Various Artists – “Why Don’t You Smile Now: Lou Reed at Pickwick Records 1964 -1965” (Released 27th September 2024)

Description

//Light in the Attic//

£51.99 – 2xLP, Limited Edition Indies Exclusive Oxblood & Gold Vinyl in Gatefold Sleeve with 20pp Book

£43.99 – 2xLP, Standard Vinyl in Gatefold Sleeve with 20pp Book

A compilation of pop songs penned by Reed during his mid-60s stint as a staff songwriter for the long-defunct label, Pickwick Records.

The compilation follows on the heels of Lou Reed’s ‘Hudson River Wind Meditations’ (2023) and Words & Music, May 1965′ (2022). One of the most original and innovative figures in music history, Reed (1942-2013) first gained recognition as co-founder and frontman of the massively influential Velvet Underground.

Over the course of his five-decade career, the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer brought his singular vision to an eclectic expanse of musical endeavors, including era-defining albums like 1972’s Transformer and wildly experimental works like the 1975 avant-garde noise classic Metal Machine Music. But before establishing himself as an enduringly iconic singer, songwriter, musician, and poet, Reed got his start as an in-house songwriter (and occasional session guitarist/vocalist) for Pickwick Records—a label specializing in sound-alike recordings that emulated the major pop hits of the day. Encompassing everything from garage-rock and girl-group pop to blue-eyed soul and teen-idol balladry, Reed’s output for Pickwick ultimately offers a fascinating early glimpse at his ever-evolving and truly limitless artistry.

Tracklisting:

1. The Primitives – The Ostrich
2. The Beachnuts – Cycle Annie
3. The Hi-Lifes – I’m Gonna Fight
4. The Hi-Lifes – Soul City
5. Ronnie Dickerson – Oh No Don’t Do It
6. Ronnie Dickerson – Love Can Make You Cry
7. The Hollywoods – Teardrop in the Sand
8. The Roughnecks – You’re Driving Me Insane
9. The Primitives – Sneaky Pete
10. Terry Philips – Wild One
11. Spongy and the Dolls – Really – Really – Really – Really – Really – Really Love
12. The Foxes – Soul City
13. The J Brothers – Ya Running but I’ll Getcha
14. Beverley Ann – We Got Trouble
15. The All Night Workers – Why Don’t You Smile
16. Jeannie Larimore – Johnny Won’t Surf No More
17. Robertha Williams – Tell Mamma Not to Cry
18. Robertha Williams – Maybe Tomorrow
19. Terry Philips – Flowers for the Lady
20. Terry Philips – This Rose
21. The Surfsiders – Surfin’
22. The Surfsiders – Little Deuce Coupe
23. The Beachnuts – Sad Lonely Orphan Boy
24. The Beachnuts – I’ve Got a Tiger in My Tank
25. Ronnie Dickerson – What About Me