Take No Prisoners (2-CD Set)
Recorded at New York's Bottom Line in 1978 following the release of the acclaimedStreet Hassle, this live document probably isn't for the casual Lou Reed fan. But if you appreciate pre-New YorkLou,Take No Prisonersdemonstrates, perhaps more than any other Reed artifact, the importance of major attitude and myth to classic punk. Often called "the Lou Reed comedy album,"Prisonershas the totally revved-up artist coming on like a rock & rollLenny Bruceas he delivers often hilarious monologues: Sweet Jane" and "Walk on the Wild Side" are nothing but that, with the band vamping behind him. Reed's targeted subjects includeBarbra Streisand, Robert Christgau,Patti Smith, politics, the music biz, members of the audience, and, most importantly, himself. It's terrific if you like that kind of thing. The band's terrific, too, especially on "Coney Island Baby" and "Street Hassle." But as live rock albums go, this one is best viewed as the funniest of the genre, and it's reportedly one of Lou's faves.--Bill Holdship