Artistes: Metallica, Lou Reed

Label: Universal

�LULU', a collaboration between rock-singer/songwriter Lou reed and heavy metal band Metallica is an avant grade album which sounds like an intriguing project delivering few promising tracks but later falls apart.

Conceptualized from the play originally written by the German playwright Frank Wedekind, its compositions revolve around the lyrics delivered by Reed with the instrumentals composed by Metallica. There are very few tracks where one can occasionally hear backing vocals by Metallica's lead vocalist James Hetfield.

The album flags off with acoustic guitar ushering Reed's assertion in �Brandenburg Gate'. The screams at the background and the twisted guitar of Metallica after the first few lines work well together. The uniquely swaggering guitar supports the vocals.

The track �Pumping Blood' scores with the band's unique composition which highlights various musical inceptions. The insertion of an anxious guitar and riding tumbling drums into snarling guitar eruption, which fades in and out of the film score styled music. The lyrics of the song are the major setback and are best avoided.

The album further loses its touch with Mistress Dread, the composition isn't magical enough to save the dreaded song, making it difficult to listen. The swirling drum beats and interceptive guitar riffs get methodical as it reaches to the end.

Sadly the track �Junior Dad' which could have been one of the best number of the albums loses it charm due to its length. The nineteen minute number drags a bit but features modest backing of Metallica and the calm strings.

The tracks like The View, Cheat on Me, Little Dog and Iced Honey fails to impress. The mediocre music and the unimposing lyrics are the downfall of the album which was anticipated to be one of the best albums of 2011. The collaborative tracks doesn't full fill the expectation and highlights that some time even best album can take a blow if it's not conceptualized properly.