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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
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
951 posts
 


Excellent post by Zaikesman, as usual. That about covers it, I think. All four of the earlier VU studio albums have their own distinctive sound, and all are essential, including 'Loaded'. My personal favorite is the third album, quieter and more lyrical than anything else they ever did. And it has 'Pale Blue Eyes', one of rock's most beautiful songs.

As for Reed's solo career, I take exception to the post above that described it as consisting mostly of crap. Assuredly, there are weak spots, but some of the better Reed albums--especially 'Blue Mask'--are as good, if not as seminal, as the VU albums. Even his last one, 'Ecstasy', is a very good album.

sc53
719 posts
 
Zaikes, are you a record reviewer or music critic? You are that well-informed and make that many cool analogies and spin-offs. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you write/wrote for Rolling Stone (in the older days), NME, or Spin. I love reading your reviews of music and concerts (your recent Flaming Lips concert review was excellent). Who are you, really?? Are you writing here under a pen name and you're really Lester Bangs, who never died?
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ivanj
35 posts
 
I saw the Underground perform at a former church in Philly in 1968. Very intimate venue. Lots of White Light/Heat stuff. It was a great but bizarre performance. I can't remember if Nico was with the group or not, but I recall a female drummer with short hair who just kept staring straight ahead, no affect, during the entire performance. There was a party afterwards...
sc53
719 posts
 
The female drummer staring straight ahead was Mo Tucker. she always looked that way.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Ivan, I'm insanely jealous (and I'm a guy who knows a woman who was at The Beatles concert held at the old armory here in DC in 1964 - the year I was born!).

Sarah, flattery will get you everywhere, but no, I'm just me. I could never write about current rock music for a living - I'd be a total curmudgeon, hating just about everything! (And I'm far, far away from being the most expert guy about older music even among my own friends [some of whom have written about music professionally], not to mention a few Audiogon members. BTW, I do own some reference books - you think these dates and stuff are just coming off the top of my head? :-).
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