Velvet Underground
To me, Velvet Underground are the ultimate rock group; they had it all: the music was loud and raw, the attitude, sex, drugs, conflicts, you name it. But most importantly, there has always been an undercurrent of experimentalism in the music; it was not always "easy" to listen to. They truly deserve their legendary status. Sadly, they wouldn't put out more than four albums under their name (and with different line-ups including one, a fifth, without any of the original members!). The first two albums included both Lou Reed and John Cale and are my favorite albums. I believe that Cale, with his association with La Monte Young, had a lot to do with the more experimental nature of these albums. Once he would leave, the music would get a lot smoother, but went to show that Reed was as much of a genius as he was and still had experimental edge. He represented the seamier side of the band, his lyrics are often quite perverse and dark, lots of talk of drugs and fetishes. Angus MacLise was the original drummer for the band but quit once the band signed a contract (thanks in part to their association with Andy Warhol) and thus went "commercial". He was replaced by way-underrated Maureen Tucker who would later quit the band when she became pregnant. She has started making music once again today.
Discovering Velvet Underground is unavoidable if you are the slightest bit interested in strange music, experimental rock or alternative music. Their influence on rock groups of today is undeniable. It's always great to put these records on once in a while to remind yourself that this is possible even in rock music!


The Velvet Underground & NicoLabel: Polygram Records Release: 1967 Format: CD Cat. no: 531 250 2 |
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White Light/White HeatLabel: Polygram Records Release: 1968 Format: CD Cat. no: 531 251 2 |
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The Velvet UndergroundLabel: Polygram Records Release: 1969 Format: CD Cat. no: 531 252 2 |
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LoadedLabel: Atlantic Records (Warner) Release: 1970 Format: CD Cat. no: 7567-90367-2 |
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Peel Slowly And SeeLabel: Polygram Records Release: 1995 Format: 5CD Cat. no: 31452 7887-2 |
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