Some of Lou Reed’s earliest demos will be out this summer – in collaboration with his widow, Laurie Anderson.
These are several publications that are part of an archive series. It will start on August 26, 2022 with “Words & Music, May 1965”.
50 years undiscovered
It includes early demos of songs like “Heroin,” “I’m Waiting for the Man,” and “Pale Blue Eyes,” which Reed recorded with Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale. Other previously unpublished compositions are also included in the new collection.
The recordings were on a five-inch spool that had remained sealed for almost 50 years before it was discovered. After Lou Reed’s death in 2013, the tape was found in his office. But only now is it being shared with the world
Words & Music, May 1965 will be available in a variety of formats including LP, cassette, 8-track, digital and CD and is available for pre-order now. Limited to 7,500 copies, the deluxe double LP edition also includes a 7″ record featuring a cover version of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”. These six songs will also be released as a digital EP entitled Gee Whiz, 1958-1964 (October 7th).
Lou Reed: Caught Between the Twisted Stars Exhibition
Fans can also learn more about the singer, songwriter and guitarist in New York. The tape will be on display along with other objects owned by Lou Reed in the exhibition Lou Reed: Caught Between the Twisted Stars. The exhibition opens June 9 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
track listing; “Words & Music, May 1965”
2xLP
- 1. “I’m Waiting for the Man” (May 1965 demo)
- 2. “Men of Good Fortune” (May 1965 Demo) *
- 3. “Heroin” (May 1965 demo)
- 4. “Too Late” (May 1965 Demo) *
- 5. “Buttercup Song” (May 1965 demo)
- 6. “Walk Alone” (May 1965 demo)
- 7. “Buzz Buzz Buzz” (May 1965 demo)
- 8. “Pale Blue Eyes” (May 1965 demo)
- 9. “Stockpile” (May 1965 Demo) *
- 10. “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” (May 1965 demo)
- 11. “I’m Waiting for the Man” (May 1965 Alternate Version)
7-inch
- 1. “Gee Whiz” – (1958 Rehearsal) *
- 2. “Baby, Let Me Follow You Down” (1963/64 Home Recording)
- 3. “Michael, Row The Boat Ashore” (1963/64 Home Recording)
- 4. “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” (Partial) (1963/64 Home Recording)
- 5. “W & X, Y, Z Blues” (1963/64 Home Recording)*
- 6. “Lou’s 12-Bar Instrumental” (1963/64 Home Recording)*
*Previously unreleased material