"Mistrial" is an album by American rock musician Lou Reed, released in April 1986 by RCA Records. This is Reed's fourteenth solo studio album. As a blend of straightforward rock and pop, Mistrial was co-produced by Lou Reed and Fernando Saunders.
In contrast to the heavy orchestrations and complex storytelling of Reed's previous album, New Sensations, Mistrial comes across as considerably stripped down and straightforward. This album diverges from the typically serious and heavy subject matter of Reed's past work and includes more light-hearted and humorous songs like "Video Violence" and "The Original Wrapper". The song "No Money Down" was released as a single and has a popular accompanying video.
"Mistrial" received mixed to positive reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised its lyrical content and innovation, while others found it lacking in the powerful songwriting that characterised Reed's earlier works.
Several band members contributed significantly to the album, including Fernando Saunders on bass and backing vocals, Rick Bell on saxophone, and Eddie Martinez on guitar. Jimmy Scott also provided backing vocals. The album's artwork was designed by Waring Abbott.
Despite its mixed reception, "Mistrial" marks an important point in Reed's career, showcasing his dexterity as an artist who could move between serious subject matter and more mainstream, pop-oriented music.
