White Light/White Heat (song)
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| "White Light/White Heat" | ||
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| Single by The Velvet Underground | ||
| from the album White Light/White Heat | ||
| Released | January 30, 1968 | |
| Recorded | September 1967, Scepter Studios, New York City, New York | |
| Genre | Rock | |
| Length | 2:47 | |
| Label | Verve Records | |
| Writer(s) | Lou Reed | |
| Composer(s) | Lou Reed | |
| Producer(s) | Tom Wilson | |
| White Light/White Heat track listing | ||
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| The Velvet Underground singles chronology | ||
| "Sunday Morning" / "Femme Fatale" (1966) |
"White Light/White Heat" / "Here She Comes Now" (1968) |
"What Goes On" / "Jesus" (1969) |
"White Light/White Heat" is a song by American avant-garde rock band The Velvet Underground, the title track on their second album, released in 1968. It is a fast, relatively aggressive start to the album, similar to the punk rock genre it would ultimately influence.
The song is about the use of amphetamine ("speed"). It was written when members of the band, after a long night of doing the drug, went outside. The combination of the drugs and the bright sunlight caused them to experience "white light/white heat." The songs vocals are performed primarily by Lou Reed, with John Cale and Sterling Morrison performing backing vocals. The song, much like "I'm Waiting for the Man", features pounding rock and roll style piano.
"White Light/White Heat" was released in 1968 as a single with the b-side "Here She Comes Now".
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[edit] Influence and cover versions
"White Light/White Heat" is often cited as a major influence on punk bands, as well as more varied rock and roll artists. The song has been covered by David Bowie (see White Light/White Heat (Bowie)), Mick Ronson and Slaughter and The Dogs, among others. A live recording by Gary Numan appears on his concert album, Living Ornaments '78.
Lou Reed played a portion of the song with alternative rock band The Raconteurs during the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.
[edit] Musicians
[edit] 1967 studio version
- Lou Reed - vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
- Sterling Morrison - lead guitar, backing vocal
- John Cale - bass guitar, backing vocal
- Maureen Tucker - percussion
[edit] 1969 live versions
- Lou Reed - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Sterling Morrison - lead guitar, backing vocal
- Doug Yule - bass guitar, backing vocal
- Maureen Tucker - percussion
[edit] 1993 live version
- Lou Reed - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Sterling Morrison - lead guitar, backing vocal
- John Cale - bass guitar, backing vocal
- Maureen Tucker - percussion
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