Lou Reed solo records remastered for 6xLP boxset

The set was initially unveiled back in spring, but has only just been given an official release date. Lou Reed – The RCA & Arista Album Collection, Vol 1 is set to be released on 18 November. Pre-order now.

This first volume of the vinyl set will feature six of Reed's early solo releases, including Transformer (1972), Berlin (1973), Rock n Roll Animal (1974), Coney Island Baby (1975), Street Hassle (1978), and The Blue Mask (1982). All of these were remastered by Reed himself in the months prior to his death in 2013.

The LPs are set to be packaged in the original (well, reproduced) artwork and with a 30-page book boasting unseen pictures and memorabilia from Reed's personal archives. New liner notes adding extra insight by will also be included.

"Lou put his heart into remastering these records," says Reed's widow Laurie Anderson in a press release. "They are not smoothed out. Sometimes remastering revealed their details and roughness in the most exciting ways. They leap out at you with their original energy."

A 17-disc deluxe CD set, featuring 16 of Reeds records between 1972-1986 and remastered under his own watchful eye, is due on 7 October. This is also available as a digital collection.