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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
raguirre
120 posts
 
PC - I was referring to I Can Hear... and And then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out. The latter is more subdued than former (although Cherry Chapstick is like a refined version of the super rockin' Sugar Cube). And then Nothing is a series of songs between Georgia and Ira about their relationship / marriage. While that seems rather concepty, the execution is fantastic, and I consider it their most musically mature album to date.

Anyway, when I think modern bands like VU, I automatically think YLT.
tweakgeek
76 posts
 
Curbach,
Your John Cale recommendations are spot on. I recall embarrassing my offspring severely when I took them to to the multiplex to see that film "Shrek." Toward the end of the film (the wedding scene), I blurted out with excitement "That's John Cale!"
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Gee, was that a computer animated 'John Cale', or something on the soundtrack? ;^)
curbach
84 posts
 
My jaw almost dropped to the floor when Cale's voice popped up during "Shrek". Personally, I thought it felt somewhat out of place, but give the producers credit for hipness.

I've never heard the original version of that song (Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"), but when Cale covers a song it's ususally a complete deconstruction (e.g., "Heartbreak Hotel" or "Streets Of Laredo"). Anyone here familiar with both versions?
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
Curbach:
Leonard Cohen (and for that matter Jeff Buckley) pretty much whisper the lyrics of "Hallelujah" in an almost reverential tone, when compared to how John Cale's version exploits the power of the lyrics and adds a sense of drama and majesty to the song. In concert, John Cale would often perform the song with Suzanne Vega and the result was mesmerizing. If I had to categorize the performances ... Cohen sounds poetic; Buckley sounds pretty; Cale sounds jubilant and triumphant . All the versions are worthwhile, just different takes. Regards, Rich
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