The Velvet Underground

"The Velvet Underground & Nico"

The Velvet Underground was a pioneering experimental rock band from New York City first active from 1965 to 1973. Its best-known lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist Lou Reed, bassist/violist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison and drummer Maureen Tucker. The band also collaborated with Nico for their debut album in 1967, under the supervision of producer and pop artist Andy Warhol.

The Velvet Underground definitely adds to my ever building 'psychadelic rock' collection. I heard of it prior from a couple buddies during a jam session but never had the mind to listen to it. It is definitely distinct, musically. My mind was blown when I heard Andy Warhol was their producer. Never knew he had any involvement in the music business...shows how much I know.

The Velvet Underground & Nico definitely has some replay value to it. It is really mesmerizing though; I was able to sit through the whole CD without a problem. The first track really drew me in; 100% reminded me of Bob Dylan's poetic music. Most of the CD was really psychedelic, especially "European Son", a 7 minute guitar solo in essence and was a 'trip'. "Run Run Run" reminded me of "Little Saint Nick" by the Beach Boys though. They were singing 'run run run', I was expecting a 'reindeer' to follow.

Few of the tracks were dry, and I was surprised that there were going to be any but sadly there were. "All Tomorrow's Parties" was one of those and so is "Heroin". It picks after that [thank god], and just finishes beautifully. A superb album, with some flaws here and there, but I enjoyed and you will too if you liked the 'stoner rock' of the '60s.

Favorite Tracks - Sunday Morning, There She Goes Again, European Son

Disliked Tracks - All Tomorrow's Parties, Heroin

Rating: 8.25/10