The death of alternative rock legend Lou Reed has been the major story in music so far this week, thanks to his solo work and time with the Velvet Underground (and the tremendous influence both provided). As with other legendary musicians, it seems that interest generated by media attention will push Reed's repertoire back into the Billboard charts.
Results from the last week of music play haven't been released in the United States yet, but the Official Charts Company in the U.K. suggest that Reed's 1972 tracks "Take A Walk On The Wild Side" and "Perfect Day" will reenter the nation's Top 40. "Perfect" is currently sitting at no. 33 and "Wild Side" at no. 38 on the charts. His track "Satellite of Love" has also risen to no. 139.
Both of the singles now in the Top 40 were off of acclaimed record Transformer. "Wild Side" was Reed's first single to chart in the U.K. at the time of its release, peaking at no. 10. "Perfect Day" didn't chart in the U.K. when it was first released, but a later charity version featuring Reed, David Bowie, Bono, Elton John no. 1 for three weeks in 1997-'98. The song saw a reemergence in popularity following its inclusion on the soundtrack for acclaimed film Trainspotting.
Transformer has also risen to no. 24 for album sales during the week.
In less pleasant news from the Reed case, a doctor has released the official cause of death for the musician. Reed had undergone a liver transplant in May, and a doctor from the Cleveland clinic where he received the transplant confirmed that the songwriter died of liver disease.
