Ordinary Man Makes Headlines
In the heart of Scotland, a writer named Gary has found a unique connection with American singer-songwriter Lou Reed. Known for leading the Velvet Underground and a prolific solo career, Reed's music has resonated with Gary, particularly in his later albums like 'The Blue Mask'.
Gary recalls discovering Reed's music in the early '80s while working as an Admin Assistant. Since then, he has come to appreciate Reed's lyrics, finding them similar to those of Bob Dylan. One song that particularly resonates with him is "Average Guy" from 'The Blue Mask', a track that Gary identifies with, seeing himself as someone trying to do the right thing since his childhood.
Gary's favourite Reed album, however, is 'The Velvet Underground and Nico'. This groundbreaking record, with its blend of raw urban themes and literary influences, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Gary's writing. His work, which includes fictionalized memoirs inspired by Jack Kerouac's work, often disguises real people as characters.
Union Street, also known as the 'Granite Mile', is a street of memories and dreams for Gary. Despite changes due to Low Emission Zones, the Covid Pandemic, and continuous repairs, it remains a symbol of his past. Much like Reed's music, it serves as a distraction from the mundane, offering a glimpse into a world of stories and characters.
As Gary contemplates a new title for his latest collection of autobiographical stories, 'Rebel in the Head', he continues to write, focusing on prose and memoirish flash fiction. He also has an interest in local history, considering creating a podcast or guided tours.
In the digital age, Gary is even contemplating removing his unsuccessful poetry pamphlets from the bin and finding a way to market them, possibly through online vendors. His Facebook page, 'Out and About in the 'Deen', is a testament to his love for his hometown, where he often shares photographs during the pandemic.
While there is no direct link between Gary and Lou Reed's influence, it is plausible that Reed's blend of literary rock songwriting and raw urban storytelling could impact writers and musicians globally, including Scottish artists like Gary. Reed's music, with its profound impact on 1970s punk and alternative scenes, continues to inspire new generations of artists and writers.
Gary believes Lou Reed's lyrics, particularly those found in albums like 'The Blue Mask' and 'The Velvet Underground and Nico', have significantly influenced his writing style, much like Bob Dylan's. In the same way he finds resonance in Reed's music, he views Union Street, with its rich history and continuous changes, as a reflection of his own lifestyle, home-and-garden, and those found in the tales of his autobiographical stories.
