Features *newly recorded* covers from Keith Richards, Joan JeR and the Blackhearts, Rufus Wainwright,
Lucinda Williams, Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen, Rickie Lee Jones, Mary Gauthier, Bobby Rush, AutomaYc, The Afghan Whigs, and Rosanne Cash.
Special Record Store Day EdiYon pressed on Silver Nugget wax and housed in a silver laminated jacket.
Booklet features liner notes by compilaYon producer & former Lou Reed publicist Bill Bentley, featuring photos by Mick Rock and Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
“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 inspiraYon from that.” – Rosanne Cash
“Lou Reed is my earliest influence, my introducYon 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 le~. 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 le~ his great music and recordings. His personality is sorely missed. Love you, Lou.” – Rufus Wainwright
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 groundbreaking years with the Velvets into his majesYc 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 WaiYng for the Man.” Richards’ rendiYon instantly invites you on board this unforgeRable 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 JeR 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 enYcing 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 thoughÑul collecYon of songs that shaped a generaYon, each paying homage to a man whose body of work sYll sings.
SIDE A:
KEITH RICHARDS – I’m WaiYng 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
SIDE B:
THE AFGHAN WHIGS – I Love You, Suzanne MARY GAUTHIER – Coney Island Baby LUCINDA WILLIAMS – Legendary Hearts AUTOMATIC – New SensaYons ROSANNE CASH – Magician