David Bowie: 'To me, the sound of the band (The Velvet Underground) was John Cale. That was confirmed a few years later when I worked with Lou on Transformer. John was the subversive element of the band, one of the most underrated musicians in rock history. That guy is a danger, a true character. '
They came out to play in Bill Graham’s place where the dead and airplane and all the sf bands would play. The hippies hated them lol, and kinda likewise. Lou and the others felt like it was a bunch of rich kid runaways who kept their privilege but just ran away from responsibility. But the hippies thought vu were too simple and their light show was ludicrously lame compared to what they were doing with projections and filters and such. Not the best marriage lol.
To expand on that-peace and love as a solution to the worlds problems, like trying to sing away the war or something, was just seen as dumb. Lou was given electroshock in part because his parents worried he was gay (and he was definitely bisexual). They had a nihilism that just didn’t mesh with the willful optimism and glossing over of negativity of the hippies.
It's fascinating to watch you, as a young man, to explore the lyrics to this song and its subject matter. You're so thoughtful and insightful, and seem very open-minded and curious about life. I love when you explore complex songs.
Hard to believe this album was recorded before "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Bowie was an early fan of the group and played 'Waiting for My Man' and 'White Light/White Heat' from their 2nd album in concert.
That was one thing about Bowie, his eclectic tastes. Because, although being aware of VU at that time, he still deciced, for his own first album, to rather explore his British Anthony Newley influences and experiment with quirky, very non-rock arrangements. Which makes his own debut album sound much more dated today than VU's first album.
Fantastic choice Daniel. The Velvets were way ahead of their time. Dark, perverse, intense. Lou Reed's voice is menacing and sexy at the same time and reflected the lyrics perfectly. You were right to mention the drumming. Moe Tucker said this was her best work. x
I have never explored VU very much, but this number was very cool, with an almost ominous feeling to it. Goes into dark territory, reinforced by the "exotic" music. [World's shortest joke: Masochist: "Beat me." Sadist: "No."]
Love this track...its almost hypnotic music, while Reed sings Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's tale to us. Even now, I can't imagine too many bands would pull this one off right. Not the way the VU did. :)
You've got to do Sweet Jane. It's great you are getting into the vaults. If you like the voice Lou's Transformer album is a true classic. Keep up the good work 👍
My favorite Velvet album is their 2nd, White Light White Heat. It is quite heavier especially the title track. Which I would describe as atmospheric proto-punk. There only six tracks. But the last track, Sister Ray is 17 minutes and is amazing. Sister Ray is definitely required VU listening.
Little by little, your uploads and my getting up in the morning, pure synchronicity. Liking this band more and more. Emotive instrumentation onto itself feeds the story.
“Taste the whip” is a great line. It can be used to describe many things and situations, it became a common phrase at least among my group of friends. There is a live recording of the Velvets at the Matrix coffeehouse in San Francisco 1967. It’s a really good recording. The Jefferson Airplane owned or ran the Matrix, a former pizza parlor. Great reaction.
The Velvet Underground are as influential as The Beatles. They pretty much created the template for all of what we would call “modern rock” in 1966. Every punk, art rock, new wave, noise rock, indie, college, or alternative rock artist that followed were influenced by The Velvets. They only made four albums but each one is a masterpiece
The other guitar sound might have been the violin played by John Cale, it us put through guitar effects pedals and amps so has a guitar like sound, I was lucky enough to see John perform Venus in Furs live a few years back and it was extraordinary.
“Alrighty then” - the moment you picked up the lyrical meaning… I think you’re on the money with the wall-of-sound reference. It fits with the theme of sensory extremes or overwhelm. John Cale’s dissonant strings really make it, I think. Hypnotic percussion. Lyrically beautiful. The novella is interesting, and worth a read. “Be careful all you explorers” - wise words, and a mature and considered response as usual :)
Hypnotic percussion, indeed. VU's drummer Maureen Tucker is a legend. I was lucky to see her playing her solo stuff, but also she sang "Pale Blue Eyes". Coolest housewife on earth. I also saw Nico once, her voice made the walls tremble.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC well dissonance already existed in avantgarde music. Cale was tutored by avantgarde luminaries Yannis Xenakis, John Cage and La Monte Young. As you said, he didn't necessarily invent it, but was the first to implement those experimental elements and sounds such as the drone, into Rock music. Here's a playlist of what John Cale was doing before and besides his time during the 60's with the Velvets: th-cam.com/play/PLNINWcxxj9hHMJx4_oFVWNLznPeMWKRVW.html
@@EdwardGregoryNYC well be prepared to have nerves made of steel, some pretty tough listening there. If you dig some of it, you can hear Cale's pioneering efforts predating Goth and Industrial music by almost a decade. Unfortunately these tapes weren't released until 2002/2004, but you can hear where Lou Reed got his inspiration for Metal Machine Music, Cale being his tutor in terms of distortion and different drone techniques. Hope you enjoy!
"House Of Sin" ?, "Venus In Furs"?, what kind of channel is this LOL. How perfect is the music and production to this song, with it's subject matter. As for Mo Tucker, whose drumming you mentioned, I love the rhythm she brings to the mix on this album. Great song. Btw, I caught your open mic stint last night and you were awesome Daniel!. I found your vocal so strong on the "Drunk Driver/Killer Whales" song. Your voice control is improving. I was so proud to see you do so well and have the positive feedback you deserve. Well done. Looking forward to the new album.
Inspired by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's book "Venus in Furs." This is where we get "masochism" from. The drums are laid horizontal and played by Maureen Ann "Moe" Tucker. As Prince would say... Dig if you will. Peace on earth.
The Velvet Underground took their name from an obscure porn novel. Making "that sort of thing" public was part of what the 60s were about. Especially around Andy Warhol, who pushed the boundaries of art.
'Be careful all you explorers out there' has to be one of my favourite youtube quips ever, delivered perfectly with bonne humeur...cracking review Daniel, really enjoyed that. Still chuckling away now.
At some point you'll encounter Waves of Fear from Lou's incomparable The Bells record - it's somehow connected to this one for me, featuring the most majestic and chaotic guitar solo in all of rock music by Robert Quine.
What a chance to discover this life-changing album. Impossible to list the hundreds of bands that owe something to this album and also to this fantastic song. John Cale on the violin.
Love the album and your reactions. A bit off-topic, and please forgive me if you've addressed this, but your "stay safe, stay sane" sign off had me wondering if you are a listener of the (highly recommended) Stay F. Homekins podcast hosted by Paul F. Tompkins & Janie Haddad Tompkins. Certainly could be a coincidence, I know. Anyway, keep up the good reactions -- certainly looking forward to upcoming reactions to "Heroin" and "All Tomorrow's Parties" (that piano!) -- and best of luck with your own music.
Daniel this song in my opinion is an C - On the Scale of VU music. I think they have ALOT better music then this song. I don't know about you, but until you read what the lines and words of the song. Or when you broke the song down with Song Facts. I would still not know what this song said or the DEEP Subject that VU was so Intricately and Subtractingly woven together with a Poetic vibe. Really Interesting song. But I would still not know any of that, if it weren't for being able to look up the Lyrics and Break down the Meaning of the song with Song Facts, I would still be Clueless about what this song is saying and trying to express. Don't get wrong, this isn't a Knock on Song Facts, or Looking at the Lyrics. It's just I believe way too many Bands rely on it. I come from an age of Radio, back then a Band really only gets one or two chances to get a song even played on the Radio. So they would have to get there message and meaning out there Clearly and Vivid the First time around. Because they couldn't rely on the people to go and look up what they are saying and what they were expressing. Ok I'm done Preaching 🙂 in closing I would like to say, Daniel I Love how you Break Down the song's and Lyrics. I have Learned so much from your interest to dive Deep into the Rabbit Hole !! Kudos !! My Friend !!! Keep up the Great work Daniel ! We Are Legion 🔥🔥
I was waiting for you to get to this song! Smashing pumpkins covered this, and it's just an interesting cover cause it's so different. Love both versions!
Oh, this old classic. Remember that from my youth. One Velvet Underground tune you just must check up is The Gift (hope I don't misremember the name). Not sure though which album it is on. The Gift is ... he he, well, that's one for the books.
I didn't care for that song because of the abuse. I was abused the first time I was married and I left him after seven and a half years. I am on my second marriage which has been the best. I. Love him even though he is wheelchair and my sister would never understand that I didn't see him that way I Love him no matter how he is. He is my best friend. We been married twenty years now.
Sorry you had to ever experience any physical hurt in your life. I'm glad you have a wonderful relationship. You saw passed your husband's limitations to see how much he could give to you.
I can definitely see how the lyrical content might be triggering for someone who had experienced abuse, even though it is not about abuse as such, but a consensual BDSM relationship. Sorry you went through such a painful experience, glad you are in a better place now.
No mention of Cale's viola? I think that's one of the key musical ingredients, it creates a lot of the tension and musical unease.
David Bowie: 'To me, the sound of the band (The Velvet Underground) was John Cale. That was confirmed a few years later when I worked with Lou on Transformer. John was the subversive element of the band, one of the most underrated musicians in rock history. That guy is a danger, a true character. '
VU is so very New York 60’s. A very different experience than the San Francisco sounds of the era. Very powerful street wise psychedelia.
They came out to play in Bill Graham’s place where the dead and airplane and all the sf bands would play. The hippies hated them lol, and kinda likewise. Lou and the others felt like it was a bunch of rich kid runaways who kept their privilege but just ran away from responsibility. But the hippies thought vu were too simple and their light show was ludicrously lame compared to what they were doing with projections and filters and such. Not the best marriage lol.
To expand on that-peace and love as a solution to the worlds problems, like trying to sing away the war or something, was just seen as dumb. Lou was given electroshock in part because his parents worried he was gay (and he was definitely bisexual). They had a nihilism that just didn’t mesh with the willful optimism and glossing over of negativity of the hippies.
“Now bleed for me…. “. With that little laugh, is pure Lou.
It's fascinating to watch you, as a young man, to explore the lyrics to this song and its subject matter. You're so thoughtful and insightful, and seem very open-minded and curious about life. I love when you explore complex songs.
tame now, but in its time, as risque as music could get
Moe Tucker with that primal S&M beat tho :O
Very 60's psychedelic hypnotic. The theme is rather harsh but I love Lou Reed.
Hard to believe this album was recorded before "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band".
Bowie was an early fan of the group and played 'Waiting for My Man' and 'White Light/White Heat' from their 2nd album in concert.
The Yardbirds did Waiting For The Man in ‘68. Jimmy Page was a fan early on.
That was one thing about Bowie, his eclectic tastes. Because, although being aware of VU at that time, he still deciced, for his own first album, to rather explore his British Anthony Newley influences and experiment with quirky, very non-rock arrangements. Which makes his own debut album sound much more dated today than VU's first album.
My favorite band of all time!
Fantastic choice Daniel. The Velvets were way ahead of their time. Dark, perverse, intense. Lou Reed's voice is menacing and sexy at the same time and reflected the lyrics perfectly. You were right to mention the drumming. Moe Tucker said this was her best work. x
This album is the birth of what would become alternative rock and indie rock. An absolutely colossal work.
I never delved so deep into the lyrics. I was only aha, masochism, aha, and went on. I just always loved the hypnotic sound of this song.
I have never explored VU very much, but this number was very cool, with an almost ominous feeling to it. Goes into dark territory, reinforced by the "exotic" music. [World's shortest joke: Masochist: "Beat me." Sadist: "No."]
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but that extra layer is an electric viola.
Love this track...its almost hypnotic music, while Reed sings Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's tale to us. Even now, I can't imagine too many bands would pull this one off right. Not the way the VU did. :)
One of my favorites! Keep going with the Velvets, please.
You've got to do Sweet Jane. It's great you are getting into the vaults. If you like the voice Lou's Transformer album is a true classic. Keep up the good work 👍
VU and particularly this album changed music. John Cale’s viola gives such an eerie effect. Cale has some phenomenal albums of his own
The most important: it's not about bananas🤔
My favorite Velvet album is their 2nd, White Light White Heat. It is quite heavier especially the title track. Which I would describe as atmospheric proto-punk. There only six tracks. But the last track, Sister Ray is 17 minutes and is amazing. Sister Ray is definitely required VU listening.
Little by little, your uploads and my getting up in the morning, pure synchronicity. Liking this band more and more. Emotive instrumentation onto itself feeds the story.
“Taste the whip” is a great line. It can be used to describe many things and situations, it became a common phrase at least among my group of friends. There is a live recording of the Velvets at the Matrix coffeehouse in San Francisco 1967. It’s a really good recording. The Jefferson Airplane owned or ran the Matrix, a former pizza parlor. Great reaction.
VU is a great example of the regional differences in the music that existed at the same time in the late '60s/early' 70s.
The Velvet Underground are as influential as The Beatles. They pretty much created the template for all of what we would call “modern rock” in 1966. Every punk, art rock, new wave, noise rock, indie, college, or alternative rock artist that followed were influenced by The Velvets. They only made four albums but each one is a masterpiece
It kinda has a medieval feel to it.
That last arpeggio of guitar chord slaughter makes me wince with envy.
Very cool man if you’re touching on psychedelia maybe check out some spacemen 3 or the black angels
Also Jesus And Mary Chain, Loop, Brian Jonestown Massacre, A Place To Bury Strangers early Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
The other guitar sound might have been the violin played by John Cale, it us put through guitar effects pedals and amps so has a guitar like sound, I was lucky enough to see John perform Venus in Furs live a few years back and it was extraordinary.
Now do Electric Wizard "Venus in Furs"
“Alrighty then” - the moment you picked up the lyrical meaning… I think you’re on the money with the wall-of-sound reference. It fits with the theme of sensory extremes or overwhelm. John Cale’s dissonant strings really make it, I think. Hypnotic percussion. Lyrically beautiful. The novella is interesting, and worth a read. “Be careful all you explorers” - wise words, and a mature and considered response as usual :)
Hypnotic percussion, indeed. VU's drummer Maureen Tucker is a legend. I was lucky to see her playing her solo stuff, but also she sang "Pale Blue Eyes". Coolest housewife on earth. I also saw Nico once, her voice made the walls tremble.
Cale may not have invented dissonance, but he certainly perfected it.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC well dissonance already existed in avantgarde music. Cale was tutored by avantgarde luminaries Yannis Xenakis, John Cage and La Monte Young. As you said, he didn't necessarily invent it, but was the first to implement those experimental elements and sounds such as the drone, into Rock music. Here's a playlist of what John Cale was doing before and besides his time during the 60's with the Velvets: th-cam.com/play/PLNINWcxxj9hHMJx4_oFVWNLznPeMWKRVW.html
@@ForARide great. I'll check out your list.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC well be prepared to have nerves made of steel, some pretty tough listening there. If you dig some of it, you can hear Cale's pioneering efforts predating Goth and Industrial music by almost a decade. Unfortunately these tapes weren't released until 2002/2004, but you can hear where Lou Reed got his inspiration for Metal Machine Music, Cale being his tutor in terms of distortion and different drone techniques. Hope you enjoy!
"House Of Sin" ?, "Venus In Furs"?, what kind of channel is this LOL. How perfect is the music and production to this song, with it's subject matter. As for Mo Tucker, whose drumming you mentioned, I love the rhythm she brings to the mix on this album. Great song. Btw, I caught your open mic stint last night and you were awesome Daniel!. I found your vocal so strong on the "Drunk Driver/Killer Whales" song. Your voice control is improving. I was so proud to see you do so well and have the positive feedback you deserve. Well done. Looking forward to the new album.
An incredible song. Yeah man...
This song screams iconic. And it is definitively not the last one on this album.
And Heroin still to come. There’s so much wondrous stuff to come, not to mention Lou Reed’s amazing solo career, and indeed John Cale’s.
what a roger corman horror movie wish they could have made...
Kinky to the letter.
I HATE the postmodern critical feminist lens the lyrics have been interpreted by.
Inspired by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's book "Venus in Furs."
This is where we get "masochism" from.
The drums are laid horizontal and played by Maureen Ann "Moe" Tucker.
As Prince would say... Dig if you will.
Peace on earth.
6:00 Warning! The "lyrics" could be just someone trying to guess what the actual lyrics are.
The Velvet Underground took their name from an obscure porn novel. Making "that sort of thing" public was part of what the 60s were about. Especially around Andy Warhol, who pushed the boundaries of art.
'Be careful all you explorers out there' has to be one of my favourite youtube quips ever, delivered perfectly with bonne humeur...cracking review Daniel, really enjoyed that. Still chuckling away now.
BEST SONG IN THE WORLD.... THE DEMO OF VENUS IN FURS IS DIFFERENT BUT GREAT TOO IS VERY MEDIEVAL AND CALE SINGS
the idea that it could go wrong is bs & dramatic
At some point you'll encounter Waves of Fear from Lou's incomparable The Bells record - it's somehow connected to this one for me, featuring the most majestic and chaotic guitar solo in all of rock music by Robert Quine.
What a chance to discover this life-changing album. Impossible to list the hundreds of bands that owe something to this album and also to this fantastic song. John Cale on the violin.
Viola that is
Thousands of bands I'd say.
"be careful all you explorers out there." Love your sense of humor.
Legendary song
Severen also shows up as the villain in "Barberella" movie.
Ya 1966.....crazy
How can someone write heroin.....and perfect day
Lou Reed
Two geniuses: John Cale’s musicality and Lou Reed’s poetry.
Just a side note...Lou Reed's last recording was a song he did with the Killers called "Tranquilize"
Love the album and your reactions.
A bit off-topic, and please forgive me if you've addressed this, but your "stay safe, stay sane" sign off had me wondering if you are a listener of the (highly recommended) Stay F. Homekins podcast hosted by Paul F. Tompkins & Janie Haddad Tompkins. Certainly could be a coincidence, I know.
Anyway, keep up the good reactions -- certainly looking forward to upcoming reactions to "Heroin" and "All Tomorrow's Parties" (that piano!) -- and best of luck with your own music.
Daniel this song in my opinion is an C -
On the Scale of VU music.
I think they have ALOT better music then this song.
I don't know about you, but until you read what the lines and words of the song.
Or when you broke the song down with Song Facts.
I would still not know what this song said or the DEEP Subject that VU was so Intricately and Subtractingly woven together with a Poetic vibe. Really Interesting song.
But I would still not know any of that, if it weren't for being able to look up the Lyrics and Break down the Meaning of the song with Song Facts, I would still be Clueless about what this song is saying and trying to express.
Don't get wrong, this isn't a Knock on Song Facts, or Looking at the Lyrics.
It's just I believe way too many Bands rely on it.
I come from an age of Radio, back then a Band really only gets one or two chances to get a song even played on the Radio.
So they would have to get there message and meaning out there Clearly and Vivid the First time around.
Because they couldn't rely on the people to go and look up what they are saying and what they were expressing.
Ok I'm done Preaching 🙂
in closing I would like to say, Daniel I Love how you Break Down the song's and Lyrics.
I have Learned so much from your interest to dive Deep into the Rabbit Hole !!
Kudos !! My Friend !!! Keep up the Great work Daniel !
We Are Legion 🔥🔥
I got this 2 weeks late, priceless💜
" Be careful all you explorers ", had me dying on the floor 😂
Smack must be tons of fun to picture your friend beside you on the couch as a dungeon mistress. Who knows? Could be fun. Is she in the same space?
"There She Goes Again" and "Heroin" are the 2 best tracks on this album
I was waiting for you to get to this song! Smashing pumpkins covered this, and it's just an interesting cover cause it's so different. Love both versions!
This song has been on my playlist for years and I'm still not sure if I enjoy listening to it or not. But I can't delete it
lou reed amazing underrated vocalist extroadinairre
One time I saw my soul leaving my body while listening to this.
I love Reed's nervous laughter on this song and in Heroine.
Oh, this old classic. Remember that from my youth. One Velvet Underground tune you just must check up is The Gift (hope I don't misremember the name). Not sure though which album it is on. The Gift is ... he he, well, that's one for the books.
White Light/White Heat
My krafft may be ebbing but wasn't Saverin also one of the founders of Facebook?
Eduardo Saverin was one of the founders of FB. Severin is the name of the character in Venus in Furs.
beyond amazing
When I heard this I knew I was gay definitely
Lou wouldn’t have lasted two months in San Francisco; he’s just not tough enough.
I didn't care for that song because of the abuse. I was abused the first time I was married and I left him after seven and a half years. I am on my second marriage which has been the best. I. Love him even though he is wheelchair and my sister would never understand that I didn't see him that way I Love him no matter how he is. He is my best friend. We been married twenty years now.
Sorry you had to ever experience any physical hurt in your life. I'm glad you have a wonderful relationship. You saw passed your husband's limitations to see how much he could give to you.
@@cherylreichardt Thank you.
I can definitely see how the lyrical content might be triggering for someone who had experienced abuse, even though it is not about abuse as such, but a consensual BDSM relationship. Sorry you went through such a painful experience, glad you are in a better place now.
@@darcysalas3042 You're welcome.
@@sopyleecrypt6899 That's what I heard in the song and remind me of that time in my life.
This is really quite awful.