In this mini DFCAC episode, I dive into the lore and people behind Lou Reed's second solo studio album, Transformer. The photography of Mick Rock and Karl Stoecker, graphic designer and model Ernie Thormahlen, glam and drag: the people who inspired Lou’s lyrics, reasoning behind the font choice Electus as: ‘Transformer’ – high voltage – the electrical connotation of a transformer, and also the blurred lines concerning Lou’s career and even his sexuality….and as usual, I explore connections to so many other great covers.
I could have gone on for hours about each one of those subjects so consider this episode a loving introduction to this cover and its many fascinating components.
Check out the youtube for companion visuals or listen wherever you get podcasts. Thank you for tuning in!
Follow the show: @_designfreakspodcast_
Subscribe wherever you get podcasts! linktr.ee/DesignFreaks
Check out episode 53 WITH MASAKI KOIKE, DESIGNER OF LOU REED WORDS & MUSIC 1965 to learn more about the design and packaging nominated for Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package, Grammy Awards 2024.
~~
Donate to help with recording costs Thank you!
~~
Theme music: "Jet in Jungle" by Damaged Bug, courtesy of John Dwyer
~~
SOURCES:
https://classicalbumsundays.com/album-of-the-month-lou-reed-transformer/
https://madelinex.com/2018/05/16/lou-reed-transformed/
https://fontsinuse.com/uses/5054/lou-reed-transformer-album-art
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/156019
https://fontsinuse.com/uses/6663/the-electric-circus-posters-flyers-ads
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.