🔘 Walk and Talk It – Single: Aug. 1972

In the summer of 1972, Lou Reed was stepping out of the shadow of The Velvet Underground and establishing himself as a solo artist. Fresh from the release of his self-titled debut album, Reed delivered “Walk and Talk It,” a loose, funky rocker that showcased his streetwise New York attitude and raw vocal delivery. The track carried the cool, understated swagger that would later define much of his solo work.

Released on August 4, 1972, the single appeared on RCA Records under catalogue number RCA 2251. Backed with “Wild Child,” this 7-inch release captured Reed’s gritty, no-nonsense rock style during his early transitional period, just months before his breakthrough collaboration with David Bowie on *Transformer*.

Label: RCA Records

Catalogue Number: RCA 2251

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: August 4, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA – RCA 2251 — 1972

A. Walk and Talk It

B. Wild Child

Written by: Lou Reed (both tracks)

Produced by: Lou Reed and Richard Robinson

Recorded: 1972

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released August 4, 1972

• Early solo single showcasing Lou Reed’s raw, street-smart rock sound

• Featured a loose, funky groove with Reed’s distinctive deadpan vocal style

• Chart debut: Did not chart in the UK

• Preceded the landmark *Transformer* album and Bowie collaboration

🔘 The Story

Following the dissolution of The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed released his self-titled debut solo album in 1972. “Walk and Talk It” was one of the standout tracks — a laid-back yet gritty number that highlighted Reed’s knack for simple, effective rock ‘n’ roll with a distinctly New York edge. The song’s relaxed groove and conversational lyrics reflected Reed’s cool, observational style.

The B-side “Wild Child” offered a slightly more uptempo and energetic contrast. Although the single did not make a major impact on the UK charts at the time, it served as an important stepping stone in Reed’s solo career. Just a few months later, his partnership with David Bowie would transform his commercial fortunes with the release of *Transformer* and the hit “Walk On The Wild Side.”

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RCA – RCA 2251 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RCA – RCA 2251 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — RCA – RCA 2251 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart in the UK.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Walk and Talk It” – loose, funky rocker with Reed’s signature cool delivery and streetwise attitude.

• B-side: “Wild Child” – energetic, uptempo track providing contrast to the A-side.

• Production: Lou Reed and Richard Robinson – keeping the sound raw and authentic to Reed’s vision.

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during Lou Reed’s early solo phase, bridging his Velvet Underground legacy with the glam-influenced sound that would define his breakthrough later in 1972.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Appears on various Lou Reed compilations and reissues of his debut solo album.

🔘 Related Material

• Walk On The Wild Side (1972)

• Satellite of Love (1973)

• Lou Reed (1972 album)

• Transformer (1972)

🔘 Discography

Lou Reed (album tracks) — 1972

Walk and Talk It – Single: 1972

Walk On The Wild Side – Single: 1972

Vicious – Single: 1973

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1972 — Recorded for the *Lou Reed* solo album

✦ August 4, 1972 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

While the glitter and platform boots took over the charts in 1972, Lou Reed walked and talked it with a cooler, street-level swagger that would soon explode into glam-rock greatness.

#ReleaseChronicle #LouReed #WalkAndTalkIt #1972 #RCA

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: RCA Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.