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
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.
And once you become a devotee ... try a solo work ... John Cale's "Fragments of a Rainy Season," released in 1992. Regards, Rich
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....
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...
Sean,
I agree the VU put out some great stuff. Also you have to consider Lou Reed's solo "New york" awsome! Little advertising here--I have extra sealed copies of VU & Nico and "White Light White Heat" on MFSL cd. Will sell both for $70.
PS. My previous post-My problem with sacd signal strength thru the Lexicon was the Ic. Why DVD -A worked and sacd didn't is a mystery! But using another cable has solved the problem. The result is great sound.
Mike