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Question for Velvet Underground fans

Heard a VU tune on the radio today, but i didn't know it was VU. Sounded like a current band trying to cover early Lou Reed, but with a more "modern" yet "retro" sound. As such, i was kind of shocked to find out it really was Lou Reed / VU and that the music had held up as well as it did.

Now that that part is over with, the tune kept repeating something about being 5 years old, etc... What is the name of this tune and what album is it on ? Is this a good album to become familiarized with VU recordings or should i start somewhere else ? I prefer NOT to buy "greatest hits" as it seems like you miss so much of the band by not hearing the "less popular" stuff. For those that have both, do VU recordings sound better on LP or vinyl ? Sean
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sean
rockvirgo
587 posts
 
The song title is ROCK & ROLL from the 1970 Velvet Underground LP LOADED on Cotillion Records, SD 9034. The big hit on the album is SWEET JANE. It's the only VU record I ever broke down and bought. Whether it sounds better on LP or vinyl is a tough call :^)

There's a nice greatest hits cassette that I think is available on CD too that contains my all time fave of theirs, Femme Fatale. Plunking down $8 for the cassette may give you the fix you need. Dunno if it contains the tune R & R tho.
sean OP
6,231 posts
 
Thanks Rock. That is the right tune now that you mention the name of it. Hopefully, someone will be familiar with all of their releases. Then again, i could always start at the beginning and work my way through them : ) Sean
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onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,338 posts
 
I like "Loaded", but true Velvet U. fans don't hold it that high regard. Something about it being overly commercial. True, I would only listen to side 1, but it's one of the greatest sides of rock music. Really, how can anybody resist an album with a song about someone who kissed Robert Mitchum?

Audiophile bonus points to anybody who can name the New York FM station that the song referred to.
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