The Blue Mask

A comeback album of sorts, The Blue Mask was the first album Lou recorded following his departure from Arista Records and return to RCA. Its content was inspired heavily by his newfound marriage to Sylvia Morales and his recent path to sobriety.

The Blue Mask is often cited as one of Reed’s best solo efforts, both for its lyrical content and its backing band. Comprised of guitarist Robert Quine (of The Voidoids), bassist Fernando Saunders, and drummer Doane Perry, it’s considered by many as the best lineup Reed had worked with since the dissolution of The Velvet Underground.