The Velvet Underground (album)

The Velvet Underground (album) is the third studio album by the American rock band The Velvet Underground, released in March 1969 by MGM Records. The album was recorded after the departure of John Cale, one of the band's founding members, and features Doug Yule on bass guitar, keyboards, and vocals. The Velvet Underground was managed by Steve Sesnick during this period, and the band was touring extensively, performing at venues such as the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles and the Fillmore East in New York City. The band's music was also influenced by their interactions with other artists, including Andy Warhol and Lou Reed's friend, Delmore Schwartz.

Background

The Velvet Underground was formed in New York City in 1965 by Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker. The band's early work was characterized by its experimental and avant-garde sound, which was influenced by artists such as John Cage and La Monte Young. After the release of their second album, White Light/White Heat, in 1968, the band embarked on a tour of the United States and Canada, performing at venues such as the Boston Tea Party and the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. During this period, the band's music was also featured in films such as Chelsea Girls, directed by Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey. The Velvet Underground's sound was also influenced by their interactions with other musicians, including Nico, who had previously collaborated with the band on their debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico.

Recording

The Velvet Underground was recorded in November and December 1968 at TTG Studios in Hollywood, California, with the band producing the album themselves. The recording sessions were marked by tension and conflict between the band members, particularly between Lou Reed and Doug Yule. Despite these challenges, the band was able to create a cohesive and innovative album that showcased their unique sound. The album's recording was also influenced by the band's interactions with other musicians, including Tim Buckley and Jackson Browne, who were both friends of the band. The Velvet Underground's music was also shaped by their experiences performing at venues such as the Fillmore West in San Francisco and the Electric Factory in Philadelphia.

Music and lyrics

The Velvet Underground features a more subdued and introspective sound than the band's previous work, with a focus on folk rock and art rock influences. The album's lyrics, written primarily by Lou Reed, explore themes of love, relationships, and social commentary, and are characterized by their poetic and often abstract language. The album's music is also notable for its use of unconventional instruments, such as the viola and the celesta, which were played by Doug Yule. The Velvet Underground's sound was also influenced by their interactions with other artists, including Bob Dylan and The Byrds, who were both friends of the band. The album's lyrics were also shaped by Lou Reed's interests in literature and poetry, particularly the work of William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg.

Release and reception

The Velvet Underground was released in March 1969 to generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the band's innovative sound and Lou Reed's poetic lyrics. The album was not a commercial success, however, and failed to chart on the Billboard 200. Despite this, the album has since been recognized as a classic of American rock music, and has been cited as an influence by numerous artists, including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Talking Heads. The Velvet Underground's music was also featured in films such as Easy Rider, directed by Dennis Hopper, and Midnight Cowboy, directed by John Schlesinger. The album's release was also marked by the band's performances at venues such as the Max's Kansas City in New York City and the Troubadour in Los Angeles.

Track listing

The Velvet Underground features the following tracks: 1. "Candy Says" 2. "What Goes On" 3. "Some Kinda Love" 4. "Pale Blue Eyes" 5. "Jesus" 6. "Beginning to See the Light" 7. "I'm Set Free" 8. "That's the Story of My Life" 9. "The Murder Mystery" 10. "After Hours"

Personnel

The Velvet Underground features the following personnel: * Lou Reed: vocals, guitar * Doug Yule: bass guitar, keyboards, vocals * Sterling Morrison: guitar, vocals * Maureen Tucker: drums, percussion The album was produced by The Velvet Underground and engineered by Val Valentin and Gary Kellgren. The Velvet Underground's music was also influenced by their interactions with other musicians, including John Cale, who had previously played with the band, and Nico, who had collaborated with the band on their debut album. The album's release was also marked by the band's performances at venues such as the Fillmore East in New York City and the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. Category:1969 albums