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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
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...
madhf
170 posts
 
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
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
581 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.

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