Velvet Underground - Velvet Redux 1993

Hated this the first few times I heard it. Usually as background music before some art film in the cinema in Cardiff, Wales. Lou Reed completely foregoes the original melodies in favour of some laconic lazy singing. On the fourth time listening, though, it's not that bad. If u really want the original melodies, u might as well listen to the old records. Lou jus shifts certain notes and slurs some of the high notes. Highlights include the three-quarters instrumental "Hey Mr. Rain" although the Beefheart-style dissonance tends to grate after 10 mins. The Maureen Tucker-sung "I'm Sticking With You" has none of the girlish exuberance of the original as, let's face it, she's a granny now. My fave is the ultra-monotonal "I'm Waiting for My Man", sung by John Cale.

Rammstein - Live Aus Berlin

Had the CD for years but visually, it's a lot more exciting. Whether it's the spotlights converging on the stage, fireworks coming out of Til's boot, or the epileptic dance by Flake during the middle of "Heirate Mich", this never fails to impress. And they are all songs from the first two albums, so the self-plagiarism never sets in. Lots of pyrotechnics, I'm surprised the front row don't just past out from heat as the flamethrower shoots fire above them. Again, more guffaws as Til comes out in Terminator garb. Spectacular Aryan heavy metal, highly recommended to anyone who wants an introduction to them.