3CD 45th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition Of White Light/White Heat By The Velvet Undergound IS Coming

Growing up, I enjoyed a number of favorites.  Having had a radio play throughout my day (as much as could be allowed) quite early in my life, it wasn’t long before I moved over into FM radio territory.  It was there that I developed a deeper love for music, and acquired more solid loves as far as bands were concerned.  Velvet Underground was one of those bands.  I can still remember asking for The Velvet Underground & Nico for a birthday gift (was refused).  But being clever and resourceful, as kids will be, I learned to ask the right people for the kinds of music I was interested in.  Not long after, I was a serious Velvet Underground fan.

I was ready for White Light/White Heat on its release.  Although I preferred The Velvet Underground & Nico more than this album, it still packs quite a punch, musically and emotionally, not to forget nostalgically.  There’s a kind of magic that comes from Lou Reed, John Cale, Mo Tucker, and Sterling Morrison.  But Lou Reed’s lyrics in all of their albums was a sharpened edge that, even today, holds more weight than much of today’s “permissive” lyricism can say.

It’s a wonderful surprise to learn, first from TAP’s Steve Talia (I was a day late in posting his wonderful Talia’s Overflow Notes), then by all of the other sites that caught wind of it, that White Light/White Heat will be reissued in a brilliant 45th Anniversary 3CD Super Deluxe Edition.  Yes, it will be pricey.  In fact, a LOT pricey as Amazon is selling it for the odd pricing of $96.96.  However, these Super Deluxe Editions are pointed to intense fans anyway.  And yes, it will be purchased by myself.

What is expected for this set are 30 newly remastered tracks that include not only Stereo and Mono versions of the original album, but also alternate versions of some of these great songs, outtakes, and the complete The Gymnasium (NYC) show from 1967.  In addition, the set will provide a 56-page hardbound book with photos, memorabilia, and (geesh) a David Fricke essay with 2013 interviews with Cale and Reed.

The bonus tracks will be four fresh remixes that include an early version of “Beginning To See The Light”, “The Gift” (vocal version), “The Gift” (instrumental version), and “Hey Mr Rain” (two versions).

The 45th Anniversary 3CD Super Deluxe Edition is slated for December 3.

Really! What’s Not to love about this?!  I promise that it will slot beautifully next to my Super Deluxe Edition of Velvet Underground & Nico (2012).  Ahhhh, memories!

White Light/White Heat (1968)
Super Deluxe Edition Track List

Disc: 1 (Stereo)

1. White Light/White Heat
2. The Gift
3. Lady Godiva’s Operation
4. Here She Comes Now
5. I Heard Her Call My Name
6. Sister Ray
7. I Heard Her Call My Name (Alternate Take)
8. Guess I’m Falling In Love (Instrumental Version; Previously Unreleased)
9. Temptation Inside Your Heart (Original Mix)
10. Stephanie Says (Original Mix)
11. Hey Mr Rain (Version One; Previously Unreleased)
12. Hey Mr Rain (Version Two; Previously Unreleased)
13. Beginning To See The Light (Early Version; Previously Unreleased)

Disc: 2 (Mono)

1. White Light/White Heat
2. The Gift
3. Lady Godiva’s Operation
4. Here She Comes Now
5.  Heard Her Call My Name
6. Sister Ray
7. White Light/White Heat (Mono Single Mix)
8. Here She Comes Now (Mono Single Mix)
9. The Gift (Vocal Version; Previously Unreleased)
10. The Gift (Instrumental Version; Previously Unreleased)

Disc: 3 (Live at The Gymnasium (NYC), April 30, 1967)

1. Booker T.
2. I’m Not A Young Man Anymore (Previously Unreleased)
3. Guess I’m Falling In Love
4. I’m Waiting For The Man (Previously Unreleased)
5. Run Run Run (Previously Unreleased)
6. Sister Ray (Previously Unreleased)
7. The Gift (Previously Unreleased)