The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed (RSD 2024 World Exclusive) LIGHT IN THE ATTIC
A tribute to one of the greatest songwriters & artists of our time features newly recorded covers from Keith Richards, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Rufus Wainwright, Lucinda Williams, Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen, Rickie Lee Jones, Mary Gauthier, Bobby Rush, Automatic, The Afghan Whigs, Rosanne Cash, and Brogan Bentley* (*CD/Digital Bonus Track) Special Record Store Day Edition pressed on Silver Nugget wax and housed in a silver laminated jacket Booklet features liner notes by compilation producer & former Lou Reed publicist Bill Bentley, featuring photos by Mick Rock and Timothy Greenfield-Sanders Available at Fine Record Shops on Record Store Day (April 20th, 2024) CD available April 19th, 2024
It goes without saying that the legendary Lou Reed was a true rock ’n’ roll pioneer. From The Velvet Underground’s debut in 1967 all the way through the end of his days, Reed sang truth from his heart. He lived life to the limit—and then some. The Power of the Heart is a tribute to Reed’s freedom of expression with covers spanning his ground-breaking years with the Velvets into his majestic solo career. Each track is a glorious extension of the Rock ’n’ Roll Animal’s soul, ever adventurous and avant-garde.
Lou Reed told the whole truth for his entire life as a rock and roll pioneer. From the Velvet Underground’s debut in 1967 all the way to the end, the New York City wonder never thought about doing it any other way. Beginning with his earliest songs, that was Reed’s mission. He once said, “If you can do it in novels, films, plays, then you can do it in music.” What made the man from Brooklyn so unique was the way he did it. In 50 years, Lou Reed took life to the limit and beyond.
The Power of the Heart is a tribute to all those who Reed showed the freedom of expression when he began. Beginning with one of The Velvet Underground’s groundbreaking songs, the other ten tracks from Lou Reed’s majestic solo career are a glorious extension of adventure that always personified the Rock and Roll Animal’s soul. The way he could match brain-shaking lyrics with the absolute power of rock’s velocity was brand new when Lou Reed began, and was never really equaled as he kept pushing the borders outward until his passing in 2013. He was the ultimate uncompromiser, and never thought twice about taking chances on songs that span a half-century.
The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed kicks off with a legend in his own right, Keith Richards, reimagining the Velvets’ classic, “I’m Waiting for the Man.” Richards’ rendition instantly invites you on board this unforgettable ride. In stark contrast, “Perfect Day” is somehow even more melancholy than the original given the Rufus Wainwright treatment, featuring sparse fingerpicking and gentle harmonies. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts deliver a version of “I’m So Free” that would have even Lou rockin’ in his grave. It’s thrilling to hear these songs reinterpreted and sung by such heavyweights; you can even hear as Lucinda Williams channels the spirit of Lou with her take on “Legendary Hearts.”
Other notable tracks include a punk-drunk, loved-up duet by real-life lovers Angel Olsen & Maxim Ludwig with “I Can’t Stand It,” and Rickie Lee Jones’ reimagining of “Walk on the Wild Side,” both whimsical and enticing with her whispery vocals, stripped-down percussion, and a piano fit for a late-night lounge. This tribute album truly defies genre, but its throughline, in the end, is its heart: a deeply thoughtful collection of songs that shaped a generation, each paying homage to a man whose body of work still sings.
“Lou Reed is my earliest influence, my introduction to punk rock. This song was a great opportunity to creatively work with Maxim.” – Angel Olsen
“Lou Reed has been gone now for many years. He’s one of the few people whom I miss as much now as when he left. There are so many instances where I wonder what he would say or what he would think. His general aura would always lend something really unique to the room. Thank God he left his great music and recordings. His personality is sorely missed. Love you, Lou.” – Rufus Wainwright
“To me, Lou stood out. The real deal! Something important to American music and to ALL MUSIC! I miss him and his dog.” – Keith Richards
Tracklist – The Power Of The Heart: A Tribute To Lou Reed
Keith Richards – I’m Waiting for the Man, Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen – I Can’t Stand It, Rufus Wainwright – Perfect Day, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – I’m So Free, Bobby Rush – Sally Can’t Dance, Rickie Lee Jones – Walk on the Wild Side, The Afghan Whigs – I Love You, Suzanne, Mary Gauthier – Coney Island Baby, Lucinda Williams – Legendary Hearts, Automatic – New Sensations, Rosanne Cash – Magician, Brogan Bentley – The Power of the Heart