The first release of the song in November 1970 was a version recorded earlier that year and included on Loaded.

The elaborate twin guitar intro on the Rock 'n' Roll Animal version was written by Steve Hunter[4] and played by Hunter and Dick Wagner, two Detroit guitarists who would go on to play with Alice Cooper.

Cash Box said that "this heavy rocker" has a "strong production and good hook" as well as "stunning lead guitar and Lou's inimitable vocals.

"[5] Record World said that "With a style that generates pure excitement, sweet sounds abound!.

In a 2005 interview, former Velvet Underground member Doug Yule stated that the main signature "riff" of the song (as it appears on Loaded) was finalized in the studio just before the tracks were recorded, and it was achieved by Lou Reed's playing "cranked-up very loud" through a large Sunn amplifier.