White Light/White Heat (song)
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It has been suggested that White Light/White Heat (Bowie) be merged into this article or section. (Discuss) |
| “White Light/White Heat” | ||
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| Single by The Velvet Underground | ||
| Album | White Light/White Heat | |
| Released | January 30, 1968 | |
| Recorded | September 1967, Scepter Studios, New York City, New York | |
| Genre | Rock and roll, experimental rock, noise rock | |
| Length | 2:47 | |
| Label | Verve Records | |
| Writer | Lou Reed | |
| Composer | Lou Reed | |
| Producer | 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 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 Barrelhouse-style piano.
"White Light/White Heat" was released in 1968 as a single with the B-side "Here She Comes Now".
Reed also recorded a live version of the song in 1974, which is featured on his Rock 'n' Roll Animal and Greatest Hits albums.
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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 & The Dogs, among others. A live recording by Gary Numan appears on his concert album, Living Ornaments '78.
German industrial rock band Die Krupps released a single in 1997 called "Black Beauty White Heat".
Lou Reed played a portion of the song with alternative rock band The Raconteurs during the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.
The song "Bang Bang Rock & Roll" by British band Art Brut makes reference to this song in its chorus.
The song is heard in promotional spots for The Starter Wife.
The 1996 album White Light, White Heat, White Trash by Social Distortion was named after the song.
[edit] Personnel
[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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