Albums
vu - the velvet underground

VU

The Velvet Underground

1985
10 tracks
35 min
proto-punk

Album Description

Buried in the archives of Verve Records, "VU" is a treasure trove of lost recordings from The Velvet Underground, a band that has left an indelible mark on the art rock and proto-punk genres. Released in February 1985, sixteen years after the initial recordings, this album offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of one of rock's most influential bands.

"VU" is not a greatest hits collection or a box set, but rather a compilation of unused recordings from 1968 and 1969, discovered as Verve prepared to reissue The Velvet Underground's catalog. Eight of the ten songs on "VU" were recorded in 1969, alongside several others that would later appear on "Another View." The album features iconic members Sterling Morrison, Lou Reed, and Maureen Tucker, and showcases the raw, unfiltered sound that The Velvet Underground is known for.

The album opens with "I Can't Stand It," a raw and energetic track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. "Stephanie Says" and "She's My Best Friend" offer a more introspective look into the band's songwriting, while "Ocean" and "Foggy Notion" highlight the experimental side of The Velvet Underground's sound. "Temptation Inside Your Heart" and "One Of These Days" are standout tracks that showcase the band's unique blend of art rock and proto-punk.

"VU" is a fascinating addition to The Velvet Underground's discography, offering fans a chance to hear previously unreleased material from the band's heyday. With its raw production and intimate lyrics, "VU" is a testament to The Velvet Underground's enduring influence on rock music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band's sound, "VU" is an essential listen for anyone interested in the history of rock music.

Tracks

I Can't Stand ItThe Velvet Underground
3:21
Stephanie SaysThe Velvet Underground
2:49
She's My Best FriendThe Velvet Underground
2:47
Lisa SaysThe Velvet Underground
2:53
OceanThe Velvet Underground
5:10
Foggy NotionThe Velvet Underground
6:41
Temptation Inside Your HeartThe Velvet Underground
2:29
One Of These DaysThe Velvet Underground
3:50
Andy's ChestThe Velvet Underground
2:50
I'm Sticking With YouThe Velvet Underground
2:26

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About The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground, formed in New York City in 1964, are an American rock band renowned for their experimental and influential music that transcended conventional boundaries. Led by the iconic Lou Reed and featuring the talents of John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Moe Tucker, the band's provocative lyrics and avant-garde sound laid the groundwork for punk rock, new wave, and alternative music. Their association with Andy Warhol and the New York art scene further cemented their status as cultural pioneers. With a legacy defined by their pioneering approach to rock music, The Velvet Underground's impact resonates through their experimental sound and provocative lyrics, making them one of the most influential bands in rock history. Their debut album, featuring the German singer Nico, is considered a cornerstone of rock and pop music, blending elements of avant-garde, experimental, and proto-punk styles. The band's story is vividly chronicled in the 2021 film "The Velvet Underground," directed by Todd Haynes, which offers a deep dive into their incandescent world and enduring legacy.

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