When biographer Richie Unterberger delved into the extensive archives of Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed, he unearthed a wealth of compelling material, ranging from personal letters and drawings to insights into the band’s complex internal dynamics. However, his latest biography, Do What You Fear The Most, distinguishes itself by shifting the focus beyond Reed to include the contributions of John Cale and the broader circle of avant-garde figures who defined the New York scene.
Perhaps the most significant revelation in the book is the discovery of a previously unheard Velvet Underground recording. In a recent post on Tumblr, musician and writer Ryan H. Walsh shared a blurb he contributed to the biography, detailing how Phil Milstein, founder of the Velvet Underground Appreciation Society, initiated a search that led to the discovery of a “new” song. While initially referred to as “I Don’t Really Care About You,” Unterberger has titled the track “I Don’t Much Care for the Things That You Do.”
According to the book, the recording likely dates back to August 1967, captured during a period when the band was performing in the Boston area. Unterberger notes that the tape, recorded by the Harry Miller Express Company, offers a rare glimpse into the band’s sound following the departure of Nico. Despite the recording’s imperfect audio quality, it serves as a vital historical document, featuring material that never made it onto any official studio albums.
Describing the track, Unterberger highlights its “herky-jerky melody” and an “ominous instrumental break” characterized by chaotic rhythms, which he compares to the band’s work on “Son of European Son.” The song concludes with a sudden, frenzied climax. While the author acknowledges that the track may not rank among their most polished compositions, he describes it as “vicious” and notes that it reflects the fluid sexual identity that would become a hallmark of Reed’s later songwriting. Do What You Fear Most: The History of The Velvet Underground is available now.
