Indie Rock
Rock
'I'm Waiting for the Man' (1967) is Lou Reed's candid anthem about scoring heroin in Harlem. Over a simple guitar riff, Reed narrates a morning journey 'up from Eskimo to West 19' to meet the drug dealer ('Man'). Its unflinching portrayal of city life and rough sound (driven by Reed’s deadpan voice and droning guitar) were revolutionary at the time. Produced during the band's association with Andy Warhol, the song became a cult favorite rather than a radio hit. Over the years it's been hailed as an early punk/proto-punk classic, influencing countless alternative rockers with its raw honesty.
