“Heroin” is probably the first Velvet Underground song I ever heard. They had it on the soundtrack to the movie about the Doors – an album me and my friend Candy listened to so many times we had every note memorized. We used to play a game during “Heroin” and “The End” to see who could get each line, each note exactly perfect. I loved that song. Still do.
Later we come to a first in my “Bootleg Country” series. Lou sings “Satellite of Love” just as he did with Bono on the U2 bootleg. I’ve now got bootleg carry over. This is something I suspect will happen a lot before the series is finished. Unfortunately I don’t particularly like the song, and find myself skipping it on both versions.
“Satellite’s” bass line morphs into “Walk on the Wild Side” with an uproar of cheers from the crowd and a little smirk on my face. Sorry mom, I still dig the crap out of that song.
Some versions of this tape are listed as having an interview with Lou in the middle of the show. As it was taped for a radio program that seems logical, but my copy doesn’t have the interview so we’ll continue with the music.
Actually, the source material lists the radio station as the venue, that and considering the under an hour performing time I suspect this show was actually performed in an auditorium in the radio station itself.
It is a short set, but a good one. There are only a couple of songs I don’t really care for, the aforementioned “Satellite of Love” and “Berlin.” Maybe that’s because I’m not really familiar with either song, or that they are both slow songs during an otherwise rocking set. The rest of the songs are straight ahead rock n roll and pretty much take me to the places I’d like to go with Lou Reed.
Set List:
White Light White Heat
Vicious
I'm Waiting For My Man
Walk It Talk It
Sweet Jane
Heroin
Satellite of Love
Walk On the Wild Side
I'm So Free
Berlin
Rock 'n' Roll
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
I was never much of a solo Lou fan - Velvets rule, however - even their versions of songs that weren't released 'til after Lou solo'ed them.
2 - Mat Brewster
I'm with you on that train. I never really got into Lou Reed solo stuff. But for a good while I loved the crap out of the Velvets.
3 - Scott Butki
That said, the New York album is amazing.
4 - Vern Halen
Yeah, New York was one of his better efforts, but I'd still be much happier to see an offical release of the Velvet's Live at La Cave Cleveland Oct '68 - Doug Yule's first gig I think. I've heard a few cuts on boot compilations, and what I've heard is amazing - some of the best VU ever. Anyone know anything about it?
5 - Scott Butki
Nope. Haven't heard about that one.
6 - Mat Brewster
Little late here, but I haven't heard about that either Vern. Hate to admit it, but I haven't heard the New York album either. I'll have to add it to my list of albums to buy. Dang, that list is long.
7 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Upon its release, "New York" garnered great reviews, and I think made several end-of-year best-of lists, acclaim as Reed's best work, etc.
Just to throw into the mix: "Coney Island Baby" is also up there with the best. Earlier this year, the title song made my list of "My Top 11 Best Closing Song Lines In Rock" at #4:
4. I'd like to send this one out for Lou and Rachel/ And all the kids at P.S. 192/ Coney Island baby/ Man, I'd swear, I'd give the whole thing up for you.
("Coney Island Baby" by Lou Reed)
Plain spoken but still aching and yearning in the blind faith that maybe the "glory of love might see you through."
8 - Scott Butki
New York has some of the best political lyrics I've heard Reed ever do.
And if you're buying albums, his song with John Cale about death and Andy Warhol is definitely worth a listen.
As great as VU are he's done some excellent solo work too.
9 - Mark Saleski
also has great, crunchy rhythm guitar.
10 - Scott Butki
If you haven't listened to George Bush mashed up
doing walk on the wild side you need to.
I link to it "> from here.
11 - Mat Brewster
Thanks for the suggestions and comments. The Bush thing sounds great, I'll check it out after work.
12 - Duke De Mondo
Sir Brewster, another excellent instalment. My Lou Reed listening only stretches to the first Velvet Underground record and Metal Machine Music. i keep meanin to pick up Berlin but, well, y'know how it is. regardless, wonderful stuff here, and i laughed myself asunder at the thought of your mother telling you off for listening to the like. i remember a similar situation when i played My Name Is Prince in the car one fine eve. "He's gonna do WHAT to that daughter?"
13 - Mat Brewster
Thanks Duke. Verdict is still out on what dear old mom will say when she reads this column.
14 - Vern Halen
I found a copy of Lou doing Cycle Annie under the pseudonym "The Beachnuts." You certainly can't miss that voice & that rhythm guitar, even though I think he disavows having anything to do with it.
15 - Scott Butki
Why would he do that?
16 - Vern Halen
Apparently Lou worked for a songwriting factory that made "rip off" soundalike records in the 60's. A bunch of songwriters would be thrown into a room and would be given instructons like - "10 Beatles-style songs by 5 oclock!" or "another album of surf music!" Sometimes they even got to play on them. Although he reportedly played on a few of these cuts, "Cycle Annie" is the one that is quite obviously Lou.
I guess I'd also be reluctant to talk about that part of my life if I was in Lou's shoes.