Delaware Liberal

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

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