Released in tandem with the late artist’s 80th birthday celebrations, the album offers an extraordinary, unvarnished, and plainly poignant insight into one of America’s true poet- songwriters. Capturing Reed in his formative years, this previously unreleased collection of songs—penned by a young Lou Reed, recorded to tape with the help of future bandmate John Cale, and mailed to himself as a “poor man’s copyright”—remained sealed in its original envelope and unopened for nearly 50 years. Its contents embody some of the most vital, groundbreaking contributions to American popular music committed to tape in the 20th century. Through examination of these songs rooted firmly in the folk tradition, we see clearly Lou’s lasting influence on the development of modern American music – from punk to art-rock and everything in between. A true time capsule, these recordings not only memorialise the nascent sparks of what would become the seeds of the incredibly influential Velvet Underground; they also cement Reed as a true observer with an innate talent for synthesising and distilling the world around him into pure sonic poetry.

Tracklist:
I’m Waiting for the Man – May 1965 Demo, Men of Good Fortune – May 1965 Demo, Heroin – May 1965 Demo, Too Late – May 1965 Demo, Buttercup Song – May 1965 Demo, Walk Alone – May 1965 Demo, Buzz Buzz Buzz – May 1965 Demo, Pale Blue Eyes – May 1965 Demo, Stockpile – May 1965 Demo, Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams – May 1965 Demo, I’m Waiting for the Man – May 1965 Alternate Version, Gee Whiz – 1958 Rehearsal, Baby, Let Me Follow You Down – 1963/64
Home Recording, Michael, Row The Boat Ashore – 1963/64 Home Recording, Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Partial) – 1963/64 Home Recording, W & X, Y, Z Blues – 1963/64 Home Recording, Lou’s 12-Bar Instrumental – 1963/64 Home Recording