[Another "Dharma-Burger Classic" from our original, now-defunct blog...]

In 1975, Lou Reed reached the heights of his own infamy with the release of Metal Machine Music, a double-LP-remember those?-of nothing but buzzing, screeching, loopy guitar feedback. Composed and recorded in what must have been the most speed-drenched episode of the musician’s life, MMM was met with equal parts adoration and revulsion.

These days, though, the always-adventuring Reed is not nearly so divisive. Hence, Hudson River Wind Meditations, his new album of “meditation music.” Lou’s songwriting has been of course famously reflective throughout most of his career (Metal Machine Music aside), but HRWM marks a true departure.

The album’s four wordless tracks were originally recorded by Reed to aid him in his tai chi and meditation practices, much of which were taught to him by Master Ren Guang-Yi (for whom Lou provided music and narration for an instructional tai chi DVD), and acupuncturist Dr. Shelley Peng.

His newest meditative arts teacher is Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche-though Reed is careful not to call himself a Buddhist. Explaining his relationship to Mingyur, he told the UK’s Times: “He teaches Buddhist philosophy so I’m a student of Buddhist philosophy. If he was teaching table tennis I would learn that.” However he does or doesn’t describe himself, it’s exciting to see Lou’s world and art continue to expand, especially to a longtime fan such as myself. Hopefully, he’ll put his newest insights into lyrics, next.