Thin Reed

I've been reading, and enjoying, Anthony DeCurtis's bio of Lou Reed.  But it does have what I call the Beatles' problem.  While Reed had a solid solo career, it's his work with his band in the 60s that is by far what interests me most.

So the question becomes, for both writer and reader, how much of the book will be about the early years, up to and including the Velvet Underground, versus the post-Velvet Underground years.

The book, all-in, is over 500 pages.  And Reed quits the VU around page 130.  The ratio is perhaps inevitable, even more so than, say, for a book on Paul McCartney. The Velvet Underground only released four albums when they were a going concern, none of which sold much, while Reed released 22 regular albums, and they generally sold better.

But as a reader, it's sad when Reed says goodbye to the band.  Sure, he's got some nice tunes coming up, and a personal life with ups and downs, but the best stuff is over and there's 300+ pages to go.