Featuring the earliest recordings of ‘Heroin’, ‘I’m Waiting for the Man’, and ‘Pale Blue Eyes’.

Lou Reed’s previously unreleased early work is presented in a new LP, called Words & Music, May 1965, via Light in the Attic this August.

Words & Music, May 1965 was recorded with the help of John Cale, and remained sealed away for almost 50 years.

The 17-track collection of previously unreleased songs includes early versions of some of Reed’s most beloved tunes, including ‘Heroin’, ‘I’m Waiting for the Man’, and ‘Pale Blue Eyes’.

Words & Music, May 1965 is being released in partnership with Laurie Anderson, and in tandem with Reed’s 80th birthday celebrations.

Pre-order Words & Music, May 1965 here in advance of its 26th August release; check out the artwork and tracklist below.

Tracklist:

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)

Photo via St. Ann’s Warehouse