While it seems like new music from the Strokes is just around the corner, frontman Julian Casablancas has been busy with not one, but TWO covers of songs by seminal NYC band The Velvet Underground. Taking on “Run, Run, Run” as well as “White Light / White Heat“, the covers come as part of the soundtrack to the new hit HBO show, Vinyl which was co-created by Mick Jagger and Martin Scoresese. The fact that these songs are being covered for the Vinyl soundtrack has given some fans the inkling that the VU maybe eventually portrayed on the show.
Also this isn’t the first time Casablancas has shown some love towards Lou Reed and his old band. Aside from owing much of their sound to the VU, The Strokes have previously covered Reed’s solo hit “Walk on the Wild Side”.
So while you wait for more episodes of Vinyl and / or the news from the Strokes about their upcoming album, give a listen to Casablancas’ VU covers below.
“White Light / White Heat”:
“Run, Run, Run”:
Vinyl: Music From the HBO Original Series — Volume 1 is avaiable via Atlantic Records and Warner Bros. Records.