The Walrus - Music With Big Fuckin' Teeth!

02/28/2008

40 Years Later, "I'm Not A Young Man Anymore," A Never Before Heard Velvet Underground Song, Rings True

What a wonderful way to start the day! A new Velvet Underground song? It can't be! Hoooray, but it is! Velvet fans everywhere will be thrilled to hear "I'm Not A Young Man Anymore" from Gymnasium, the rare bootleg recording of a 1967 performance at New York's Gymnasium. Apparently, this album is also rumored to be John Cale's last performance with the band as well.

However, this is when the fact checking begins. Paste Magazine reports that doubts have been raised by fans and critics concerning the bootleg's authenticity. Claims against this recording even suggest the work of a top-notch VU cover band, but I believe those accusations to be completely bogus, especially after a listen. There is no question that when you hear Gymnasium it is unmistakably Lou Reed, and where Lou Reed went, the Velvet Underground followed.

See for yourself at LicoricePizza.com, where you can listen to mp3's of each song from Gymnasium. The quality of the recording is fantastic- you're gonna love this!