AllMusic

The Gun Club

Lucky Jim

1994

Alternative Pop/Rock

Jeffrey Lee Pierce was in poor health and his band the Gun Club was in shambles when they holed up in the Netherlands to record 1994's Lucky Jim. It turned out to be their final album, and an unexpected triumph. Left to play lead guitar after the sudden departure of Kid Congo Powers, Pierce's six string skills were strong here, and the sorrow and regret that informs this music is gripping and eloquent.

- Mark Deming

Lou Reed / Metallica

Lulu

November 1, 2011

Album Rock

The album everyone loves to hate, this 2011 collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica seemed destined to rub fans of both acts the wrong way. But despite its many flaws and it's reputation as an epic scale disaster, Lulu is worth a listen -- Metallica gave Reed the wall of guitar he'd always dreamed of, Reed's lyrics were rarely this bravely abrasive, and the closer, "Junior Dad," is an overlooked classic.

- Mark Deming