Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico (Reissue)

Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico (Reissue)

Universal

Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico (Reissue)

Reissue - Gatefold with Banana that actually peels like the original release

When Velvet Underground recorded this debut, they were best known as the protgees of Andy Warhol (who designed the sleeve), and as a grating, combustive live band. Fuelled by drummer Moe Tucker's no-nonsense wham and John Cale's howling viola, some of the straight-up rock and roll and arty noise extravaganzas here bear that out. But before Lou Reed was singing about sadomasochism & drug deals and writing lyrics inspired by his favourite poets, he was a pop songwriter, & this album has some of his prettiest tunes, mostly sung by Nico, the German dark angel who left the band after this album.

Even the sordid rockers are underscored by graceful pop tricks, like the two-chord flutter at the center of the classic 'Heroin'.

Truly essential listening. 

Tracklist

1. Sunday Morning
   
2. I'm Waiting For The Man
3. Femme Fatale
4. Venus In Furs
5. Run Run Run
6. All Tomorrow's Parties
7. Heroin
8. There She Goes Again
9. I'll Be Your Mirror
10. Black Angel's Death Song
11. European Son