The Velvet Underground held a regular gig at Andy Warhols Factory. One of the hippest spots of the 60’s and into the 70’s, where everybody wanted to be, but only select few penetrated the inner circles.
Led by front man Lou Reed, and also including John Cale, Sterling Morrison and Maureen “Moe” Tucker The Velvet Underground & Nico was their debut album, which by the title clearly states it included Andy Warhol elite (and babe): Nico.
The arrangement of instruments in this is pretty extensive, and no wonder why they were so great. Sunday Morning starts off with a twinkling sound, somewhat similar to a xylophone. At any rate, it’s a song you should most definitely recognize if you listen to music, in fact, most of the songs on the album you should recognize.
I just found this Youtube video of Sunday Morning.
All of the songs on the album have the classic Lou Reed taste. I’m Waiting For The Man is a very catch up beat zinger.
Nico takes over lead on Femme Fatale, which is an interesting mix. It has the classic Velvet Underground harmonies that come in frequently.
I love the starting to Venus In Furs, I’d say this is a sitar, but I could be wrong. It’s beautiful though.
One thing I notice of all their songs, is the drum beats are all just rolling along. Beautifully taken, nothing to tricky, but keeping the train a moving.
Lou Reed has an interesting style of more shouting out the lyrics, than singing, which gives him a very interesting harmony sometimes, Run Run Run exemplifies that.
The songs like All Tomorrow’s Parties, or Heroin are just completely soaked with feeling for me. The lyrics should be listened to, comparable to maybe some of Neil Young’s dramatic lyricism.
I find that There She Goes Again really has everything but the lyrics and vocals sounding like the Beatles, who only a few years ago became the sensation adored by the entire worlds teens.
I really like The Black Angel’s Death Song. It really reminds me of Bob Dylan, who I’m a huge fan of as well.
Get The Velvet Underground & Nico, if you’ve any hesitation at all. It’s well worth it. A staple to any collection.