Lou's body of work not exactly overflowing with bright, 'happy' songs, Nigel. But he was a major influence on me, especially during the 'Berlin' years. My post wasn't a slam of Berlin... just a recognition of how profoundly down it is. Which in my book ain't a bad thing!

Music should try to express the complete range of emotions humans can feel, and Lou Reed succeeded at an emotion few songwriters really try to define.