This is a mature work from Reed when he was forty years old (1982).....he's gone now and many young people don't understand or like his music. Hell, many older people don't either. His influence is undeniable, however.The main theme here is the same one that Reed explored his entire career. The desire to find a place of peace and understanding in a violent, horrifying, confusing and yet beautiful universe. The need to understand and express what he felt..... Hero worship, spirituality, alcoholism, gun violence, murder and assassination, sex and redeeming love, and Death Fear ....... charges all through this album. In other words the things that make us human, good or bad...as filtered through Reed's personality and perspective. "The Day John Kennedy Died" is to me Reed's most powerful statement concerning America and civilized life in general. That day it seemed like reality shifted forever and Reed really captures the helpless and hopeless feeling that engulfed the whole country.....a sick psychological vortex developed in our country that is ongoing today. It's mainstream now...Reed's guitar dueling with the great Robert Quine is really good. This unit is just right...two guitars, bass and drums. This is recorded well, remastered and if you like Lou Reed's music you should have this. When you listen to the harsh rock edge of "Blue Mask" or "Waves of Fear" you can see why Metallica wanted to work with him. Two stunning workouts that surely influenced Metallica. When this album was recorded (82) Metallica had not released an album...yet. Maybe one day Lulu (with Metallica) will be considered a masterpiece by some people that didn't understand it when it was released. His final powerful statement. That particular album (Lulu) made me look at music in a totally new way...it was exciting.Really, you either get Reed or you don't......We've lost a great artist but we've got his recorded sounds and poetry to travel with us on this death bound train..... John Cale wasn't the only one that lost a "school yard buddy". So long Lou....and thanks,