With 1986's Mistrial, it was time for Lou Reed to see what the ‘80s were all about. Programmed drums on many of the tracks create a mechanized feel, while bassist Fernando Saunders colors the bottom end like no other in rock 'n' roll. "No Money Down" takes rockabilly into the ‘80s with a detached vocal that seems to be apologizing for the mess. "Video Violence" is further confusion, with Reed commenting on the MTV generation while not letting on as to what might be his role in their development. "The Original Wrapper" finds Reed using his NYC street cred to slot himself into the then-emerging cultural force of hip-hop. "Tell It to Your Heart" is the underrated ballad exploring romantic love from an adult perspective. More in line with the Reed’s persona is the title track, which comes out with multiple guitars blazing, spotlighting his penchant for chunky rhythm guitars and a tone that yields to no man.