August 26 will see the first release in the forthcoming Lou Reed Archive Series, a collaboration between Laurie Anderson and Light in the Attic Records. The release is paired with a celebration of the late artist's 80th birthday.
The first release is Words & Music, May 1965, which includes the earlier known recordings of “Heroin,” “I’m Waiting for the Man,” and “Pale Blue Eyes,” all respectively released with The Velvet Underground, as well as "Buttercup Song" and "Men of Good Fortune."
The 11-track digital release of Words & Music, May 1965 will be available across all platforms, alongside the physical formats, on August 26. A six-song digital EP, Gee Whiz, 1958-1964, releases on October 7, featuring bonus content.
Words & Music, May 1965 (2xLP + 7-inch + CD Deluxe Edition) Track list:
- 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) *
Words & Music, May 1965 (CD & Cassette Standard Edition) Track list:
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)
12. Gee Whiz - (1958 Rehearsal) *
13. Baby, Let Me Follow You Down (1963/64 Home Recording)
14. Michael, Row The Boat Ashore (1963/64 Home Recording)
15. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Partial) (1963/64 Home Recording)
16. W & X, Y, Z Blues (1963/64 Home Recording) *
17. Lou’s 12-Bar Instrumental (1963/64 Home Recording) *
Words & Music, May 1965 (1xLP & 8-Track Standard Edition) Track list:
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)
Words & Music, May 1965 (Digital) Track list:
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)
Gee Whiz, 1958-1964 (Digital) Track list:
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 unheard composition
