Transformer - The Album

4.57 out of 5 (7 votes)

This was Lou Reed's breakthrough album, eventually becoming his top-selling album of all time. Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson and recorded at Trident Studios in London in the summer of 1972, it followed Bowie's own breakthrough success with Ziggy Stardust earlier that year.

Thanks to Einar Stenseng for all the scans and extra information.

Songs (Time)

1. Vicious (2:55)
2. Andy's Chest (3:17)
3. Perfect Day (3:43)
4. Hangin' Round (3:39)
5. Walk On The Wild Side (4:12)
6. Make Up (2:58)
7. Satellite of Love (3:40)
8. Wagon Wheel (3:19)
9. New York Telephone Conversation (1:31)
10. I'm So Free (3:07)
11. Goodnight Ladies (4:19)

Release details

Original release, December 1972 by RCA

Producers

David Bowie and Mick Ronson

Mixed by

Ken Scott, Mike Stone, Lou Reed, David Bowie and Mick Ronson

Song Arangements

Lou Reed, David Bowie and Mick Ronson

String and Bass Arangements

Mick Ronson

Musicians

Lou Reed :vocals

David Bowie, Mick Ronson and The Thunder Thighs: backing vocals

Lou Reed and Mick Ronson: guitars

Klaus Voorman, Herbie Flowers: bass guitars

Herbie Flowers: string bass

John Halzey, Barry Desouza, Ritchie Dharma: drums

Herbie Flowers: tuba

Ronnie Ross: baritone sax

Mick Ronson: piano and recorders

Mixed at

Trident Studios, London

Recorded at

Trident Studios, London, August 1972

Trivia

• Although it's never been officially confirmed, it's widely believe that Bowie wrote Wagon Wheel and "donated it to Reed for the album.
• The song Vicious was inspired by Andy Warhol who told Reed he should write a song called Vicious. When Reed asked Warhol what kind of vicious, Warhol responded "Oh, you know, vicious like I hit you with a flower".
• Bowie-related trivia: The famous sax solo on Walk on the Wild Side is performed by Ronnie Ross, Bowie's original saxophone teacher when Bowie was a teenager.
• Note Ken Scott on the mixing table.

This document last updated Thursday, 05-Dec-2002 05:00:56 EST