Listen to Metallica’s ‘The View’ Minus Lou Reed

Thrash giants Metallica and former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed recently joined forces to create 'Lulu,' an experimental project combining the styles of both acts. Lulu's first single, 'The View' was released on Sept. 27, receiving mixed reviews from critics, including our review of the track, and mostly negative feedback from listeners - 'The View' gathering three-times as many 'dislikes' as 'likes' on the official Lulu YouTube channel. Those metal fans who weren't digging the tune can now listen to the Lulu single without the Lou.

The concept of Lulu came to be after Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert, where both Metallica and Lou Reed performed in 2009. The two acts discussed the possibility of working on a project together, finally putting the plan into action in 2011. In May of 2011, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett stated that the band were beginning "Not 100 percent a Metallica record. It's a recording project, let's put it that way." The project was revealed to be a collaboration with Lou Reed after the recording sessions were finished in June.

Metal Insider just posted the sans-Reed version of 'The View' today (Oct. 7) thanks to a fan of the site who made his own special edit. The revised edit of 'The View' is unlikely to change the minds of listeners, but at least those who are only interested in Metallica no longer have to wait two minutes for frontman James Hetfield to begin his first verse.

Listen to the Metallica-Only Version of  'The View,' Minus Lou Reed