I’M WAITING FOR THE MAN. PALE BLUE EYES. HEROIN. – songs that have shaped the minds of musicians and music-lovers alike for generations and continue to endure since they were brought into the world in early 1965. Capturing Lou Reed in his formative years, this previously unreleased collection of songs—authored and recorded to tape by Reed with the help of future bandmate John Cale, and mailed to himself as a “poor man’s copyright” on May 11th, 1965—remained 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.

Words & Music, May 1965 - Deluxe Edition

45 RPM 2LP set pressed on Audiophile-Quality 180-gram vinyl at RTI featuring the only vinyl release of “I’m Waiting for the Man – May 1965 Alternate Version.” Includes bonus 7-inch record, housed in die-cut picture sleeve containing the first-ever vinyl release of six unheard tracks recorded between 1958 and 1964, including early demos, a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” and a doo-wop serenade recorded in ‘58 when the legendary singer-songwriter was just sixteen-years-old. Saddle-stitched, die-cut 28-page book featuring lyrics, archival photos, and liner notes by Greil Marcus, Don Fleming and Jason Stern. Archival reproduction of letter written by Reed to Delmore Schwartz, circa 1964. Includes CD containing complete audio from the package, housed in die-cut jacket. Entire package housed in stylized, die-cut gatefold LP jacket manufactured by Stoughton Printing Co. Foil numbered and limited to 7,500 copies worldwide. **ALL SHIPPING PAUSED UNTIL MARCH 2023**

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