This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Lou Reed's "Heavenly Arms"

After enjoying 2008's '80s coming-of-age period film Adventureland this weekend, I was pleased to discover just how many of the soundtrack's many choice tunes from the era I already have on my iPod. But the self-congratulation didn't last too long as I realized just how ignorant I've been over the years concerning the long, fruitful solo career of legendary singer-songwriter Lou Reed. The film's few non-'80s selections showcase two fine tracks from Reed's former band the Velvet Underground and one from the '70s leg of his solo career, but I thought I'd take the opportunity to explore what the film leaves out in terms of Reed's significant '80s output.

"Heavenly Arms," one of Reed's numerous love songs of the period written for then-wife Sylvia, features a raw and passionate vocal performance that meshes well with the spare but jagged guitar-based arrangement. Maybe it doesn't sound much like a typical tune from 1982, but unfortunately that's not the only reason wide audiences frequently were denied the opportunity to hear this music. After all, the rather trend-oblivious Reed was not likely to don a headband and join the synthesizer rage of the age even if by some miracle that would have guaranteed him MTV attention. Luckily, it takes only a small amount of digging to unearth this worthy track, and I'm more than happy to extend thanks to the engaging Adventureland for pushing me in the right direction.

• Sample or download "Heavenly Arms" here.
• Compare prices on Lou Reed CDs here.

Album Cover Image Courtesy of RCA