"The Velvet Underground & Nico"

The velvet Underground is a rock group formed out of New York City. The band did not receive much commercial success during their time, but were named by critics as on of the most important groups of the 1960’s. The band named them selves after a book called “The Velvet Underground”, a book about a secret sexual subculture. The group had a unique style and very provocative lyrics in some of their songs. Their first album “The Velvet Underground & Nico” was named the 13^th greatest album of all time and was highly acclaimed. Their style was very relaxed, exotic, and poetic.

 Both John Cale and Lou Reed contributed greatly to their group’s works, and lived together in the bands early years. Lou Reed was best known as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the band. Lou Reed also had an amazing solo career, which lasted for decades. Lou was the Velvet Undergrounds main songwriter. Lou wrote about subjects not commonly examined in rock in roll, such as drug culture and sexuality. John Cale was known as a producer, songwriter, musician, and a composer. Cale was best known for his rock music although he also worked in other genres such as classical and drone. After leaving the band, Cale went on in his solo career to create about 30 entire albums. Lou Reed and John Cale were the two co-founders of The Velvet Underground.

 Andy Warhol supported, promoted, and produced the “Velvet Underground & Nico.” Andy gave the band their own control over their creative image and style. It was Andy’s suggestion that the band featured the German singer Nico in their album. Andy helped to get the band a recording contract with Verve Records. Andy made the band part of his multimedia road show “Exploding Plastic Inevitable”, which they played the music for. Andy Warhol provided numerous opportunities for the group through out their career.

The Velvet Underground had many unique characteristics, which set them apart from other bands of their time.  One unique trait about the band was their drummer. Their drummer, Maureen Tucker, played mostly on the tom toms and the bass drum rarely ever using the cymbals. One night at a venue, Tucker’s drums were stolen so he then used garbage cans as his drums, giving the band a unique sound. The second unique characteristic of the band was that they were a combination of music and art. The band represented many creative artworks and were the first combination/ representation of art and music together. The artistic image of the group attracted a unique audience to accompany their unique look and sound.

      I found The Velvet Underground to be a creative innovative band. I enjoyed their simplicity of their drum arrangements that allowed me to focus more on other aspects of the songs such as the individuality abstract sounds of the different instruments, and interesting stories being told in the lyrics. I have not heard a band that I would be able to say, “sounds like The Velvet Underground.” The originality of their sound sets them apart from all bands of their time. I enjoyed the feel and listening to this bands songs.



Sources for "The Velvet Underground & Nico" post on (10/9/11):


Over-view of The Velvet Underground


Artwork of the band