It is not a stretch that Lou Reed, Gotham protagonist of The Velvet Underground, storyteller of NYC, would frame his thoughts and reactions in photographs. It is not surprising that a man of his talent and curiosity could find visual harmonies among a roiling cacophony of metropolitan themes, see the beautiful folding light as it descended, twisted, faded and changed across the hard line organic motion of The City.

What is delightfully enlightening is his presence as a visual artist; a distinctive availability and honesty that feels like his music, like a favorite pair of old boots. Unencumbered by an excessive need for personal style, he is free to look and wait and explore - a trifecta genesis of several masterpieces. Ego muted, his vision is called from backstage and takes the mic, no opening band. Visual music now, capturing those present, compelling another look and another.

Amy Reiter's interview sought the man where the artist singularly sought the art. His verbal dodges and escapes were crafty, solidly in deference to captured times. Interviewer and interviewed both knew the flickering collage of shapes on the wall were the pointed focus of this brilliant American storyteller, not the storyteller himself.

It is not Reed, never was. He understands his role as catalyst of cool rhythms, textures, movements, vignettes. It was always a cooperative experience he wanted to share with the audience and, lucky us, he's invited us into his fort again - this time for a look instead of a listen.

What a delightful pas-de-deux, between a man who specialises in shredding pompous, presumptuous and unprepared interviewers, and the disarming Amy Reiter. The quality and breadth of Lou Reed's late eighties album,"New York", suggests that the prospect of seeing the city that made him, through his own eyes, a most compelling one indeed. The manner in which Lou fetishises, his favorite lens,a la Kubrick, clinches it. Ship me, and Donald, stay away from that fork, I ain't done yet.

A few years ago, I heard Terry Gross (of NPR's Fresh Air) speak about her radio career. When she opened the floor to questions, she said something like, "You can ask me anything you want, except one question. You can't ask me which public figure I've most wanted to interview."

Gross explained that she'd always been a great admirer of Lou Reed, and was thrilled when she finally had the opportunity to interview him. She then played a tape of their exchange, which lasted only a couple of minutes, coming to an abrupt halt when Reed inexplicably had a tantrum and ended the interview.

I guess he hasn't mellowed. Long ago he made some great music -- and for all I know, his photographs might be wonderful -- but he's still an asshole.

Lou Reed: "If the sun was an oboe, what would you do? . . . how would you hear it?"

Answer: Listen to the solar wind -- knowing, as did Danny Kaye, that it's an ill wind that no one blows good.

That apart, kudos to Reiter for using a technique that least allows the interviewer to stand between the reader and the interviewee.

I think I'm just realizing that Lou Reed's ego is his greatest work of art. And I mean that as a compliment.

I don't think I'll be able to see his photos in a gallery, but I have seen him dourly recite his own lyrics to a college audience, perform "Street Hassle" in front of a giant neon "Lou" sign, and drive out hundreds of Bumbershoot Festival goers in Seattle with songs like "The Kids," "Rock Minuet" and a 25-minute meditation/rant based on "The Raven."

A friend has also witnessed Lou browbeat staffers at a bookstore reading and upbraid the lighting crew at another concert.

But with the exception of Bob Dylan, Lou seems to be the only one of his generation to remain genuinely creative and capable of producing significant work (such as his 2000 album, Ecstasy"). Perhaps that's because he knows that when he's in the room, it's all about Lou.

This Interview was very cute.

I can't say the same thing about the following link and article by Chris Colin to whom this title is dedicated...but not only.

Haven't you heard that Lou Reed was a Magician? ...who can pretend being enough in love with Lou to be able to Read His Mind? The Government can eavesdrop on Lou Reed as much as they wish to, there is nothing for him to hide! His whole life has been Transparent! Over-transparent! Beside, he has given us enough clues since he was born for us to please shut up finally and contemplate on the MAN!

Do you think he means it when he stated BUCK FUSH on that T-Shirt in front of that camera? Did you think he means it when he included to his website all the hate speeches of Michael Moore on America, the so-called Rich, the President...? Talking of Rich people, where does Hollywood stand on the chart? If they were not so rich and privileged, maybe they wouldn't impose on us their constant barking on everything that's good! Like having FUN instead of praising Drama! We have enough drama in our own life, do we want to be punished a second time by Hollywood for other people's dramas too!... Lou feels our pain because he knows his own! He is our best friend each time we Pass thru Fire! To replace the superior parents we never had! Not to sell Hell, to give us Beauty, Hope, Light and Paradise!!! Did you see him smile??? Make him laugh! Don't try to be smart! It will make him angry! Smart but wrong, I mean! That's good for Arrogants! God is Arrogant too,...to the eyes of Devil!

If you thought Lou doesn't care about the biggest asshole of them all, Bin Laden, see how It was Planned to have released UBL's last audio tape on the exact day (minus one) of Lou's Exhibitions of Photographs on: "The Beautiful Skies of the most Beautiful City on the Planet"! Why did Lou choose to have two exhibitions simultaneously if not to answer to the biggest MOTHERFUCKER (+ followers) of all time??? To unite all that's GOOD against all that's BAD, SPIRITUALLY??? America ain't even united spiritually!!! And it's a shame!!! Don't expect the world to respect you as long as you choose to spit at your own face!!! Americans are united, the opposition Party and the Press seem to want it divided, to exist!!! To look smart and fair! But it's not smart and this is not fair! And France has nothing to envy you! And there is nothing exciting about the french neither! See how French talk about Lou! And you want to please them??? And this was ART! In Politic, they are even worst!!!

Beauty has a heavy cost!It's about Freedom, Courage, Knowledge, Sacrifice! Since God goes with Devil unfortunately! Some fight God and some fight Devil!!! Some consciously, some unconsciously??? There is no Awareness if there is still Darkness or Ignorance!!! If you can unveil the Mystery called Lou, my theory is that you may very well one day solve the Mystery called Life!

fariba N.(brussels)