As previously reported, Universal Music is commemorating the 45th anniversary of The Velvet Underground’s acclaimed sophomore album, White Light/White Heat, with a new three-disc reissue. Co-curated by the late Lou Reed and John Cale, the 30-track collection includes mono and stereo versions of the album and a haul of bonus material, including new mixes and alternate or unreleased outtakes.
Also featured is an unreleased live recording from the Gymnasium in New York on April 30th, 1967, which is rumored to have featured the only performance of “I’m Not A Young Man Anymore”. Penned by Lou Reed, the song was never released by the band nor does it appear on any other live bootlegs. It’s quite the shame if that’s the case: with its fuzzy, snake-like guitar, Reed’s angsty mumble, and an air of bluesy seediness, it would have added an extra layer of grim to White Light/White Heat or any subsequent offerings. Listen in below (Dangerous Minds).
For more on the song, Dangerous Minds offers insight into the recording process and the track’s inherent value from both Blondie’s Chris Stein and Thurston Moore. Read their full accounts here.
The White Light/White Heat reissue is due out December 3rd (pre-orders are ongoing.) Below, check out the full tracklist.
White Light/White Heat Reissue Tracklist:
Disc One: White Light/White Heat (Stereo Version)
01. White Light / White Heat
02. The Gift
03. Lady Godivas Operation
04. Here She Comes Now
05. I Heard Her Call My Name
06. Sister Ray
07. I Heard Her Call My Name (Alternate Take)
08 Guess I’m Falling in Love (Instrumental Version)
09. Temptation Inside Your Heart (Original Mix)
10. Stephanie Says (Original Mix)
11. Hey Mr. Rain (Version One)
12. Hey Mr. Rain (Version Two)
13. Beginning to See the Light (Previously Unreleased Early Version)
Disc Two: White Light/White Heat (Mono Version)
01. White Light / White Heat
02. The Gift
03. Lady Godivas Operation
04. Here She Comes Now
05. I Heard Her Call My Name
06. Sister Ray
07. White Light / White Heat (Mono Single Mix)
08. Here She Comes Now (Mono Single Mix)
09. The Gift (Vocal Version)
10. The Gift (Instrumental Version)
Disc Three: Live at the Gymnasium New York City, April 30, 1967
01. Booker T.
02. I’m Not a Young Man Anymore
03. Guess I’m Falling in Love
04. I’m Waiting for the Man
05. Run Run Run
06. Sister Ray
07. The Gift
