Lou Reed and 'Metal Machine Music': The Unhearable Album
Post-1970s rock luminaries like Lou Reed left an indelible mark not just on the music but also on the history of music production and promotion. One of his most controversial works, 'Metal Machine Music,' remains a curious anecdote in the annals of music that continues to capture the attention of music enthusiasts and historians alike. Delve into this intriguing story of creativity, controversy, and contract negotiations in the 1970s.
A Theory Turned Reality
Long before the popularization of streaming platforms, producing an album was a significant investment, both in time and resources. In the 1970s, album production costs were astronomical, and so were the risks for record labels. Howard Fantasie Steinberg, alongside others, formed RCA Records, a company known for its extensive catalog of hits. One such artist on their roster was Lou Reed, who found himself under a five-record deal with RCA. However, the relationship between Reed and his record label wasn't entirely harmonious. There was a popular theory back in the 1970s that claimed Reed had recorded over an hour of noise specifically for release as a double vinyl album as a way to escape from his contract. This noise album was intended to be a monumental release, aimed at pushing the boundaries of music in the most radical way possible.
The Intriguing Release and Its Unintended Consequences
The theory, though fascinating, was met with a surprising twist. Despite the massive amount of audio recorded, RCA actually released 'Metal Machine Music' as a double album – or so it seemed. However, the real story unfolded quickly. The industry standard for double albums was around 45 to 50 minutes per side, totaling 90 to 100 minutes for a complete double album. 'Metal Machine Music,' however, was around ten to fifteen minutes short of this benchmark, making it a condensed version of what was initially recorded. The muscles behind the decision, however, lay not in these technicalities but in the very essence of the music. RCA, known for their shrewd business acumen, released the album with a level of prudence. The urgency and the complexity of the content must have been the deciding factor, even if they were unsure of how well it would be received.
The Critical Reception and the Withdrawal
Despite all the anticipation and the effort poured into the recording process, the critical and public reception of 'Metal Machine Music' could not be more different. The album, recognized for its 100% instructional audio consisting of guitar feedback, was a radical departure from the rock and roll genre and any other form of music at the time. RCA, after a mere three weeks of the album's release, withdrew it from distribution. This swift and dramatic decision signaled the company's acknowledgment that the album was not meant for a general audience.
According to Rhapsody and other music historians, the idea that 'Metal Machine Music' was entirely withdrawn might not be entirely accurate. It could be that RCA conducted a strategic rollout, limiting the initial release to a targeted audience as a gauge of public reaction. Had the album been received poorly, it could have been a strategic move to prevent a complete release. Alternatively, if the public was engaged, RCA might have considered a more significant release plan. The outcome, however, led to a premature end to such deliberations.
The Inaugural Live Performance and the Posthumous Legacies
Amidst the turmoil and controversy surrounding its release, Lou Reed maintained a certain level of credibility and respectability through his actions. Subsequent to the release, Reed took astand of bolstering his artistic vision even further, rather than backpedaling from it. In a highly unconventional move, he performed 'Metal Machine Music' in its entirety live, at the MaerzMusik festival in Berlin in March 2002. By doing so, Reed asserted the value and uniqueness of the album, much to the appreciation of avant-garde fans and admirers of avant-garde music.
Closing Thoughts on Lou Reed's Legacy
Despite being created under the constraints of a hasty release and an unprecedented withdrawal, 'Metal Machine Music' has emerged as a testament to Lou Reed's unbridled creativity and refusal to conform to conventional norms. It paved the way for future experimental rock and became a symbol of artistic integrity. It is a reminder of how the idea of music can transcend traditional boundaries and how the landscape of music production has shifted since the 1970s. In Reed's dedication to his vision, his legacy lingers on, influencing musicians and art supporters worldwide.