In episode 2 of Past Prime, Matt and Steve carefully (out of fear) discuss Lou Reed's 1982 solo album, "The Blue Mask." Considered by many to be his greatest album in between "Transformer" and "New York," it is definitely his most domestic, heterosexual, average-guy album. Lou got married and off drugs right before making this album. As a result, the music and the discussion wrestle with who is Lou Reed when he's just sitting at home with his wife, his motorcycle and his thoughts. Both Matty and Steve are confused by this version of Lou and, maybe, a little scared. Nevertheless, the album and the band represent a big departure from the music of Lou Reed before and after. At forty, and no longer sped up or opiated and not yet into his muscle shirts and Kung Fu phase, this Lou is just a suburban, Jewish poet, singing love songs to his wife while staving off the terror. Doesn't that sound fun? Join us!

To read the essay that inspired this episode, head over to Past Prime.