Even amid the literally thousands of Lou Reed cover versions that have emerged over the past half century — by everyone from David Bowie to Patti Smith to R.E.M. to Beck , it’s hard to imagine a more fitting musical tribute than Keith Richards covering “Waiting for the Man,” the 1967 song that heralded not just the Velvet Underground’s arrival, but a whole new realm of ultra-real, novelistic songwriting in rock music.
Richards’ version of the Reed classic arrived Friday morning, previewing “The Power of the Heart,” a tribute album that also features Angel Olsen, Lucinda Williams, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Rufus Wainwright, Rickie Lee Jones, Rosanne Cash and others; the full tracklist for the album, which was unveiled rather quietly as part of the larger Record Store Day announcement —appears below.
It arrives April 19 — with a special Record Store Day edition arriving the following day —on Seattle’s awesome indie Light in the Attic Records (which was chosen by the late artist’s estate to handle his reissues and got a Grammy nomination for the “Words & Music: May, 1965” album). Booklet features liner notes by compilation producer & former Lou Reed publicist Bill Bentley, featuring photos by Mick Rock and Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.
Several contributing artists, including Richards, made statements in the announcement:
“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
“Lou seemed fearless to me, like he’d rather die than be a people-pleaser. I took inspiration from that.”–Rosanne Cash
“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
The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou ReedTrack List
1. Keith Richards – “I’m Waiting for the Man”
2. Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen – “I Can’t Stand It”
3. Rufus Wainwright – “Perfect Day”
4. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – “I’m So Free”
5. Bobby Rush – “Sally Can’t Dance”
6. Rickie Lee Jones – “Walk on the Wild Side”
7. The Afghan Whigs – “I Love You, Suzanne”
8. Mary Gauthier – “Coney Island Baby”
9. Lucinda Williams – “Legendary Hearts”
10. Automatic – “New Sensations”
11. Rosanne Cash – “Magician”
12. Brogan Bentley – “The Power of the Heart”
