VARIOUS - The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed - CD [APR 19]

CD - Booklet features liner notes by compilation producer & former Lou Reed publicist Bill Bentley, featuring photos by Mick Rock and Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Includes Brogan Bentley Track exclusive to CD/Digital.

Includes newly recorded covers from Keith Richards, Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen, Rufus Wainwright, Rickie Lee Jones, Joan Jett, Mary Gauthier, Bobby Rush, Lucinda Williams, Automatic, The Afghan Whigs, and Rosanne Cash.

• Liner notes by Bill Bentley

Lou Reed told the whole truth for his entire life as a rock & 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 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 & 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 is a tribute to Reed’s freedom of expression with covers spanning his groundbreaking 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. 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 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.

“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, and the soundtrack to the beginning of my romance 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

Tracklist:

1. I'm Waiting for the Man - Keith Richards
2. I Can't Stand It - Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen
3. Perfect Day - Rufus Wainwright
4. I'm So Free - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
5. Sally Can't Dance - Bobby Rush
6. Walk on the Wild Side - Rickie Lee Jones
7. I Love You, Suzanne - The Afghan Whigs
8. Coney Island Baby - Mary Gauthier
9. Legendary Hearts - Lucinda Williams
10. New Sensations - Automatic
11. Magician - Rosanne Cash
12. The Power of the Heart (Bonus track CD/Digital Only) - Brogan Bentley