The legendary Lou Reed passed away today at the age of 71. His catalog of music with Velvet Underground and by himself and others like Metallica includes a number of classics, such as “Sweet Jane” and “Walk on the Wild Side.” One of my favorite Lou Reed songs is “Dirty Boulevard,” which appeared on his 1989 album New York.
In the following clip, he performs “Dirty Boulevard” on saxophonist David Sanborn’s short-lived NBC TV series, Night Music, in 1989.
For more on Reed’s career, check out today’s Rolling Stone article. RIP.
What is your favorite Lou Reed song? Leave your two cents in the comments.
(Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)
One of my favorite songs too, but I prefer the Animal Serenade version đ
Btw, I’ve often wondered about the NYC places mentioned in this song. Some of them are obvious (Lincoln Tunnel/Center, 39th S,…) but where is the real “Dirty” Blv? Is there a Wilshire Hotel? a Mean Street??
Thanks for that version, John. I like it too. I’d guess that the reference to “mean streets” is a reference in the general sense to describe city streets known for violence. You are right, though, that there are a lot of references to specific locations. I don’t know if there were a Wilshire Hotel in New York City at the time. It seems there is one now nearby in New Jersey, but it seems like a luxury hotel, which would not fit the song. It’s an interesting question, and I don’t see where it has come up before on the Internet. Maybe the answer is out there somewhere. Thanks for the comment.