Lou Reed – Transformer (1972)
[Album 126/1001]
The 2009 film, Adventureland, had the ingredients to be great.
– Interesting, unconventional leading man with a unique delivery (Jesse Eisenberg)
– Stellar supporting cast, notably Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader
– Directed by Greg Mottola, director of Superbad & a few Arrested Development episodes
It was decent with some very good scenes, but considering the sum of its parts, it felt like it had the potential to be even better.
Fittingly, Lou Reed was revered by characters in the film, and a couple songs from Transformer were referenced (or incorrectly referenced, in the case of Ryan Reynolds’ character).
With David Bowie & Mick Ronson involved, Transformer had the potential to be spectacular. On many lists, it is considered an all-time great. I’m not fully sold yet but it does get better on each listen, and very strong moments are certainly present (Goodnight Ladies, for one).
When lined up against other 2009 comedies, Adventureland wouldn’t quite be at the same level as I Love You Man or Zombieland.
Ditto for Transformer: in a ’72 Glam Rock battle, at the moment it would finish third behind …Ziggy… and The Slider.
1001albumsin10years 
Funny how radically tastes can differ from one person to another: ‘Goodnight Ladies’ is the only song on the album I really can’t stand. Other than that, I really like it, in particular ‘Take A Walk On The Wild Side’ and ‘Perfect Day’. What do you think of those?
I find there’s a line between ‘simple & effective’ (like the White Stripes Seven Nation Army) and simple & uninteresting (the Police’s do do do, da da da). I have no problem with either of the songs you mentioned – just not as big a Lou Reed fan as I feel I should be, considering how much I enjoy his peers like Bowie!