Everybody saw this, I assume?
http://www.thelmagazine.com/TheMeasure/archives/2011/11/08/lou-reed-at-starbucks-an-illustrated-account
This is amazing.
My Lou breakdown:
VU- altogether pretty great output from beginning to end (I don't count the reunion live album). I haven't revisited in awhile.
Lou solo-
Albums I love:The Blue Mask- Robert Quinne's (sp) guitar work and Fernando Sanders' bass are fantastic. The songs are great. 'Waves of Fear' in particular is pretty chilling.
New York- I love the stripped down feel of it. This probably my go to Lou album.
Berlin- Ezrin's production is amazing. And the songs just rip your guts out.
Ecstacy- It's like Berlin crossed with New York. A lot of relationship-falling-apart songs. As someone else pointed out, though, he needs to stop playing 'Rock Minuet'. But most of the album is great. Even 'Like a Possum' is good for the first few minutes. I think his whole output from 'New York' to this one is pretty great actually.
Set the Twiling Reeling,
Magic and LossAnimal Seranade- I like the "no drummer" format. And the version of 'Tell it to Your Heart' here is pretty beautiful.
Songs for Drella- I like the concept. The songs are great too. You can tell even by the cover that Lou and John just totally hate each other.
Like:Transformer- The one with the hits. Weirdly this one I never got as into.
New Sensations- Total guilty pleasure all the way. Love those fake 80's drums. Actually this probably belongs on the love list.
Confused by/couldn't get into:The Raven- I tried getting into the double album. It's pretty daunting. Haven't listened in awhile, though. I do remember lyrics like "This is the story of Edgar Allan Poe. Not just your regular joe."
Take No Prisoners- I've tried listening to this many times over the years. I don't think I've ever finished it.
Metal Machine Music- years ago I bought a copy of this on vinyl (I was young and did things like this). In corresponding with the seller he told me that "track two is easily the best". So take that as you will.