Rating: NNNN
This great radio broadcast recording of a pumped-up Lou Reed performance with his pickup touring combo the Tots in WLIR-FM’s Hampstead, New York, studio back in 72 caused a stir among the Velvets faithful upon its first widespread release as Despite All The Amputations back in 89. The sound quality on this American Poet re-release is just as good, with the added bonus of a brief but interesting interview segment. But the best reason to search out American Poet is to hear the switched-on Reed bashing through sloppy fabulous takes on White Light, Sweet Jane, I’m So Free and Rock ‘N’ Roll. Fantastic stuff.
