Berlin: Live At St. Ann's Warehouse [Live]
by Lou Reed
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2008
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. NOW Magazine
    60
    Even though he’s become a much more expressive musician, the updated Berlin is no more powerful or gripping than the original commercial flop. It is, however, much more consumer-friendly.
  2. Uncut
    60
    It's good stuff, but also strangely nostalgic. [Nov 2008, p.117]
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  3. PopMatters
    50
    Berlin as it’s performed here just doesn’t sound harrowing anymore--it simply sounds like a concert where people are enjoying themselves and yelling “Loouuuu!” between songs.
  5. Mojo
    60
    It's great that the music is allowed to live in the moment, but the inevitable live albums are hardly essential purchases. [Dec 2008, p.112]
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  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Undeniably bold and ahead of its time, it also remains rather easier to admire from a safe distance than to actually like. Or listen to. [Nov 2008, p.121]
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  7. Under The Radar
    60
    In the end, Berlin: Live is a wonderful closure for a black sheep in Reed's discography as well as a vital document of an artist still infused today with the same spirit that guided his creative golden years. [Year End 2008]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. Ricko
    Jan 20, 2018
    8
    With a notorious reputation for being depressing, Lou Reed's "Berlin" is revisited her and doesn't disappoint. One of the most incredibleWith a notorious reputation for being depressing, Lou Reed's "Berlin" is revisited her and doesn't disappoint. One of the most incredible things about the album is that it was the direct follow up to his career resurrecting "Transformer" album. "Berlin" is the complete antithesis of "Transformer". While the songwriting is equally great on both albums, where "Transformer was vibrant, catchy, punchy and most of all, fun, "Berlin" is downbeat, slow, dour and less fun than emptying a mouse trap. It's a tough listen especially if your reading the lyric sheet as you listen. This live version has a slightly different feel and is an easier listen. Many of the songs are upbeat on the surface but if you listen at all to the lyrics your exposed to the horrors of the albums protagonists Caroline, Jim and their kids. Not exactly an album to enjoyed with repeat listens but still an album to be appreciated both musically and particularly lyrically.… Full Review »
  2. sbahre
    Nov 26, 2011
    9
    Lou Reed never got to perform Berlin in it's entirety when he first released it in the 70's. By 2007 public opinion had changed and Lou stagedLou Reed never got to perform Berlin in it's entirety when he first released it in the 70's. By 2007 public opinion had changed and Lou staged this performance of his dark, sad opus. This is a worthy companion to the original album, even though he's aged the songs still have the same intensity.… Full Review »
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