“Lulu”, the controversial musical collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica, is currently streaming, in its entirety, at the project’s official website, www.LouReedMetallica.com.
Clocking in at just shy of 90 minutes, the concept album is due to be released in the UK on 31 October, through Universal Music. However, Loutallica, as the project has been dubbed by fans, has already attracted considerable criticism, both from fans and the media, with one reviewer dismissing it as ‘A pite of shite’ in possibly one of the curtest reviews ever published.
Metallica, naturally, beg to differ.
Guitarist Kirk Hammett told Revolver in a new interview that ‘Lulu’ is “one of the best things we’ve ever done.” Hammett explained that the set “showed me that we could still be truly spontaneous and in the moment. We haven’t been spontaneous like that for years and years and years, probably since the ’80s.”
Metallica‘s lead axeman added:
“We were all out of our comfort zone, and because of that, we came up with stuff we wouldn’t normally come up with. It’s largely an artistic endeavor for ourselves. And we’re just inviting everyone else along for the party. This is something that most people won’t be expecting from us. All I have to say is don’t judge it by heavy metal standards and maybe you’ll understand it better.”
Hammett admitted that Reed “has a reputation for being a grouchy kind of guy,” adding: “Once we started rehearsing (for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25th anniversary concerts) though, Lou was just like, ‘Oh my God. This is great! This is what I’ve wanted to hear all my life.’ And that’s what led to, ‘Oh, we should make an album.’ And we all kind of unanimously agreed.”
Frontamn James Hetfield sought to soothe fans alarmed by the music they’ve heard so far from “Lulu”, telling an Argentinian radio station:
“I’m sure there’s some Metallica fans that will think that ‘This is the new Metallica record. I don’t like it. I’m scared.’ And it’s not. This is a project that was presented to us that we wanted to challenge ourselves with.”
Hetfield has also hinted that the band and Reed would like to perform “Lulu” live, but so far no tour dates have been announced.
You can make up your own mind here.
Other reviews, interviews and news items that might interest you:
- Metallica/Lou Reed Release Video From Bowers & Wilkins Listening Event
- Metallica – Beyond Magnetic EP
- Win A Trip To New York To Hear “Lulu” With Bowers & Wilkins
- Metallica – Sonisphere 2011 Live Review
- Rise Above – Stand My Ground
- Mark Tremonti – All I Was
- Metallica – Download 2012 Live Review
- Metallica Release ‘Unreleased’ EP
- Metallica Announce New Music & Arts Festival – Orion Music
- Volbeat – Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies
The end result isn’t really surprising. Metallica chug and trundle along whilst Lou Reed mumbles his way through…
A collaboration that sounds like they never even met…
At least 2 others of the Big 4 have delivered belters this year.