It's interesting to think that this is the album that Lou Reed made directly following "Metal Machine Music". He must've really gotten something out of his system, because "Coney Island Baby" still stands as one of his most beautiful achievements. Reed has rarely seemed so genuinely interested in having his voice and spirit heard as clearly as he does on this outstanding statement of renewal.
The songs are all first-rate, from the sublime title cut to the harrowing imagery of "Kicks". Reed's signature lyrical touches abound, even on the sunnier songs, like "Charley's Girl" ("I said 'If I ever see Sharon again/I'm gonna punch her face in'") and "Crazy Feeling" ("And you, you really are a queen/And I know 'cause I've made the same scene"). "She's My Best Friend" - a leftover from the Velvet Underground days - is totally at home on this disc, which Lester Bangs once jokingly referred to as "Lou, the Moonlight and You".That wouldn't have been such a bad title, actually. The tender side of one of rock's greatest voices is the focus, with Reed delivering possibly his best vocal performance ever. With its spare, understated arrangements that give his musings the necessary room to breathe, "Coney Island Baby" is a real jewel in Reed's catalogue. Stephen Caratzas
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