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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
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muzikat
887 posts
 
Sean,
The song is called "Rock & Roll". The original album was called "Loaded". Rhino records has re-issued it on CD as a double album, sounds really good. R2 72563 is the number. This was the Velvet Underground's last album recorded together. It is a great place to start.
The original vinyl is on Cotillion SD9034, a little hard to find, but worth it.
"Rock & Roll" can also be found on "1969 Velvet Underground Live", Mercury SPM-2-7504 (Vinyl).
Also the solo album by Lou Reed "Rock n Roll Animal" has a killer version.
The Velvet Underground was one of the best rock and roll bands of all time. Their music holds up well now its hard to believe they were around ~ 1965-1970.
I highly recommend all their music. Their time together as a band is interesting to read about as well.
Its nice to help you for once, seing as how you have written many an interesting word in these forums.
Cheers.
duanegoosen
355 posts
 
The first record (banana cover) is a real watershed. Almost all the tunes on it will play back in the head automatically after a few listenings. It's pretty obvious that it's foundation material for a lot of cool rock stuff that's still coming out now. The newer Sonic Youth discs give you tunes w/ alot of the same feel, but have the kind of fidelity that you could only dream might be possible when you hear the VU. Anyway, I'd start w/ the 1st and go to White Light/White Heat. If I remember correctly, the digital transfer was pretty bad. You might also dig the similarities between VU, early Can and Neu.
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,578 posts
 
And once you become a devotee ... try a solo work ... John Cale's "Fragments of a Rainy Season," released in 1992. Regards, Rich
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Sean...if you enjoyed this tune...then I agree...you might as well buy 'em all...and despite the difference of opinions..."Loaded"...although the most popular of all VU releases...is considered overall... a mediocre album by many VU fans...and probably my least favorite...and Im a huge fan...also...my 2 cents...solo projects by Lou Reed,etc...use extreme caution...most is crap....
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
ALso... the Jesus and Mary Chain's "Psychocandy" was highly influenced by VU...and considered by many to be one of the best debut albums of all time...it is that good...sounds best on wax...
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