinning endlessly on the turntable of a Gomer who ought to be chopping wood someplace in Maine...!  Now I think his taste was at least as good as mine. This track is pretty bomb. 
 

 
I was in Vermont at the time in high school and lets just say this album was in heavy rotation. Just cuz we was hillbillys don't mean weez stupid!
Posted 8 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
 nwrs wrote:

Not you too!

 
Eh, everyone I know figures I'll regenerate... not that I'm a nerd or anything.
Posted 8 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
A New Hampshire hillbilly in flannel and work boots played this multiple times in a row during his party at our Beacon Street Back Bay Boston dorm in 1975. I wanted to pound him. Where's the Deep Purple and Bachman Turner Overdrive?  New York music spinning endlessly on the turntable of a Gomer who ought to be chopping wood someplace in Maine...!  Now I think his taste was at least as good as mine. This track is pretty bomb. 
 

 
Cheers Your Highness!  thanks for that : )  (RIP Prince)
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
hey sky dog thanks for the flip to detroit you tube vid. thumpin good.
Posted 8 years ago by masonatlas    [ Reply ]
 Yes, nice homage. Keep it going please!
kcc wrote:
Nice homage set. Thank you.

 


Posted 8 years ago by lal    [ Reply ]
This right here is rock n' roll. {#Cool}
Posted 8 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Uncle Lou says rock 'n roll can hit you when you're 5 years old. I say it still can at 57.
Posted 8 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 EdEastridge wrote:
Killin' me here, Bill.

Thank you.

 
Not you too!
Posted 8 years ago by nwrs    [ Reply ]
Pefect. It's the music that's immortal… Turning this up
Posted 8 years ago by robertomiller    [ Reply ]
...and it was alright  ;-)
Posted 8 years ago by slandering    [ Reply ]
Lou Reed said this is how the song should have sounded
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mag6jxiHXXk 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Hey, baby, rock 'n' roll.
Posted 8 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
It was ALRIGHT!
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Killin' me here, Bill.

Thank you.
Posted 8 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
Nice homage set. Thank you.
Posted 8 years ago by kcc    [ Reply ]
 haljordan wrote:
Who did you say was on guitar on this album?

 
Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter
Posted 8 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
A New Hampshire hillbilly in flannel and work boots played this multiple times in a row during his party at our Beacon Street Back Bay Boston dorm in 1975. I wanted to pound him. Where's the Deep Purple and Bachman Turner Overdrive?  New York music spinning endlessly on the turntable of a Gomer who ought to be chopping wood someplace in Maine...!  Now I think his taste was at least as good as mine. This track is pretty bomb. 
 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 haljordan wrote:
Who did you say was on guitar on this album?

 
Dick Hunter and Steve Wagner (via Bill's on-air comment)
Posted 8 years ago by haljordan    [ Reply ]
Cracking tune and an amazing bass player {#Bananajam}

Love it!  
Posted 8 years ago by dubberdan    [ Reply ]
Who did you say was on guitar on this album?
Posted 8 years ago by haljordan    [ Reply ]
Played this album endlessly back then, untill the grooves were worn out..9.
Posted 8 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Well, well, well.
Posted 8 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]