#38 The Velvet Underground

Although not commercially successful, the Underground is one of the most influential acts in history. In one sense, they were the American version of Pink Floyd. They loved experimentation and their music was nihilistic. They could be considered the first “Alternative” band long before R.E.M. created college radio. After the breakup, Lou Reed and John Cale experienced success as solo artists.

Rock n Roll Moment: The Velvet Underground were part of Andy Warhol’s underground art scene in the 1960s.

Essential Velvet Underground:

The Velvet Underground and Nico (1967)
White Light/White Heat (1968)
The Velvet Underground (1969)
Loaded (1970)

Velvet Underground’s Top 10:

Heroin
I’m Waiting for the Man
Sunday Morning
White Light/White Heat
Candy Says
Pale Blue Eyes
Sweet Jane
All Tomorrow’s Parties
There She Goes Again
The Black Angel’s Death Song