{"value"=>"<p>The Demos and Rehearsal recordings contain approximately one hundred audio recordings dating from the 1960s to 2012. These recordings reveal many early incarnations of Reed's most well-known songs, as well as providing a glimpse into his songwriting process. These recordings feature multiple takes of songs, jam sessions, band rehearsals, and conversation between Reed and his bandmates. The demos and rehearsals are arranged chronologically, and tracklists are included in the notes when available.</p> <p>The most significant item among the demos is a 1965 audio reel that contains some of the earliest known recordings of Reed's original compositions. The original audio reel was housed in a sealed envelope which Reed mailed to himself in 1965 in order to establish copyright, and which was not opened in his lifetime. This acoustic recording of Reed and John Cale contains a mixture of previously unknown material and songs that would ultimately be recorded and released by the Velvet Underground. The original postmarked and notarized envelope, as well as a posthumously created tracklist is included in the series. There are additional Velvet Underground home recordings and rehearsals, which features instrumental jam sessions, various takes of songs, and chatter between Reed and the band as they work out new material.</p> <p>There is a small selection of demos present from the time period after the Velvet Underground broke up, but before Reed launched his solo career. Many of these songs would go on to appear on Reed's eponymous debut solo album, as well as <span class=\"title\">Transformer</span> and <span class=\"title\">Berlin</span>. There is also an early 1970s home recording that includes two unreleased songs and early versions of \"Perfect Day\" and \"Going Down\" with Reed's first wife Bettye Kronstad on vocals.</p> <p>The series also holds additional acoustic demos, including two 1974 acoustic demos containing a mixture of Velvet Underground songs and Reed's solo material. Recordings from the 1980s onward contain many band rehearsals and soundchecks, with Reed and his collaborators working out new song ideas. There are also some recorded rehearsals from 1988 and 1989, in which John Cale and Reed worked on the music for their collaborative tribute to Andy Warhol, <span class=\"title\">Songs for Drella</span>. Also of interest are some 1993 and 1994 rehearsals with Victoria Williams and Jimmy Scott, and 1994 recordings Reed made with Laurie Anderson.</p> <p>Beginning in 2008, there are recordings of rehearsals utilizing Ableton and Pro Tools. The original files from these sessions are present, as well as recorded rehearsals for Reed's 2011 and 2012 tours.</p>"}