Lou Reed / John Cale – Songs For Drella
In 1989, John Cale and Lou Reed reunited for the first time in years to pay tribute to Andy Warhol, their longtime friend, and collaborator. The result was Songs for Drella, a song cycle recounting the pop artist’s life. The title borrows John and Lou’s affectionate nickname for Warhol — a combination of Dracula and Cinderella. The performance contains all the passion that had brought the two together and driven them apart in their notorious split from the Velvet Underground nearly two decades before. The arresting cinematic document of this landmark musical event was shot by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Ed Lachman (Carol). It captures the Cale/Reed connection — and their connection to Warhol — at close range. Songs for Drella now returns at a time when it can once again offer healing and inventiveness in the face of grief.