For a short time in 2007 an alternative take on this legendary album was available for free download and many people took advantage of the opportunity.
The download consisted of an acetate of an alternative set of versions of the tracks on the album which was originally purchased in 2002 by a guy called Warren Hill at a Montreal flea market. He paid a bargain 75 cents. It is thought to be one of only two in existence. (An acetate was a 'soft' pressing of work being undertaken in the studio where something was being recorded, and was made so that those involved could take it away to listen to outside the studio to decide what else needed to be done when they returned. They are very, very rare items. They have, of course, been superseded by digital recording methods meaning that tracks-in- progress can be taken away in an iPod, but were, at the time a very important part of the process of music recording.)
In 2007, the acetate was posted for sale on ebay and a bid of $155,401 was made, but unfortunately payment was not made. As a result, a closed bidding process was introduced for it. It was eventually sold for a large, but undisclosed, amount.
During the period when the sale was ongoing, the acetate was converted into MP3 files and posted on the Internet, so everyone could hear what musical gems the rare disc contains. There was no charge for downloading them and many took advantage of the opportunity.
The acetate contains alternate takes & mixes of songs recorded for the album, but never included, with different guitar lines or vocal parts. The website said that 'Velvet Underground fans will find this a revelatory listen, while those who don't really know what's going on will probably not understand the true value of this recording.' Believe me when I say this was a truly historic find! This is probably one of the five most valuable 'records' in music history.
Now, to cut to the chase, what are the tracks on the album?
European Sun (Different Take)
Black Angel's Death (Different Mix)
All Tomorrow's Parties (Different Mix)
I'll Be Your Mirror (Different Mix)
Heroin (Different Take)
Femme Fatale (Different Mix)
Venus In Furs (Different Take)
I'm Waiting For The Man (Different Take)
Run Run Run (Different Mix)
The quality of the recording is very good.
It is also possible to see the handwritten label on the picture of the acetate.
If you can find a friend or fellow fan who downloaded this set of tracks whilst they were available on the internet, beg, borrow or steal your own copy. You will not regret your decision to listen to these historic tracks. Go for it!