such a great time together, the idea formed for a more formal collaboration. Originally the plan was for Metallica to back up Reed on an album’s worth of his previously released material. By the time the project was coming together, Reed suggested the more ambitious approach of tackling new songs.

Lulu’s ten songs are based on the music Reed wrote for Robert Wilson’s recent stage production, Lulu, itself based on two plays by Frank Wedekind, Earth Spirit (1895) and Pandora’s Box (1904). The finished album, recorded quickly, consists of mostly long, churning, heavy jams capped by Reed’s verbose lyrics. Throughout the album, Reed often assumes the role of Lulu, a nymphomaniac dancer who is psychologically and sexually abused throughout a series of relationships, including an encounter with Jack theLakkom Waterfalls on the Eravikulam River—it is a great spot for a photo op. Insider tip: Plan your trip around the blooming of neelakurinji, an endemic plant that flowers once every 12 years and covers the hills in an ethereal blue carpet. The next flowering season is predicted between July and November 2018 and will prove to be worth the trek. Also visit the popular Keezharkuthu or Rainbow waterfalls, which cascades from a height of 1,500m, to go trekking and rock climbing. Plan: From Kochi airport, the park is about 150km. Tickets to the park and ecotourism programmes can be booked online (Website). Best time to visit is from April to June and September to November. Stay: Lakkom Log House (Website; from Rs3,000) or The Tall Trees Resort