Satellite of Love (1972) – Lou Reed

I want to dedicate this post to my blogger friend Tom (ala dylan6111) who reminded me of this song not long ago as he was very fond of Lou Reed. I became familiar with Satellite Of Love in my adolescence listening to the version by Martin Plaza from Mental As Anything.
Sadly, Tom has been missing in action since 27 June 2024. One of his last posts read:
…I’m quiet, words few…can’t concentrate, is this real…doctors words, echoing…is this my day of reckoning…
Tom was a great confidante as we were in contact most days and often disclosed about vices we toiled and acted as patrons towards the other. I hope by some miracle he returns, but until such time his absence will be sorely missed.

Satellite Of Love is the fourth song to be presented here from Lou Reed and the second after Perfect Day from his landmark ‘glam rock’ genre album Transformers. The song’s origins trace back to Reed’s time with The Velvet Underground, though it was never fully developed until his solo career took off. At the time of its release (second single from the album after his signature song Walk on the Wild Side), it achieved minor US chart success (No. 119), though it later became a staple of his concerts and compilation albums.

Satellite of Love was recorded during the Transformer sessions, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson. Reed’s collaboration with Bowie was a turning point in his career, bringing a new level of polish and sophistication to his sound. The production of Satellite of Love is a testament to this, with Bowie’s background vocals and Ronson’s orchestral arrangement elevating the track beyond Reed’s earlier, rawer work. Bowie had been an early fan of Reed’s former band and used his fame to promote Reed, who had not yet achieved mainstream success.

[Verse 1]
Satellite’s gone up to the skies
Things like that drive me out of my mind
I watched it for a little while
I like to watch things on TV

[Chorus]
(Bom, bom, bom) Satellite of love
(Bom, bom, bom) Satellite of love
(Bom, bom, bom) Satellite of love
Satellite of—

[Verse 2]
Satellite’s gone way up to Mars
Soon it’ll be filled with parking cars
I watched it for a little while
I love to watch things on TV

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
I’ve been told that you’ve been bold
With Harry, Mark, and John
Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday through Thursday
With Harry, Mark, and John

[Verse 1 repeat]
[Chorus]
[Outro]

Artists ranging from Morrissey to U2 have performed Satellite of Love each bringing their unique interpretation to the track. Morrissey’s cover of the song was digitally released on 2 December 2013 as a tribute to Reed, following his death in 2013. 

Reference:
1. Satellite of Love – Wikipedia
2. Transformer (Lou Reed album) – Wikipedia

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“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand