Member Review
Review by
Carole T, Reviewer
A short, slim book that echoes the Velvet Underground’s short lifespan and describes their lasting influence.
Sadly, I wasn’t one of those who formed a band after hearing the Velvets. As Brian Eno once opined that ‘although not many people bought a record by the Velvet Underground, whose formative incantation burned brightly but briefly, all those who did formed a band.’ But yes, I did feel part of ‘generation of outsiders,’ when I first heard them aged 14. As one of the band says’ we stood for everything kids loved and parents hated.’ My dad hated them.
I saw Todd Haynes documentary on them at last year’s London Film Festival and marvelled how such a disparate group of people ever came or collided together. Doo-wop, the avant garde, sexual confusion, rage, creativity and a determination to do it their way. And of course, the presence and support of Andy Warhol who was ‘stuffed into a Kroger’s shopping bag and (a friend) took him to New York.’ He and the Velvets cashed together. They became part of his Factory entourage and encountered other Factory regulars such as Billy Name, Brigid Berlin, Ondine and the original 60’s Warhol superstar Edie Sedgwick. Although I knew much of the story of the Velvets, this book did fill in a few blanks for me.
The tensions in the group are explored. With such powerful personalities and backgrounds these were inevitable. Nico was resented and ‘the lunacy’ left with Cale’s departure. The recording engineer refused to listen to ‘Sister Ray’ and left them to it but with the addition of Doug Yule they went onto record ‘Loaded’ and some of their most loved songs such as ‘Sweet Jane’ and ‘Rock and Roll’. Although they were dubbed as The Velveteen Underground by the time nearly everyone had left.
The book also discusses the reunions; in 1972 in Paris and the 1994 tour – I was there as I knew it would never happen again. Also did they influence Goth? Certainly, they looked the part in black and with shades in the mid 60s’ as peace and love and flowers in your hair engulfed the world.
There are also track listings of their albums as well as a section on their solo careers which produced fascinating, intriguing work. Lou Reed and John Cale collaborated again on ‘Songs for Drella’ an album about Any Warhol or as Cale put it’ reporting on how misfits get together and create art.’
Which could sum up the Velvet Underground. A great book – the author interviewed Lou Reed 3 times and accidentally sat on Nico’s coat at a gig - I felt that he was a genuine fan.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
Sadly, I wasn’t one of those who formed a band after hearing the Velvets. As Brian Eno once opined that ‘although not many people bought a record by the Velvet Underground, whose formative incantation burned brightly but briefly, all those who did formed a band.’ But yes, I did feel part of ‘generation of outsiders,’ when I first heard them aged 14. As one of the band says’ we stood for everything kids loved and parents hated.’ My dad hated them.
I saw Todd Haynes documentary on them at last year’s London Film Festival and marvelled how such a disparate group of people ever came or collided together. Doo-wop, the avant garde, sexual confusion, rage, creativity and a determination to do it their way. And of course, the presence and support of Andy Warhol who was ‘stuffed into a Kroger’s shopping bag and (a friend) took him to New York.’ He and the Velvets cashed together. They became part of his Factory entourage and encountered other Factory regulars such as Billy Name, Brigid Berlin, Ondine and the original 60’s Warhol superstar Edie Sedgwick. Although I knew much of the story of the Velvets, this book did fill in a few blanks for me.
The tensions in the group are explored. With such powerful personalities and backgrounds these were inevitable. Nico was resented and ‘the lunacy’ left with Cale’s departure. The recording engineer refused to listen to ‘Sister Ray’ and left them to it but with the addition of Doug Yule they went onto record ‘Loaded’ and some of their most loved songs such as ‘Sweet Jane’ and ‘Rock and Roll’. Although they were dubbed as The Velveteen Underground by the time nearly everyone had left.
The book also discusses the reunions; in 1972 in Paris and the 1994 tour – I was there as I knew it would never happen again. Also did they influence Goth? Certainly, they looked the part in black and with shades in the mid 60s’ as peace and love and flowers in your hair engulfed the world.
There are also track listings of their albums as well as a section on their solo careers which produced fascinating, intriguing work. Lou Reed and John Cale collaborated again on ‘Songs for Drella’ an album about Any Warhol or as Cale put it’ reporting on how misfits get together and create art.’
Which could sum up the Velvet Underground. A great book – the author interviewed Lou Reed 3 times and accidentally sat on Nico’s coat at a gig - I felt that he was a genuine fan.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.
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