In early 1965, Lou Reed recorded the earliest (and very different) versions of some of his best-known Velvet Underground songs, I’m Waiting for the Man, Heroin and Pale Blue Eyes.
He mailed himself the recording of those and other songs, introducing each one by speaking the title followed by “words and music Lou Reed” or “music and lyrics Lou Reed.” This was Reed’s version of a poor-man’s copyright and the package is said to have sat unopened for 50 years.
Now, the great archival record company Light In the Attic plans to kick off a Lou Reed series with Words & Music, May 1965, which is set for release August 26.
Listen to this early, folksy version of I’m Waiting for the Man.
All the Young Punks 