Features: DVD
Editor's Note
Bathed in a soft blue light, Lou Reed and his band take to the stage at Spain's Benicassim Festival for this live recording. Shot in 2004, the aptly named SPANISH FLY sees Reed working his way through a selection of highlights from his solo career, as well as a number of classic Velvet Underground numbers. The enormous crowd affords Reed the reverence he deserves as the gentle, lilting melody of "Venus in Furs" acquiesces to some abrasive cello work from Jane Scarpantoni, who makes an accomplished replacement for Reed's former Velvet Underground sidekick John Cale. Tracks such as "Sweet Jane" and "Satellite of Love" perfectly demonstrate Reed's ear for a catchy pop melody, and the crowd responds in kind, clapping and cheering wildly as the legendary New Yorker completes each tune. But the unexpected highlight of the show comes in the form of an extended version of "Romeo Had Juliette" from 1989's triumphant NEW YORK album, with Reed and band demonstrating their estimable musical skills as the track soars into the balmy Spanish evening sky. A set that shines as brightly as the sparkly silver Fender Telecaster Reed plays throughout, SPANISH FLY is a great way to experience some of Lou Reed's finest musical moments.
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