There's two kinds of Lou, and this is both!
Charles R. Grey | Brooklyn, NY USA | 03/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...I personally think that Lou's great because he can be at his very worst and very best at the VERY SAME TIME. Take No Prisoners is a prime example. Yes, Lou sounds wasted and cranky and not very interested in playing actual songs. He can't sing and doesn't even try most of the time. That said, he also puts in one of the smartest and most powerful performances I've ever heard, moving from ripping the critics a new one to dropping into a stone cold groove and ripping the roof right off the house and making it look easy. His backing band is awesome, and the production is A plus. A glorious mess. Oh man, if they would just release a box set with the full versions of the shows these songs (or parts of songs) came from sometime, I'd NEVER take it out of my CD player."I do Lou Reed better than anyone," he says during Walk on the Wild Side. And then he proves it."
The Title Says It All
M. Scagnelli | Brandon, Florida | 01/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Lou Reed's Take No Prisoners does exactly that. It is an unabashed, uncensored Lou Reed at his prime. Whether or not the album is funny is up for debate, but it is essential listening for Lou Reed fans. Anyone just looking at the setlist would be amazed at all the great songs on hear; you're lucky to hear half of the song. Between Reed's talking and joking and the way he changes the lyrics of the songs, these songs are completely different than any other recording of the songs. Some of the songs manage to go through completely, suchas Satellite of Love, Pale Blue Eyes and Coney Island Baby, and all are great versions showing how good Lou is. The album, however, isn't just a music album. You really have to listen to it to understand and believe this album. I would not reccomend this album to casual Reed fans or the faint of heart. But if you are a big Lou Reed fan, like me, you should listen to this album."