A floral‑backed punch of early‑’70s rock marketing — Lou Reed’s “Vicious” presented with equal parts sweetness and sting.

A witty, fast‑moving snapshot of the week’s new 7" releases, showcasing Chris Welch’s playful critical voice and the eclectic soundscape of early‑1973 pop.

A sharply paired UK single from Reed’s Transformer era, uniting the bite of “Vicious” with the soaring emotion of “Satellite of Love,” shaped by Bowie and Ronson’s signature production.

In the glittering underbelly of early 1970s New York, Lou Reed emerged from the ashes of The Velvet Underground as a solo artist with a sharp eye for the demimonde. Teamed with the visionary production of David Bowie and Mick Ronson at the height of Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust fame, Reed delivered Transformer — a stylish, sleazy, and sophisticated masterpiece that fused street-smart storytelling with glam polish. “Walk On The Wild Side,” its iconic lead single, painted vivid portr

In the summer of 1972, Lou Reed was stepping out of the shadow of The Velvet Underground and establishing himself as a solo artist. Fresh from the release of his self-titled debut album, Reed delivered “Walk and Talk It,” a loose, funky rocker that showcased his streetwise New York attitude and raw vocal delivery. The track carried the cool, understated swagger that would later define much of his solo work. Released on August 4, 1972, the single appeared on RCA Records under