The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground and Nico album was quite interesting. Co-founded in

1965 by John Cale and Lou Reed, this band would push the limit to become one of the greatest of all time.

Lou Reed the guitarist, vocalist and principle songwriter of the group got his start

in 1964 working as a songwriter for Pickwick Records. As a teen he struggled with his sexuality, which led to horrifying electroconvulsive therapy, which he would write about in the 1974 song called “Kill Your Sons”

Co-founder and classically trained viola player, John Cale arrived in New York in 1963 from Wales to continue his musical training.  His musical training and the bond he had with Lou Reed made him an integral piece in The Velvet Underground. His duties were co-writing the songs, playing instruments like the bass guitar and piano.

 After a failed attempt at getting their demo to Mick Jagger, the band replaced drummer Angus Maclise with Maureen Tucker. With a new drummer in place, The Velvet Underground was about to embark on a journey that would take them to Rock immortality.

In 1965 Andy Warhol became the manager of the group and helped them secure a record deal with Verve Records. At this time they were given free reign on as to the music they created. In the past the group was known for it’s relaxing sound, which was R&B/Free Jazz like.  Andy Warhol at this time was a main player in the visual art movement of the 60’s. He created paintings of many well-known and underground celebrities.

The Velvet Underground was a very unique band. Their drummer, Ms. Tucker had no music training all and her playing style was un-natural. She would used tom-toms, upturned bass drums and even played standing up. She even used garbage cans as drums after her own set were stolen while on a gig.

In 1966 Warhol insisted that German born singer and composer Nico sing three songs on the bands debut album. It was recorded in April of that year and released with an Andy Warhol designed album cover. This album cover would eventually

land the record company in court due to an image of actor Eric Emerson being on the back. Unfortunately, this caused the record company to pull the album off the shelves. This led to the subsequent death of the album because it lost its momentum and never regained it.

As a listener I found this album strange but interesting. The way this band blended their styles was nothing short of amazing. You can hear it in every song. Each member of this group had a unique talent and displayed it in a way that couldn’t be denied. As told in his interview with Eric Olsen John Cale said “"It seemed to work even when we were playing in the exact opposite corners of the musical spectrum on the same piece. We were capable of anything. The dichotomy was given as great a value as the ability to unify on something. That was something that Andy believed in as well. It just angers me that there wasn't more work done because we were so good at it."

This was evident by the many walks of life that came to their shows.

As a professional I am at awe with John’s ability to use his viola as a different instrument. I love the way this album was produced and it has made me critique my own music just to see if I am really expressing myself the way I want to.