Here’s a strange piece of news. Remember how Lou Reed denied permission for Susan Boyle to sing Perfect Day on America’s Got Talent, essentially causing her to cancel her performance because she hadn’t prepared a different song? Well Lou has made it up to Susan, by allowing her to cover Perfect Day on her upcoming album and by directing the music video for it – her first! Susan’s Perfect Day video was shot in her native Scotland, and Reed explains that it was his idea to highlight the country’s beautiful landscape. The result is pretty haunting when you view the video coupled with Susan’s angelic version of Reed’s classic (above, and a higher quality version is available for US users on Popeater). Here’s more, from Popeater:
Reed’s 1972 classic ‘Perfect Day’ — one of the tracks featured on her new album, ‘The Gift,’ in stores November 9.
Directed by Reed himself, the video was a way of showing support for the Scottish siren after his not-so-favorable reaction over her version of his trademark track in September. Reed says of the project, “I wanted to create a beautiful and intimate piece shot in Susan’s native Scotland and she quickly agreed.” And that’s just what he did. Expect sweeping shots of lush forests and gorgeous sunrises.
Boyle’s second album, ‘The Gift,’ is a seasonal collection of songs including Christmas classics like ‘The First Noel’ and ‘O Holy Night’.’ Boyle herself says the music is meant to “touch hearts.” “Music has always been a companion to me, particularly on special occaisons” Boyle explains. “I wanted there to be a mix of songs that would flow with all our moods this holiday season. As much as the season is a time for reflection, it is also a time for fun and enjoyment with those closest to us.”
[From Popeater]
I give Reed credit for reneging and working with Susan, but you also have to consider the serious amounts of money involved. Boyle’s last album was the 2nd highest seller in 2009, barely getting edged out by Taylor Swift. Her new CD, The Gift, is currently number one on the Amazon music charts. (It just came out on iTunes today in the US so it’s not charting yet.) Reed created a beautiful tribute to Boyle’s music and her gentle personality with this majestic video, but he had some powerful motivation too. He seems to understand that you “reap what you sow” when it comes to working with a talented successful lady like Susan.
Susan Boyle is shown on 10/9/10, credit: Barcroft/Fame Pictures. Lou Reed is shown on 10/7 and 10/5. Credit: WENN.com
The video is overproduced and self conscious. The song would have been better served artistically by a far simpler production and giving the audience a more intimate experience with her voice.
Beautiful song, beautiful voice, hauntingly beautiful video. Well done!!!
Say it ain’t so, Lou, say it ain’t so. Stuff like this will get you kicked out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. What next, a SuBo cover of ‘Walk on the Wild side’? Somebody ask Keith Richards what he thinks about this.
Rock on Susan and Lou!
I am not seeing why anyone would think this song is worth singing!? It’s a flimsy dopy song on all counts. What am I missing, why is this considered a classic???
I always hated this song and fond it really annoying but i actually like Susans version and the video is just gorgeous i love it.
I saw her interview with Piers Morgan on youtube and it was one of the best i’ve ever seen, she’s so much more interesting and complex than the crazy lady with a big voice that the media portray her as.
P.S Her album was the biggest selling Worldwide in 2009 ^_^
I’ve never known Lou Reed to be particularly mercenary and he’s been around a long time. I find his change of attitude to be laudatory. I suspect he originally bought the media presentation of her and she’s not exactly a “hot chick.” He may have been encouraged to listen to her voice and that is what changed his mind. You have to respect her talent.
Love her!!
Tragic.
Utterly tragic.
The video and the cover.
Beautiful rendition!
I have to agree with some of the comments about the song: I like the melody but not the words.
I get what everybody is saying but I think this tune, in its own context, is particularly iconic but only will be understood by those who have followed Lou’s career.
I think this is beautiful.
Haunting – I loved it. Tess I agree that there is too much production – the choir in the chorus is completely unnecessary. But lou reed redeemed himself and Susan’s voice is a wonderful match for the song – one of my long time favourites.
I hate the way she drags out all her cover songs so bloody slowly that they end up sounding like dirges. Perfect Day, Wild Horses and Don’t Dream it’s Over are all beautiful songs that she has massacred. Speed it up a bit or don’t bother doing it!
Oiy!
I guess we could all look at it as Lou seeing dollar signs, but I’d rather think that he decided, “Oh, eff it, she’s a sweet lady. Why not?”
put a pale glittery vampire and a running wolf in the video.. u have twilight
I love Scotland. I want to go back there… maybe I’ll talk my husband into going back next year!
boo….didnt enjoy her version not one little bit
Unless I’m confused, after the initial reporting that he had refused to let her do the song, it came out that actually there had been some legalistic snafu that prevented the permission to be given in time for the performance. Of course, that didn’t get as much air/press time because it wasn’t controversial.
If that’s true, then his working with her wouldn’t look like such a turn-around, but rather would be par for the course.
I like her version, but the video is a bit overly bombastic.
If he had a change of heart I applaud him for just going with it instead of sticking to his original position because he didn’t want to look silly.
Is she still around? Surely her 15 minutes are up?
What is it about Lou Reed that’s so special? I think that people only listen to Lou Reed in public so that others will think they’re “cool”. But does anyone really listen to Lou Reed in private when no one else is there to see how “cool” their taste is? His music is both boring and self-consciously quirky. Ugh.
I listen to Lou Reed (and the Velvet Underground) often on my own. What is it you don’t get, Mystified??? He and the Velvets made some of the best tracks of all time, and Perfect Day, not my favourite but still a darn good song, was about drugs… not a pretty little ditty that Susan Boyle has (possibly unwittingly) turned it into. I love the mellow, laid back, somewhat world weary tone in Reed’s original version, and though I respect Susan Boyle’s talent, it is limited in a way that Lou Reed’s wasn’t and isn’t. Listen to ‘Pale Blue Eyes’ and ‘Sunday Morning’ and then ‘Heroin’ and ‘Sweet Jane’, plus the classics ‘Goin to Meet My Man’ etc. to see real musical and lyrical diversity… and watch the amazing ‘BERLIN’ concert DVD… at full blast…. Oh, how can anyone NOT like Reed????