Song of the Day 4/24: The Velvet Underground, “White Light/White Heat”
Some people are saying this would be effective against the coronavirus. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t.
Lou Reed wrote the song in an attempt to capture the sensation of shooting up methamphetamine. The Velvets recorded the song in 1967 for release on their debut LP in 1968, when it was also released as a single that failed to chart. It featured in their live sets throughout their career.
David Bowie, a huge VU fan, recorded it in 1973 and also included it in concerts throughout his career. This is the version from his Glass Spider tour in 1987, featuring Charlie Sexton on lead guitar.
The song was even covered by bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, who gave it a somewhat more sedate reading.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUGyTW1pbaQ
wow.
Which one?
It was the juxtaposition of the three. I have only heard VU which is my forever fave. Bowie in full 8os mode is a hoot – I don’t think the song wears well in that presentation – the lack of nuance hampers it. And the soloist country vibe rounds out what is like the nursery tale of porridge. Just right, too hot, too cold.
I totally agree.
The live Bowie was I thought the best of several of his covers of it. The Stanley was just surreal.
There are also several versions of Lou doing it in his later years — with Metallica, acoustic with Pete Townsend — in which he mumbles through it as if he’s on codeine instead of speed. I spared you those.
heh, surreal is as close as you can get to describe that whateveritwas.
Johnny Cash doing Nine Inch Nails, OTOH … oh yes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI
And even better, Cash with Personal Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3QDDlWmR9Q&feature=emb_logo
Johnny Cash doing “Hurt” is widely considered the best music video in history. June died two months after it was filmed.
This is the Cash song I was really reaching for but couldn’t remember – not a rock song but what I wanted to hear this morning.
The Man Comes Around
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9IfHDi-2EA