A perfect opportunity to revisit Antony Hegarty’s chilling performance of “Candy Says” just hit the wires, as the Velvet Underground announced news today of an expansive reissue project celebrating the 45th anniversary of their Andy Warhol-produced LP, 1967’s The Velvet Underground & Nico. Included in the set are the original album, in stereo and mono formats, among a ton of live versions, practice tapes and other recordings from their mid-’60s streak. Even Nico’s solo set, Chelsea Girl, made the cut, bringing the tally for the full October 1 release up to 6 discs.
For the full tracklisting, head here.
Meanwhile, VU’s original sessions might be fastened tight to our cultural memory, but they can still be unhinged and discovered anew in the right hands. Enter Antony Hegarty, who was recruited by Lou Reed to sing on his 2003 studio album, The Raven, and live set, Animal Serenade. Antony’s take on “Candy Says” from the latter is so incredible it’s no surprise he’d reach the masses in solo-artist form thereafter. This video caught the haunting moment: