The Velvet Underground & Nico was an experimental rock band for the most part that any label never wants to replicate, although they have somewhat of a cult-like following. The image of the group was unlike any other, because they made their records without any intentions of success for the most part. Although they were not rebellious in doing this, it was more like they just did not care about how popular they became, did not measure themselves to any level of success, therefore giving them the right to do as they pleased.
With Lou Reed and John Cale founding this group of random members, Cale being the most musically inclined than the others, these two made all of the songs. Reed did virtually all of the song writing and Cale was known mostly for his viola skills. Being that Reed talked about sexuality and drugs openly, the audience that they attracted were those who were interested in this type of thing, and Andy Warhol, being a key contributor in the production and promotion of the album.
A Few things that set The Velvet Underground apart from the rest of pop recordings was their will to experiment with instruments and the mixing of art with their music. The music throughout the album has hissing because of the amps both being turned up and facing each other, giving them sort of an amateur sound. Also, since music videos were not popular in those days, art along with music was something Warhol brought that was very new.
Personally, The Velvet Underground & Nico album has no influence on me as a listener, I believe that it is a very reckless sounding album that I am not attracted to. However, if there is anything that can be taken out of it from someone else, it is most likely that a band can come from anywhere and that anything is possible.
Hello Donovon,
ReplyDeleteI really like the points that you discussed. Especially on how The Velvet Underground did not care if they became popular or not. I also like your explanation of their image and how no one really wanted to replicate them. One of the only things I would do is add a little more info on Andy Warhol’s part as producer, manager, supporter, and promoter of The Velvet Underground. I’d also add that Andy Warhol was the one who got Nico to sing a few songs on their album. Nothing major though. Overall, I’m impressed by your entry. Awesome work!