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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
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Raguirre...thanks for including Yo La Tengo...the latest one I have is "I can hear the heart beating as one"...which ones are u referring to? I also have the first one...and yes...Sonic Youth will go down as one of the most innovative guitar bands of all time...along with VU...other bands heavily influenced: Luna,Galaxy 500,the Clean,Dream Syndicate,and yes...even the ubiquitous,ultra trendy strokes...Sonic Youth's Sister,Evol,Daydream Nation era has to be one of the best of the last 20 years...
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?
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