Reviews (page 4 of 14)
281221 15:28 4.5
VU's first album is the obvious one to get a 5 rating given how influential it was and how it redefined avant garde. This third album one was also a game changer and transformational for Lou Reed. This was the start of what we all think of as Lou Reed's sound as Lou's speaksinging became the main attraction and a lot of the White Light / White Heat experimentation with sounds not really made by the instruments were tossed. The cover photo is hilarious with Lou looking so young and wholesome. He doesn't look like a guy who two years earlier wrote a song about his heroin dealer always showing up late. Candy Says is a fine song although Lou does fuck with my memory with Candy Says, Caroline Says, Lisa Says, etc. I can't remember which woman says what but I like them all. Pale Blue Eyes is probably the best song on the album. I like the Christian trilogy starting with, duh, jesus and continuing on Side 2. I'm sure some will say they aren't a trilogy and who knows if Lou intended this but hey the customer's always right! Lou sums up his religious experience so well in I'm Set Free: "Let me tell you people what I found. I saw my head laughing, rolling on the ground" I'm guessing our Jewish friend either didn't find jesus after all or didn't like the religious narrative he found wrapped around jesus. Hallelujah Mr. Reed. After Hours is a great way to finish the album and works so well with drummer Mo's haunting voice.I even like Murder Mystery. All the talking over each other is quite rhythmic. It's interesting that the album has the same name as the band. Many bands have an eponymous first album. Examples include the first albums by Elvis Presley, The Doors, Miriam Makeba and Black Sabbath. When bands get around to their second album, they usually give it a name. The VU's second album had a name (White Light/ White Heat) but its third album reverted to being eponymous. It's much less common not to give a separate album name to later albums. One other case I can think of is the Beatles' eponymous ninth album. I guess Pater Gabriel also did this but all of his first four solo albums were eponymous. He was on a roll! I like the 6 CD set that the 1001 app leads to on Spotify. This allowed me to listen to the live versions of most of the songs. I know this isn't how we are supposed to play this game but Lou is so much better live especially in the early days when his studio budgets were tight.
I am being blessed by this random generator. I am a huge fan of The Velvet Underground, but I had not yet listened to this album in full before, so the amount of serotonin that entered by body upon seeing the cover was...quite a lot! Much like The Velvet Underground & Nico, the album that first got me into the band, The Velvet Underground (the album lol) is a calm (for the most part) and introspective series of songs, layered together with thoughtful instrumentation, delicate vocals, and intelligent lyrics. But what really struck me about this album in particular is how full each song sounds. There are never any instances where some element of a song feels unnecessary; everything fits together perfectly, and nothing feels "tacked on". When music sounds complete to me, that is when I know that I have found some musical geniuses. And The Velvet Underground, both the band and the record, without question, are fucking genius. This album is much shorter than The Wall, so I was able to pick out some favourite tracks on my initial listen, and they are Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes, I'm Set Free, The Murder Mystery, and After Hours! Another big recommend to anyone.
60-S rock
I actually think this is better than "Velvet Underground And Nico".
Хороший альбом, но не такой яркий как первый их
Funcionou bem demais com o clima acústico, e mostrou a origem da candy says.
Lou Reed is a legend. Such great melodies, such a raspy, dry voice. It works. I love it.
Würde man dieser Liste 2 Nullen streichen, diese Platte wäre unzweifelhaft immer noch drin. Und zwar völlig zu Recht, weil das hier nimmt aus sich selbst heraus so viel vorweg, dass mich ernsthaft wundert warum man nicht ein eigenes Genre danach benannt hat. Aber gut, Punk, Garage, Glamrock auch das sind ja schöne Namen. Solange ich das mit dem Heroin nicht selbst ausprobiert habe, ist das hier auf jeden Fall Ersatzdroge of Choice. Oh, but I guess that I just don’t know.
I was looking forward to some Velvet Underground as I wasn't very familiar going in. This was good! I especially liked Pale Blue Eyes and That's The Story of My Life
Absolute classic. Is 1969 the greatest year in music history?
Pale Blue Eyes, Candy Says, and After Hours - Three GREAT Tracks.
My favorite of their four records
My favorite VU album,which means one of my favorite albums of all time. From the needle drop and the delicate strains of Candy Says barely a note out of place on this incredible album. Some Kinda Love, Pale Blue Eyes, Jesus, I'm Set Free, wow! 5 🌟
great album!!!
Such an uncanny thirst for heroine after listening to this a few time
O wiele przystępniejsza niż ta z bananem
All time
What a lovely relief from the previous albums. I hadn't listened closely to Candy Says before, but holy trans that song is so bittersweet and beautiful especially the final lines. The whole album is pretty, and it sounds like they're authentically having fun. Even the moody murder mystery song - the closest thing to their experimental previous stuff - sounds a bit playful among the stereo poetry jumble. If I had to program my mind to sync with one album, it would be this one. Tasteful. Well paced. Open eyed. Accepting. Empathetic. Authentic. Energy-giving. What a goddamn delight. A+
The first Indy Rock album—inspired so much that came after it, strokes, shins, Elliott smith, the list goes on. This is my idea of a perfect album, every note seems minimal to the point of feeling essential, Lou Reed’s poetry shines and every song is good, it’s fun, it’s melancholic, it’s hard, it’s soft, it’s about drugs, drinking, love, friendship, enlightenment and nostalgia. Whether it’s the the or the softness of “Candy Says,” the driving road trip vibes of “what goes on,” the jug band vibes of “some kind of love,” the perfectly soft darkness of “pale blue eyes,” the rock and roll lullaby of “Jesus,” the swinging good time of “Beginning to See the Light,” the enlightened release of “I’m set free,” the folksy, “That’s the story of my life,” even the avant- guard juxtaposition of “The Murder Mystery” its grating chanted poetry dissonant against the softer hazy moments create a sometimes skippable but still excellent song, and finally twee notes of “After Hours” this album never misses a beat, it’s relentlessly good. Easy 5
this is why i started this thing
This shit rocked hard. Really enjoyed it, but the final song was kinda strange.
I love this, it’s a (mostly) pleasant listen with great songwriting. Murder Mystery is so strange but in an interesting way. gets a 10
Awk sure this album isn't as fried out as the one that came before it, but you can't really expect me to dislike it can ye?
AOOOOOOOOO DELÍCIA DE SONZIM, AMEI
Fantastic album!
One of my top 5 favorite bands, and second favorite of their albums. No good words to describe it, but the storytelling + the music are excellent
Oasis musical en medio del desierto de sonidos iguales.
So good
Beautiful album. I've never listened to this VU album all the way through. It may be my favorite of all their albums.
I had only ever heard the song "pale blue eyes" on many mixed tapes - the rest of their music I only knew with Nico. Much better without her.
Great album
кэнди сэйс айв кам ту хейт май бади
Classic album
A stunning collection of songs. Side One has some of Lou Reed's finest work, and then Side Two sees the band branching out. Bands based entire careers out of the ideas on the final two tracks. I'd argue they are both more exciting than the noise experiments of the first two albums. Although it was not to last, this album presents the Velvet Underground as a cohesive, collaborative unit, adding magic to Lou Reed's masterpieces.
love it, probably like it more than the banana one. I can see myself listening to this regularly. After Hours was completely unexpected, I think it's on Juno's OST?
Um album gostosinho, principalmente pra ouvir lendo uma boa história que se passa em NY, tenho esse conceito comigo. Talvez eu ache este melhor que o album com a Nico mas não sei explicar o motivo. Após ouvir ele agora, ainda irei ouvir mais vezes pra me conectar mais com as letras e o conceito do album. Acho legal que ao mesmo tempo que ele é um album característico no fim da década de 60 ele também parece muito atual. Ah, eu amo esta capa. Nota: 80/100
It’s really good, Mac Demarco vibes
hun beste album die ik hier heb gehoord.
4 stars - Found myself completely enthralled with The Murder Mystery compared to previous listens. So many great songs here, but still not my favorite by the Velvet Underground.
Excellent album. Re-listened multiple times since.
Good stuff, classic band and album. I didn’t enjoy it like a 5. It’s a 4.
Loved this album. It is on the edge of folksy but so original it doesn't need that term. So ahead of its time, and so varied. My favorites were: Pale Blue Eyes, I'm Set Free, The Murder Mystery, After Hours
Good calm listen while at work
Love some Velvet
Love the velvet underground. The murder mystery reminds me of the mothers of invention haha. And after hours is just classic
very vibey, very chill. sounds very modern for the 60s
Velvet Underground is what you put on when someone says they want to hear something that's TRULY 60s. Very reflective of the times, very cool, and a fun listen. Highlights: Some Kinda Love, Beginning To See The Light
Måske ikke helt så karakteristisk som den med bananen, men jeg kunne umiddelbart godt li' det. Der var et mere stabilt niveau gennem pladen.
Yeah, I mean it's VU, and it's good. Thoroughly enjoyed.
very sedate, easier to listen to than the velvet underground and nico. favorite track is probably the murder mystery or after hours.
Pale Blue Eyes is on a playlist I love that one of my friends made, so it holds a special place in my heart. I really liked the rest of the album too. The Murder Mystery was strange and I think is my least favourite, but honestly it grew on me over the course of the song and I would listen to it again if I was in the right mood. Overall, I really enjoyed it. It felt more cohesive than White Light / White Heat while still being interesting and varied. Fav song: Pale Blue Eyes Least fav: The Murder Mystery
I’ve given a total of 3 stars across the previous two velvet underground albums we’ve had so I expected very little from this album. So it really surprised me how gorgeously well written and performed it is- and so not weird! Perfect chill album for skipping conference talks to read in a park. Favourite song: Pale Blue Eyes Least: The Murder Mystery
I did really like this, but I think I need more listens before giving it a 5
Honestly, so surprised at how good this album is. I know these guys are a little weird and out there, but I can see the appeal. Lou reed is so endless, but it has a lot of really really good songs. And it’s cohesive
It's fine. I like the overall structure, though some of the bits in the middle don't do much for me.
Started well and was great until three quarters way through. Then got a little silly.
Nice, but not impressive.
Not quite to the level of the banana album, but I really liked it.
#226/1001 🇺🇸 I find it tricky to rate this album against VU's first album 🍌, which is one of the most monumental records of all time. This has a more gentle straightforward feel to it, likely down to the departure of John Cale. I like it immensely but it just doesn't hit like 🍌 does. Best tracks: Pale Blue Eyes, The Murder Mystery, I'm Set Free, Candy Says.
Chill, super agréable.
Enjoyed more than expected. Nice mellowness. No weird stuff as I was expecting.
I forgot that not everything they make is screechy, apparently it's good to be rid of John Cale. good to hear Pale Blue Eyes again 💙 ok went a bit whacky at the end. would listen to again
9/10
Nice.
I hear Lou Reed and I think of taking a walk on the wild side. Unfortunate because many of these are quite nice and sweet. The murder mystery: no.
Great Songs: Some Kinda Love, Pale Blue Eyes Good Songs: Candy Says, What Goes On, Beginning to See the Light, I'm Set Free, The Murder Mystery, After Hours Mid Songs: Jesus, That's the Story of My Life Bad Songs:
Very cool, gets pretty weird at the end. Can see how the sons has had a lot of influence on newer music like the white stripes, and similar alt musoc
One of the o.g. shoegaze bands. Love 'em :')
4.5
4.5 the song Pale Blue Eyes is a classic and having Jesus next to it made it even better
Overall the album is a little forgettable at times, passing by pleasantly but without the weirdness and startling textures of previous albums nor the pop-rock pump of loaded. It does have, however, three of the Velvet's best tunes: "Candy Says", "Pale Blue Eyes" and "Afterhours". So... can't argue with that.
The Velvet Underground is the title of the third album released in 1969 and is considered folk rock / rock / pop and not proto punk art rock like its predecessors. This is because Lou replaced with John Cale with Doug Yule because he wanted a less experimental. The songs are more commercial with mostly ballads and more straightforward rock songs. It's considered more of a Lou Reed album. John Yule was a big influence because of his singing contributions as well as instrument playing. Sterling Morrison was a really good guitar player. "Knotty, twisty, and sinewy guitar....master of counter-melody and understated, angular embellishment". Listen to Some Kinda Love. Candy Says and Pale Blue Eyes are the most well known songs but others are good too. I liked What Goes On, Some Kinda Love and Beginning to See the Light (which sounds like Bowie). This definitely grew on me on subsequent listens.
better than that banana ting
A slow album that really pulls you in and hypnotizes you with melodic beats and existential lyrics.
Possibly my favourite VU album. Other than the irritating experimental poem piece Murder Mystery, this is just really lovely songwriting.
The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground (1969) El tercer trabajo de The Velvet Underground se debe entender en el contexto de la rivalidad entre Lou Reed y John Cale que llevó al despido del segundo. Con él se fue prácticamente todo lo relacionado con experimentación y ruidoso. El ingreso de Doug Yule para tomar su lugar afianzó el liderazgo creativo de Reed y dio pie a que el sonido del grupo ahora pasara a ser sencillo, hasta cierto punto minimalista, haciendo que cada elemento estuviese ahí para reforzar la voz de Reed (algo que generó molestias en el proceso de mezcla), relatando una historia cuasi conceptual en la que Candy, su protagonista va pasando paulatinamente de la oscuridad a la luz. Tiene algunas de las mejores canciones de la banda como Pale Blue Eyes, Jesus, Becoming To See The Light, Candy Says o After Hours en la voz de su baterista Maureen Tucker. Podría decirse que es el disco en el que Reed “probó finura” y comenzó a deslizar las maneras que van a definir su carrera en solitario.
Really enjoyed the whole album, except for “The Murder Mystery”, which I did not completely hate, but I fell it’s out of place compared to the rest of the album.
this was a relaxing listen. "after hours" and "i'm set free" are some highlights
Yes, you should listen to this before you die. Smooth, enjoyable listen. Goes by in an instant. Murder Mystery is a classic I'll keep.
My preferred VU album
I liked them before they were cool.
"Murder Mystery" scared the ever living shit out of me but I'll be damned if the rest of it didn't sound great
Essential weirdo listening for the indie baby
Back to back albums with ground breaking ideas that have been superceded by later works. Best parts still hold up well
I know a lot of these songs but haven't listened to this album as an album until now. I like just about every song I haven't heard before. There's definitely a big change in their sound, only part of which is the lack of John Cale. It's also what Lou Reed felt like he could do without John Cale looking at him like Snape glaring at Harry Potter. It's hard to believe that this is the same band that made Venus in Furs, Heroin, The Black Angel's Death Song. Gone are the slow haunting drones and gone too are the frenetically strummed scrabble-scrabble guitars accelerating into storms of feedback. On the other hand, the band was never defined by any one style. Some of their songs only sound like they're by the Velvet Underground because they are by the Velvet Underground. Interestingly several of the songs on this album have a subtle country influence to the guitar and there's something about the bass playing that sounds more like a progressive country studio session than the proto-punk of the first album. I don't think that's really true on any of their other albums. Murder Mystery is fun. I feel like a lot of later bands must have used this template for quirky story-songs, but then, a lot of bands have used the Velvet Underground as a template for a lot of stuff, so that makes sense. It's a good album and I'm glad to have listened to it even if it will probably never be my favorite. Essential Listen: Borderline but no Desert Island Disc: No
A great album Just missing some extra flare
The extreme dissonance of walking in New York City while listening to 'Candy Says', 'Pale Blue Eyes' and 'Jesus': It makes you wonder how VU became the prototypical NYC band, but of course, prior to this record, John Cale made them a much more avant-garde enterprise. There's lots I didn't know about this album before today- I had no idea who Doug Yule was, or that he sings lead on 'Candy Says'; I hadn't really understood the turn they took after Cale's departure; I had no knowledge of the 'Closet Mix' (which I maybe prefer?). Safe to say I've been trying to unearth more personal excitement for VU over the years without a ton of success but listening today is the closest I've gotten. I think I'm just still lacking some cultural context for what it was like to hear this band in 1969, and what was so energizing about Reed's songwriting (for my money, Cale shows far more sophisticated songwriting chops on Paris 1919). All that said, this album is awesome. The quiet songs are disquieting, like a serial killer whispering (O) sweet nothings into your ear, and the rockers (all 2 of them) sound like being beat to death with rolled up newspapers. Even Moe Tucker’s lead vocal to close the album is great. Only ‘Murder Mystery’ stops this album from being a complete home run.
Mostly great and creative songs on here, with a couple duds. Not my favorite Velvets album but an anjoyable listen.
This surprised me—I've never listened to the Velvet Underground before but this is not what I was expecting. I had to resist the urge to listen in order because I assume the other albums will come up in the rotation eventually.
The Velvet Underground go Pop? Almost. But like with their debut, the self-titled is responsible for spawning a bunch o genres that would more officially begin in the 80's. Here we hear trace of what would become Indie Pop, Slowcore, and Twee Pop, among a couple more. It remains incredible how influential the Velvets were. Probably the band who most genres can be traced back to, second only to the The Beatles. Key tracks: Candy Says Pale Blue Eyes Jesus After Hours
really great early rock album, probably in my top 50. a strong 9/10. first listen tracklist ranking: 1. Pale Blue Eyes 2. Candy Says 3. Jesus 4. After Hours 5. What Goes On 6. I’m Set Free 7. Beginning To See The Light 8. Some Kinda Love 9. The Murder Mystery 10. That’s The Story of My Life
Listened to first half and it was pretty good. Never heard those songs before
The great Velvet Underground! From the classic 3 album run this might be my least favourite, however this is still great album, probably easy 4 stars.
I really liked this. Murder Mystery was right up my alley and the album was bookended by some really pretty songs. I will definitely pick this up on vinyl. 4 stars.
Such a nice album, no idea why I didn’t listen to this sooner. Solid 4 and an absolute gem
I admire how different The Velvet Underground’s first three albums are from each other. This one most sounds like them kicking back and relaxing into the process of recording an LP. Flitting to and fro between semi-acoustic and full band numbers gives it a low key, settled feeling that is the polar opposite of White Light White Heat. The Murder Mystery, which is quite unlike the rest of the record, is a favourite of mine. I like how it shoots from the anxious busy brain verses into the curious and laid back choruses. Over lockdown my band recorded our own version of it for a charity compilation which further revealed some of its beguiling qualities to me. Experimental music made by people who understand pop music is my favourite kind.
VU get a high 4 with this one, love the calmer vibes and the occasional avant garde flourish, a nice mix
I thought this was pretty cool overall. It ebbed and flowed very creatively and it’s one I’d like to spend more time with. Pale Blue Eyes was so pretty. I also really liked I’m Set Free and the last two tracks.
My first Velvet Underground album. I really enjoyed it. It's simple, but it never gets boring. Definitely made me want to hear more from them. Favorite track(s) Candy Says Pale Blue Eyes Jesus After Hours
Candy says - 4 What goes on - 4 Some kinda love - 3 Pale blue eyes - 4 Jesus - 3 Beginning to see the light - 4 I'm set free - 3 That's the story of my life - 3 The murder mystery - 2 After hours - 4
it’s very chill very inspirational kind of the vibe I would go to if I was on a long bus ride home after a very sunny day. I wouldn’t listen to on the regular tho. Well maybe only what goes on
A good four very peaceful really enjoyed it
Interesting lyrics. Mostly liked this. Feel like I should like it more than I do. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood. Nevertheless, 4.
Classic!
heavy hitter
Better than I thought this was gonna be! Pale Blue Eyes is an all-timer that I'd never heard before, and there were other nice and soft but also more rocky tunes. That Murder Mystery one probably went on too long but had a good ending.
The first few tracks in I was coming to terms with the fact that maybe I'm just not the Velvet Underground fan I thought I was. It was okay enough but wasn't really making me feel anything like hearing the first album in high school. Then the bass sound in 'Jesus' was kind of a turning point and by side B I was having a pretty good time.
Beautiful! It really lulled me
People liked drugs way back then too I guess. I've always had a weakness for this band. Thanks, CJ. Strange and a little too artsy in places but enjoyable. 3.9
It's been a long while since I had a Velvet Underground album. This seems to be less abrasive than White Light was while still being dark and somewhat experimental in nature. Upon listening, this initial assessment is proven accurate, as this is a far softer and more pleasant album than the distortion-heavy White Light. It definitely has an edge, but not so much as to put off the average listener. The lyrics are often personal and confessional, making a stark contrast to the lucid, macabre stories that defined White Light. However, some songs(particularly "Murder Mystery") do evoke the uncompromising weirdness of the Velvets as a band, if not as noisy or challenging as the likes of "The Gift" or "Sister Ray"(from White Light). This is a good gateway album for the Velvets as a band, though the banana album(which I haven't had yet) is generally their most acclaimed record. It's more generally a good and interesting record. This album is ranked #10 of 38 albums for 1969. Other 1969 albums rated by me: Abbey Road(1/38)-5 Led Zeppelin(3/38)-4 At San Quentin(5/38)-5 Bayou Country(7/38)-4 In the Court of the Crimson King(9/38)-5 Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere(11/38)-4 Cloud Nine(17/38)-4 Arthur(18/37)-3 Hot Rats(19/38)-3 From Elvis In Memphis(21/38)-2 Tommy(22/38)-4 Songs From A Room(25/38)-5 Unhalfbricking(26/38)-4 Kick Out The Jams(29/38)-3 The Gilded Palace of Sin(30/38)-3 Odessa(36/38)-2
Superou minhas expectativas, a segunda metade é muito boa, demora pra engrenar, mas depois que vai, vai bem. Acabou que o álbum finalizou e acabei ouvindo outro álbum da banda, o de 1970. Bela surpresa, nunca tinha ouvido a banda e só conhecia a famosa capa do primeiro disco.
Not as strong as some of their albums I think but there's a few interesting songs on here. Pale Blue Eyes is famous, I think. I liked The Murder Mystery and After Hours, the closing two tracks, as they are a bit different. I think I zoned out earlier in the album. Not entirely the band's fault. I have just been tired of late.
I swear I've listened to this album and not been impressed... But it has some pretty solid hits.
7/10
Good album. I enjoyed this more than I was expecting too.
Love this!
Very sparse musically though weighty lyrically. Almost sounds like a demo collection, however they work so well they didn't need any more work. I imagine this would have really stood out from the crowd when it was released. In a time when the radio was playing Beach Boys, Yellow Submarine or Peter Paul & Mary this would be a 'disruptor'. And the same year we had Led Zeppelin and MC5 emerge, as well as Nick Drake and the sophomore effort from The Band... 69 was quite a year. This could easily have come out in the last 15 years and done well (maybe not as well though as that playing field is full of clones inspired by this album and it may get lost in the fray). Certainly a blueprint for a sound 30 to 40 years ahead of its time.
The first and last few songs on this album are so beautiful. Candy Says is a perfect opener and Murder Mystery was so captivating. I just wish the middle third didn’t drone on as much.
Thoroughly enjoyed
Can’t say I’ve ever heard anything by this group before. Candy says was quite a gorgeous start. It was almost like a lullaby. What goes on was a different vibe, but oh my god was it great!! I thought it had just the right amount of oomph for what it was trying to be. The guitar solo was also a nice bonus. Some kinda love was a great little track and then afterwards, pale blue eyes was super sweet. It was simple, but it worked. Jesus was another very vibey track. That’s the story of my life was also quite good. Then, going into the Murder Mystery, I thought the track was quite interesting. My brain felt like it needed to be everywhere at once. After hours was a nice enough way to end things! I liked the different vocalist. 4/5 ⭐️ 178/1089
Way better than the last Velvet Underground album we listened to
Reminds me of the Beatles but with a bit more of a rock twang to it? The female voice in some songs is really nice. Very nice guitar across the board Favourite song (s): my best friend, coming back to you, D.C.B.A Least favourite song(s): nothing really stood out here, embrionic journey Overall rating: 8.9/10
Hilarious that John Cale left and they immediately went ‘let’s go MAINSTREAM’. Not a bad thing tho, some of VU’s best songs here. And The Murder Mystery might be seen as a failed experiment to the band, but I really like it.
Great album. I’m a fan of the band and Lou Reed as a solo artist. Lots of great songs here. Every song is good. 4.5 for me probably.
Great but not the best Velvet Underground record. If White Light White Heat is a 5/5, this is a 4/5.
Det va en trivelig liten sak, synes æ.
2026.06.30
Bueno disco! Solo conocia Heroin y no está en este disco, pero me gustó mucho, la cancion Mistery Murder una canción bien extraña, incomoda, pero interesante
Really enjoy the more mellow sounds on a lot of these songs. Big fan of I’m set free. These dudes just couldn’t help themselves with putting weird shit at the end of their albums, but unlike the end of the Nico album, murder mystery is actually kind of enjoyable in an odd way
Not sure if it meets the definition of the Mandela Effect but I went a number of years thinking Adventure Time used After Hours in one of the Marceline episodes. The feedback guitar solos on this and the Banana album are up there with Bob Dylan harmonica solos for destroying your family's ear drums in the car. I think this is my favorite Velvet Underground album. It’s certainly the most listenable of their first three albums, the Murder Mystery notwithstanding.
Quite a mesmerising mismatch of styles
This record is arguably more cohesive front to back than their debut, however I still prefer the debut for laying the foundation for this lane. (My girl Nico as well) I also appreciate the more upbeat jangly guitar driven songs here, which is a nice switch up from the debut staying in the somber, muddied out vibe. It’s hard to put these records against eachother because I love them all. But being this is my 3rd favorite VU album, someone’s gotta take the 4 star. #InLouReedWeTrust
Listening to the underground while underground. It’s beautiful it reallly feels like stepping into a small concert. So unique and comfy. Lou Reed has this softness that he finally find with his voice and all these deep cuts really bring it. The story of my life feels like a children’s show intro and that never gets started and thus stays in limbo yet it feels full and complete scary stuff. Such simple lyrics but the band just feel so in sync. It’s a folk album disguised as a rock record. Nico on after hours is just perfect ending fodder. Lou Reed found his vocals with this where it’s the perfect mix of silly and good singing. I have more velvet underground to bump now I can’t complain murder mystery didn’t hit though
I really enjoyed this album and was glad to discover what the VU was really like. Great sounds, with the exception of the Murder song which is weird and punishingly long. Interesting Jesus song. This is an album I will probably come back to and explore other VU albums.
The velvet underground have a way of making songs that I could listen to forever
A nice and relaxing one. Pale blue eyes was lovely. There's a certain je ne sais quoi with the velvet underground where I just find them very cool???
The album that introduced me personally to the Velvet Underground. It wasn’t the first time I heard or even had friends tell me to listen / but the first time I “got” the Velvet Underground. Candy Says and What Goes On felt like “my” songs.
Aku suka lagu shoegaze di pembuka album ini tapi variasi genre di dalamnya sulit untuk membuatku benar benar jatuh cinta
Liked it but not as much as Nico
Sometimes simplicity and noise can come together and make a beautiful baby. This album is basic but what Lou Reed captured when he was drugged up is far and away anything he did in his later years. After Walk on the Wildside of course. Oh and Perfect Day. These guys didn’t get enough of the mainstream recognition that they deserved but then again, I’m glad they didn’t. I like this secret. PS listen to Blind Melon’s cover of Candy Says Choice cut: Pale Blue Eyes
A disrupted and unfocused listen meant I came back for a second listen, which I was more than happy to do based on the vibes I had picked up on. There’s something rather chilled about this album, it’s almost effortless but always interesting.
amazing, gentle sound - makes me feel like lying down in the grass, maybe a walk in the rain. great album. best song was pale blue eyes.
I like I like
It’s not really up there with Loaded (which isn’t on the list) or the Velvet Underground and Nico but it’s still a good album.
Strong 4
solid 4 LISTEN WITH HEADPHONES IT WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER i liked the first song the rest were kinda meh also murder mystery was unique and i liked that
The Velvet Underground was a one-of-a-kind band. I already owned a physical copy of this album since my early 20s when I first discovered them. Not every track stands out, but they’re unique in their own way. Pale Blue Eyes will always be a personal favorite from this album.
very cool. i like velvet underground
녹는다 녹아 베스트: Candy Says, Pale Blue eyes, After hours
Kinda devolves into spoken word at the end but good stuff regardless
Formative album in my teenage years. Still holds up today. Sort of remarkably timeless. 9/10
Just got shouted at to turn "The Murder Mystery" off as it's "fucking awful". Reader, I LOVE "TMM". Sonic-Youth-inspiring noise. Other than that, great collection of songs, where you can hear the band starting to really branch out...
...
Wow, almost reaches the heights of Velvet & Nico. Top stuff, overlooked in their discography until now. 4.5*
Project 1001 ABID #5 Pre thoughts - I have listened to this before and really couldn’t get into it with modern ears. Maybe the relisten will improve things Post thoughts- now I’m old enough to appreciate the lyrics and the time it was done, certainly can respect it. It’s just really not for me.
I liked it a lot more than their other album on this list. Pale Blue Eyes is a classic. Overall it sounds really polished and focused, with some interesting production choices for the 70s.
Rating: 8/10 The experimentation is gone here, it's just good old straightfoward rock at its finest. Soft and mellow now instead of noisy. It starts off really strong with the A side and then dips just a bit, but there is not a weak song here. I swear the folky lo-fi nature is a decades long precursor to the mellower side of indie pop rock. Afterhours is twee as hell. A very pleasant album to just put on and enjoy and hopefully will grow on me further
High four for enjoyment but not planning to relisten
A few great songs and an amazing sound
Slower than other VU. Pale Blue Eyes was a throwback 😂 didn’t realise it was VU
A mostly very chill listen that carried the vibe from start to finish, with the notable exception of The Murder Mystery, which was honestly a bit much for me. It was definitely the most interesting track and was worth including, but it’s awfully long for what it’s doing. Eventually it gets difficult to let it wash over you just because it’s so chaotic.
Sweet and calm, rock songs and ballads, this album has everything. It's very cool.
A great Album !
The Velvet Underground lives in the 4 zone.
Several greats. I didn't like the Murder Mystery at all.
4.5/5 - Not quite a 5, but I’ll listen to this more than White Light
4.5 /5!!! I like it, it’s good to relax
3,6/5 Este álbum de 1969, o terceiro da banda e o primeiro sem John Cale, apresenta um arco narrativo fascinante que vai de letras sobre amores impossíveis até uma jornada espiritual de libertação, passando por mistério, festas transgressoras e uma canção de ninar sombria para fechar. O arco espiritual e emocional Pale Blue Eyes A banda reflete sobre um amor que poderia ter sido, mas que é impossível — possivelmente um amor por uma mulher casada. Lou Reed explora a idealização desse amor proibido, reconhecendo que viver isso seria um pecado. A letra diz diretamente: “The fact that you are married / Only proves you’re my best friend / But it’s truly, truly a sin”. A música alterna entre felicidade e tristeza, capturando a instabilidade emocional de quem vive um relacionamento cheio de limites: “Sometimes I feel so happy / Sometimes I feel so sad”. Jesus Na sequência, vem uma súplica sincera por ajuda espiritual. O narrador pede a Jesus que o ajude a encontrar seu lugar no mundo e a enfrentar suas fraquezas: “Jesus, help me find my proper place / Help me in my weakness ‘cause I’m falling out of grace”. Com um som mais contido, é possível ouvir as cordas da viola de John Cale (que já havia deixado a banda, mas cujo som permanece como assinatura) e o piano de Lou Reed. A música é uma oração direta por orientação, não necessariamente por perdão — é sobre quem se sente perdido e precisa de direção. Beginning to See the Light Depois das preces, o narrador começa a ver a luz. O ritmo se torna mais animado, vibrando em guitarra e percussão. A letra reflete uma nova confiança: “Há problemas nesse tempo, mas nenhum deles é meu” — está resolvido com suas questões interiores. Esta faixa marca a transição da busca espiritual para a descoberta da fé. I’m Set Free Enfim, após pedir ajuda a um ser superior e começar a ver a luz, o narrador declara sua libertação: “I’ve been set free and I’ve been bound / To the memories of yesterday’s clouds”. A frase central é clara: “foi libertado, foi aprisionado, mas agora está livre”. A guitarra e a percussão levam a um ritmo crescente e empolgante, coroando a sensação de liberdade. A música explora temas de libertação, auto-descoberta e a quebra de ilusões do passado. That’s the Story of My Life Para fechar esse arco espiritual, a banda mostra que não há diferença entre certo e errado — é apenas a vida. A letra diz: “That’s the difference between wrong and right / But, Billy said, Both those words are dead”. É uma aceitação da ambiguidade da existência, onde os conceitos morais perdem seu significado absoluto. O arco experimental e transgressor The Murder Mystery Minha faixa favorita do álbum. A mixagem do diálogo torna o som intrigante: quatro membros da banda leem narrativas diferentes simultaneamente, criando uma atmosfera de mistério densa e desconcertante. A faixa experimental utiliza todos os quatro membros (Reed, Yule, Tucker e Morrison) falando letras diferentes ao mesmo tempo, fazendo o ouvinte escolher em quem prestar atenção. Faz referência aos métodos artísticos de Andy Warhol e às festas da Factory, explorando a ambiguidade de quem é o assassino e quem é a vítima. After Hours Para fechar o álbum, falam de noites que terminam soando como uma canção de ninar — depois da festa e do mistério do assassinato. A batterista Maureen Tucker canta em vez de Lou Reed, dando uma perspectiva nostálgica e sombria sobre a vida noturna. A letra captura a dualidade da vida noturna como espaço de liberdade, mas também de isolamento: “If you close the door, the night could last forever”.[letras +1] A frase final é poderosa: “se você fechar a porta, a noite durará para sempre” — seja para um dia ensolarado ou para alguém especial. A música reflete o desejo de permanecer na escuridão, longe da realidade que a luz do dia traz, e o anseio por conexão humana: “Oh, someday I know someone will look into my eyes”. É um fechamento melancólico que contrasta com a empolgação de “I’m Set Free”, sugerindo que a libertação não é tão simples quanto parece. Vale ressaltar: Faixa Candy Says Aborda a insatisfação com o próprio corpo e as dificuldades de autoaceitação de Candy Darling, uma mulher trans e musa de Andy Warhol. A letra começa com: “Candy says I’ve come to hate my body / And all that it requires in this world”. A música é um retrato sympathético da disforia de gênero, anos à frente do seu tempo, mostrando a solidão e alienação vividas por Darling. Os “pássaros azuis” simbolizam o desejo de liberdade acima das limitações impostas pelo corpo.
this album is amazing. i loved it. the whole album gives off the vibes of countryside. the strings are spectacular. i enjoyed the strings the most, for no reasons. it's just so calming to me and so humane. listening to 70s or old music in general just makes you feel close to the groove they made. it's just to humane. my fav tracks are "candy says", "pale blue eyes" and "jesus". "pale blue eyes" just does something to me. the lyrics are so dreamy and doesn't really make sense unless you really break the whole thing out. "jesus" is just so me. like literally. never felt related to this. "the murder mystery" is genuinely chaotic. i like the effects and the voices overlapping. the way they wrote the lyrics are very straightforward, but still not understandable. it's just fun word play and the words they put in has like 2 sides of meaning. so cool.
proto punk
Prima en leuk, lekker rustig ik heb genoten
Better than I expected. I've never much of a fan of Lou Reed's vocals. They work well on certain songs, but not on others. On this album, they mostly work.
B+
Album #153 The Velvet Underground: The Velvet Underground The Velvet Underground and Nico has become as revered as it is today because it was not only one of the first albums to delve into experimental and noise rock, but also one of the first albums with a lo-fi indie sound. That contrast of soft and harsh noises is what made the Velvets so appealing and unique. White Light/White Heat was the band fully leaning into the experimental side of their debut, and this album, their self-titled, is the Velvets going full indie ballads. One of the most comforting albums that I’ve ever heard, whereas listening to White Light/ White Heat is the equivalent of hiding from your drunk, abusive step-dad, The Velvet Underground is the equivalent of your mother’s safe embrace. Countless bands and artists have tried to recapture the effortless cool and calm of Lou Reed on this album, but unfortunately, no amount of money can buy the stuff. One of the reasons for a more straightforward sound (aside from The Murder Mystery) is due to John Cale’s departure before the album came out, which allowed Lou Reed far more control. Though I still do prefer the debut, there really isn’t any album better than this for when you just need some simple reassurance; it’s the sonic equivalent of a hug. Best Songs: After Hours, What Goes On, Pale Blue Eyes Worst Song: That’s The Story Of My Life Score out of 10: 9.5
a true classic but certainly not everyone's taste. Lou Reed was a visionary.
While the music on this album is mostly very good, I am not sure it coheres as an album very well. The album opens with a really tender and melancholic folk ballad about gender dysphoria (easily the highlight of the album), which is followed by a blues rock banger, which is followed by a very laid back bluesy-country type song, which is followed by a couple more ballads. These songs are great in isolation, but there is a lot of whiplash here. The second to last song (A Murder Mystery) veers hard into experimental territory with a 9 minute spoken word song with overlapping vocals that are panned hard left and right (I respect it, but there is not 9 minutes of ideas here). Kind of a mess as an album, but I'm glad I listened to it and there are absolutely songs I am going to go back to
This album seems a little bit more accessible compared to there first album, although that one has my two favorite Velvet Underground songa, Waiting For the Man and Heroin. While this one doesn't have the upper tier songs like those two, they have more songs that are almost there.
Really enjoyed this. Loser energy but great instrumentals.
Actually loved the drum and musical direction of this one
A good head nod to the beat listen, can see the appeal of these guys and another name finally connected to a sound for me. The Murder Mystery was an unexpected and fun treat at the end
Big thumbs up from me (really freaking love The Murder Mystery)
This one's great! I've never really grokked with the Velvet Underground banana album, but everything else they've put out has continually been right up my alley. The return to a more traditionally ballad-heavy sound is an inspired and unusual choice following their controversial noisy prior album and it works great here (White Light/White Heat is also excellent in its own way, it's worth mentioning, and there's shades of it here like in 'The Murder Mystery'). Hard to believe the sound quality's so good considering the time of release, too. Obvious winners off the tracklist are the classic Pale Blue Eyes and the strangely too-late-for-its-time, too-early-for-its-time twee-indie sound of After Hours which is an excellent dark-saccharine listen. There's something so straight about the delivery on After Hours that has really captured me. Lou Reed puts it best, perhaps: "You still don’t hear that kind of purity in vocals. It has nothing to do with singing. It has everything to do with being. It’s completely honest. Guileless." Fav tracks: Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes, The Murder Mystery, After Hours
Chill
Pale Blue Eyes is one of the greatest songs of all time, it’s so so so good. A perfect song. TVU had a few of those. This album is great, gentle and brutal I love it. I don’t think it’s my favourite, but god they were good weren’t they. 4.0/5.0 Best Song: PBE
- primera impresión: chill de cojones y mola. - canciones largas pero mucho instrumental. - segundo track y ya no es tan chill. - buen rollo. - cuarto track chill otra vez - noveno track (penúltimo) bastante caótico - ultimo track nice
Nice. I like the softer vocals. A few experimental songs. I really like indie music, so of course I will love The Velvet Underground. 4/5-5/5
The start was a bit boring but it really picked up towards the end. Great album
I really enjoyed listening to this one sitting in the sunshine drinking some tea.
I felt like I progressively got more bored throughout, although it was still nice! I really loved the first song, like a lot, Candy Says. But the rest just left me chasing the high I had from that first soft ballad. Listened twice just to be sure, and on the 2nd listen through I got a mouthful of Christianity from Jesus, and maybe the following 2 songs? Although with some more investigation, I don't know if they really are about following the christian beliefs, since the first few songs are about sex and identity. Perhaps these next few songs are more about redemption or searching for something. The lyrics stay pretty surface level, letting the listener interpret them in any way they may like. Actually now that I'm writing this, this album gets kinda deep... especially for being released in 1969. I guess I should bump it from a 3 to a 4. Interested in hearing their other music, as supposedly this one is very different than their more noisy counterparts. 7.5/10
Wild to listen to this right after “Aftermath” by The Stones. Same era. And they both feel like they’re going for a very similar Rock-and-roll-with-an-edge sound. Except one comes across as derivative and uninspired. And one comes across as a breath of fresh air and a new sound emerging. (This one) This album drags at points. But even when it goes it’s pleasant.
Stellar, and oh so close to the 5-star bump on this site. Give us half-star rankings!! 4.5/5
fuck yes
Candy Says - 3/5 What Goes On - 4.5/5 Some Kinda Love - 4/5 Pale Blue Eyes - 5/5 Jesus - 3/5 Beginning To See The Light - 4/5 I'm Set Free - 4/5 That's The Story Of My Life - 4/5 The Murder Mystery - 3/5 After Hours - 3.5/5
Moving from experimental noise to much poppier tunes and... making it work?? Sure enough, that's what The Velvet Underground did on their 1969 self-titled, following up on the out-there White Light/White Heat. It's still got the experimental track "The Murder Mystery", but is otherwise filled with much lighter fare. Not to say it isn't still great - songs like "Candy Says", "What Goes On", and especially "Pale Blue Eyes" are fantastic examples of late 60s pop-rock. Truly a versatile band!
A classic
Dark but I like it ! It reminded me of The doors, but the best albums of all time are really just rock ?!?
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
Candy says, Pale Blue eyes, are all great What Goes On has the classic Velvet underground this is just noise moments like the end of heroin And murder mystery is very experimental Overall good album 3.5
Candy Says - Hypnotic, calm - Bass is FAT What Goes On - PEAK psychedelia, that hammond organ tho Some Kinda Love - Tasteful dissonance - I love how cyclical the instrumentals on this album are Pale Blue Eyes - Literally a perfect song, one of my favorites - Trance like and cyclical - Those guitar bends are just, chefs kiss Jesus - Again, just another simple looping that's so compelling - Harmonies on this one are great Beginning to See the Light - Not much to say here, standard blues rock song I'm Set Free - That kick is giving this song a lot of SHMMovement That's The Story of My Life - Average feelings The Murder Mystery - The organ fully captures that mystery feeling - The dual voices in both ears are so weird, psychedelic rock, rules - I want whatever Lou Reed was smoking when he made this song After Hours - There's something about Tucker's vocals that are sooooo 60s and I love it - Also minor 4th mentioned
Rate: 8.5/10. Una voz tranquila que encanta.
Favorite Song: Candy Says
I was, of course, familiar with The Velvet Underground, but I hadn’t heard the album of the same name yet. Ultimately, though, it’s exactly what you’d expect from Lou Reed: catchy and absurd tracks ranging from dark ballads to straight-up hard rock. I find the song order on the album a bit hard to follow, but aside from that, I like it for the most part. The last two tracks could have been left out; unfortunately, Maureen Tucker can barely hit a note...
Solid album. You really cant go wrong with the velvet underground. I am not as familiar with this album as I am with the rest but thats going to change. This one is going into the rotation
- Some Kind of Love has the same vibes as Short Skirt, Long Jacket - the songs are very unique within the album which I like - nice noises in my head - they sound really good live
Really groovy, roughly three decades ahead of its time. Much easier listen than the other Velvet Underground I've heard. Wish "The Murder Mystery" was like half as long Highlights: "Candy Says", "Jesus", "After Hours"
Cool
It was a very chill and nice listen, good production. Would be something I’d come back to in a chill mood
I can see how this would have been extremely groovy when it came out. Some bops and some weird shit (complimentary).
This album often gets overlooked in favor of the banana album. And really I think it’s cause everyone makes such a deal of the banana album. Looking forward to it. Yeah! Very glad I listened to it. Don’t think I ever heard it as an album before. Definitely didn’t realize it was Moe Tucker doing vocals on After Hours. She’s a hero of mine. And Murder Mystery? What fun! 4 stars. I’d give it more, but… yeah I only gave Television’s Marquee Moon 4stars. I need to be consistent somehow. Boolean rating: yes, very glad I heard before I die.
Good stuff 4/5
Nice album. Funny vibe changes from chill to more upbeat rock, and a weirdly interesting 8 minute song in the mix I'm definitely adding some of the chill songs to my playlist, especially the last song!
It’s cool to hear the bridge between old school rock and roll and the progressive, punk, and new wave styles that were to come.
dang chill
great album. love the quiet tunes. "what goes on" is a fun little jam. "murder mystery" is a cool, experimental track. "after hours" is a delightful little number with maureen.
Não é meu álbum favorito do Velvet Undergroud, mas é muito bom mesmo assim
Strange (of course) album, but GREAT. Pitchfork: 10 Rolling Stone: Top 500 Albums #143 Best Songs Candy Says Pale Blue Eyes After Hours
Less chaotic and experimental than their other albums, but I think it still works and is an enjoyable listen. Likes: Candy Says; What Goes On; Pale Blue Eyes; The Murder Mystery; After Hours
Was never exposed to Velvet Underground, first time hearing this album, liked it a lot, reminded me of smooth Beatles
A very solid album. I had only listened to The Velvet Underground and Niko and Loaded before this. This may stripped down album took me by surprise. I think its a lot softer compared to those other albums. Almost a Psychedelic folk vibe at times. Overall, I'm very happy to have discovered this!
I liked it kinda indie hipster whatever but old school, vibes with it - murder mystery kinda giving me a headache tho
The last song was the best. Didn’t realize Lou reed was in the band.
Missing the edge that John Cale brought to the band. Still enjoyable. 4 stars. Fave track - Pale blue eyes
Great album.
Some songs are literally tearjerkers and I am here for it.
Beautiful Pale Blue Eyes. Lief, rustig album.
This is so pleasant and interesting. I'm a fan of Lou Reed's voice, but I liked his idea of having different band members sing on some of the songs in this album. "The Murder Mystery" is incredible.
The Velvet Underground at their cozymost, forging an albumful of gentle comfort rock. Pale Blue Eyes and After Hours stand out, paving atmosphere not previously seen in its time, but the rest is a welcome offering as well
Good but not as good as the first two albums, they need the John Cale weirdness. Rounded up from 3.5
Beautiful listening
I'm a big shamed to admit I haven't listened to this but you can see why they're still popular now. That album suits so many different generations. A great time
Ok, this may be the version of the velvet underground that makes me a fan. Some beautiful, understated songs that still are steeped in ambition and ideas. I listened to Murder Mystery 3 times as it made my head spin in a good way. There is a real body of accessible enjoyable music here.
Loved ‘Candy Says,’ the lyrics hit home.
muy bueno
Minimal velvet underground exposure going in. ‘Pale Blue Eyes’ is probably the song I know best so that’s how I think of their music. This album sounds like indi Doors, which makes sense since they’re around the same time. Reading up on Lou Reed. Music my parents would listen to. The National was obviously influenced
8/10
I do love this album but not the best musically. Lou Reed was a pioneer of pain… His lyrics spoke to an emerging community. Candy says… a must know song!
I hadn't really given the Velvet Underground a full listen. They are so pleasant and easy to listen to, I will be giving them more playtime in my rotation. The album flowed nicely, and my only minor gripe is the lack of a standout track(s).
Unexpectedly gentle at times, restrained, jagged, and punchy. Lou Reed is not a belter but really has a voice for the ages, and the lyrics are pretty brilliant.
Pretty good
I love how Lou Reed was always trying new things in these days; there’s an interesting lesson that anyone creative could take away from studying his projects. This is an album that I think gets easier to appreciate if you listen to it multiple times and with the full context of the work. Also, it is cool.
Cinematic
:P 9/10
A soild 9! My favorite song is 'The Murder Mystery' ! I don't listen to 60's music much but this is a great start!!
Even though this was the first Velvet Underground album without John Cale, there's still enough experimentation on here for me to enjoy it. The band hadn't yet fully mellowed out and neutered themselves, and despite the more relaxed delivery of most of these songs there's still some bite here. Lou Reed's voice arguably never sounded more angelic than it does on some of these songs, and Doug Yule's delivery of opener "Candy Says" is gut-wrenching.
Usually refer to this as my favourite Velvets, even if it is lacking Cale’s left field contributions. For better or worse this and Loaded both narrow the focus on writing straightforward songs, largely eschewing the variety or “experimentation” of the first two records. It’s a much more relaxed and contemplative set (I mean anything would be after WL/WH).
Several really good tracks, great mood
Muy rockero, me gustaron varias canciones
Some call it boring, but I find the calm ballads here to be beautiful. The only downside for me is the inclusion of The Murder Mystery on this album. I don’t think it’s bad, it just doesn’t fit the same nature as all the other tracks
Love it Another 60s wonder.
A good album with good songs.
I love you Lou Reed
Was just listening to this album last week after rewatching Perfect Days! Continuously surprised that VU never went more mainstream, but they definitely get the props they deserve. Pale Blue Eyes is fantastic, I could take or leave *most* everything else. Some Kinda Love is pretty good. The closing track is really appealing to me even if it’s pretty simple- it’s got that rough-sketchy appeal. I didn’t really care for the psychedelic Murder Mystery but I did lol when I realized I was hearing Chop Suey in the guitar riff. And the lightning quick “upon the carpet” vocals at the end of that track too.
I need to give this one another listen to say for sure, but it is definitely in the better half of Velvets projects, which are all fire. I loved Murder Mystery and how insane and psychedelic it was, and Candy Says is top 3 Velvet songs, period. The only issue is that it came directly on thr heels of one of my favourite albums of all time, so I will revisit in a month to see how I feel then. Until then? 3.8
estuvo piola, bastante experimental
Muy relajado pero si me agrada está excelente para una mañana tranquila
I liked it
Me gustó mucho, pero algunas canciones me parecieron medio repetitivas. También me encantaron las partes instrumentales. Le daría un 8
"Candy Says" and "Pale Blue Eyes! are such a good songs! I liked this album more than the previous one I reviewed (The Velvet Underground & Nico)
The Velvets' first album without John Cale is much less experimental than its predecessors. This is the type of self-titled album that feels like a reinvention. The band weren't strangers to pretty songs, but "Candy Says" and "Pale Blue Eyes" are basically pop songs, and beautiful ones at that. Not everything here is a departure; "What Goes On" recalls the band's garage rock riffage and "The Murder Mystery" is a big risky swing like the band took on their first two albums. I do find that the latter doesn't quite work - there's too much going on and not in an interesting way - and some of the lighter moments are too lightweight. But the closer "After Hours" ends things on a lovely note. While this is less exciting and adventurous than the band's earlier albums, the songwriting is still strong and it's charming in its own way.
Muy bueno
Iconic. Not my favorite Lou Reed output but solid!
how chill was that
So chill and lovely
3/25/26 - Listened at the computer. Was excited to listen to this album since I've heard much about Velvet Underground but have never listened to them. I liked it good enough. Definitely something I would listen to again but not sure if its an all time classic. PS - Lou Reed will always be associated in my mind with the night in Baltimore where Pearl Jam "broke up". Top Song - Beginning to See the Light
Raw underground riffs, reminds me of urban underground offbeat experimental rock.
Some great songs on here. Some others you probably had to be there and high for.
приятный альбомчик, который нужно слушать целиком в прохладный весенний солнечный день. не выделила для себя отдельных фаворитов, но слушать залпом ощущается целостнее и логичнее.
Great album
FINALLY something from the 60s with an interesting sonic palette and not another copy of The Beach Boys or The Beatles. Hope they didn't abuse any minors, I want to finally find a unique 60s band that didn't copy anyone else.
4.1/5 velvets tamest and most experimental for them by toning things down
Fav- that’s the story of my life 4/5
Will definitely listen again!
Listened to it 5 times at least. One of those days. Fav songs were: -Candy Says -Pale Blue Eyes -The Murder Mystery -After Hours The only song I didn't like, probably cause I didn't relate, was Jesus. Just to do with the subject, not the production.
I love that they all got to sing on it its adorable
Didn't realize that Doug Yule is already part of the VUs in this album, the transition from Cale to Yule sounds pretty seamless. Confused less chaotic for maturity. Even though WL/WH is my favorite VU album, pound for pound this album is better and only comparable to their debut. There's no weak points, the Murder Mistery might be their most listenable epic, Candy Says and Beggining to see the light are some of my all time favorites of theirs, Pale Blue Eyes is an all timer, great closer with After Hours. I'm tempted to give it five stars, but then i'd have to give 6 stars to the previous 2 albums, so i'll stick to 4.
Definitely listening to their self-titled (no Nico) without listening to their other stuff is a bit unconventional, but this was a good one. It's very whimsical with the guitar and vocal melodies, sounds like blissful hippie acoustic music. I think this is an album that would be good one to put on during a rainy day. I sense this album is one of those ones that I will come around to rather than totally get straight away. Highlight Song/s: "What Goes on", "Some Kinda Love", "That's The Story of My Life" and "Afterhours"
legalzin
For the tracks I like: pale blue eyes, after eyes and some kinda love I’d give this album a 4, otherwise it’s a 3
Liked: Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes, Jesus, Beginning To See The Light, I'm Set Free, The Murder Mystery Added: Candy Says, Jesus, Beginning To See The Light, I'm Set Free
again. really enjoyed!
I miss Cale here, and regret that no band would showcase as much discordant viola again. Murder Mystery would be better with him involved. But this album showcases what a fine and sensitive songwriter Reed had become
I remember not liking this one when I first heard it years ago. Turns out, I just didn't like Murder Mystery. Take that song out and this is a 5 star album.
I am always up for an album that isn’t afraid to commit to a particular sound and stick with it. That is exactly the case with the self-titled album by The Velvet Underground. There is a specific kind of melancholy that can be felt from the very first note. The lyrics are introspective and vulnerable, and the musical flow throughout the record is excellent. I also like how it subtly blends genres while remaining consistent in tone. The tracks that stood out to me are "Candy Says", "I'm Set Free" and controversially enough "The Murder Mystery". The latter has been stuck in my mind. While the execution of the idea of having two parallel vocal tracks may not fully pay off, is it so unusual that I can't help but find it fascinating.
This is a very specific sort of gentle alt-rock and sure it’s kind of one-note but it works. I liked it, and it’s fairly concise I have always loved the song Pale Blue Eyes
7/10 Coming off the back of White Light/White Heat, this is a pretty interesting change in direction. It’s much more of a traditionally structured, musically safe album, and whereas the former album was a challenging listen that I found to be a little too repetitive and a little to unfocused to completely connect with, this managed to present the ideas in a much more palatable way. It was the overall vibe of this that connected with me more than anything else. There was some decent melodic writing and engaging song structures in there, but it was all melded together with a really interesting blend of tones that added an extra depth to the recording. There were plenty of lo-fi elements in there, but they would also mix those up with more crisp and clear tracks that would create a really warm, engaging sound that helped to bed everything together into something that was sonically interesting and cohesive. There were moments of experimentation on here, not least The Murder Mystery, but even that track felt a bit more focused and coherent, despite its more menacing and avant garde bent. While I wasn’t completely in love with this, it definitely had something about it that made it worthy of further consideration and repeat listening. I can kind of see why Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground were so influential, because this sounds really interesting for a record from 1969 and I can hear some of the ideas presented here echoing over the music of the decades that would follow. This may be one that I need to dip back into over the next few weeks and months, and my fondness for it may grow, but for now, it was an enjoyable, if unspectacular record. Candy Says - It’s a tonally pleasant start and an interesting and dramatic change of pace and intensity from their previous record. The chord structure is really pretty and it roams around really nicely, but does manage to maintain an edge due to the subject matter. It’s pretty intriguing to hear a song about gender dysphoria and transgender issues as far back as 1969. What Goes On - And now the pace picks up a bit. It’s another more traditionally structured song, but the experimentation in sound design gives it an interesting twist. It’s a slightly muddled mix, but that gives it a bit of a DIY sound that I actually quite like. The driving rhythm from the guitar and bass give this a bit of force and zip, although the instrumental stuff in the second half perhaps drags on a bit too long. Some Kinda Love - This has a really nice blend of parts that drift and circle around each other, but it’s way too repetitive and relentless. I actually quite like it, but the same couple of bars of fairly laid back and pleasant music that only very occasionally dip into anything else is a bit much for me, which is a bit of a shame as the vibe and core musical concept are pretty good. Pale Blue Eyes - The vibe here is solid too. It’s laid back and has an almost hymnal backing with the slow organ chords. The guitar line is great too. There’s something really subtle but effective about the whole presentation here. It’s nothing groundbreaking from a songwriting point of view, but it has a little edge of something that makes it an endearing listen. Perhaps its the time and space they allow for everything to breathe. I don’t love it, but I still think it’s really good. Jesus - I really like the blend of tones that they bring to the table here. They meld really lo-fi aspects with some much crisper and clearer elements and are happy to not strive for musical perfection. The vocals waver a little here and there and sometimes slightly miss the mark, but it all combines to create such an interesting sonic palette and a really engaging vibe. The sparing dynamic lifts they use are really effective too. Beginning To See The Light - Now the pace has picked back up again. It’s got a nice groove to it too and there are some nice bits and pieces of range and variety to the songwriting too. Some of the vocal harmonies are pretty cool. It’s got a great raw edge and it sounds like they’re having great fun recording it too, which is sometimes a difficult thing to put across, but can be quite infectious when it’s done well. It’s a bit repetitive in places, but the vibe continues to be great and it’s got some decent melodic hooks too. I'm Set Free - This is a slow build of a track. It starts off subtly but increases in intensity and then drops away before building again. It’s a nice idea to build a track around and it works well here. Again, the tonal mix is really cool and it all feels very warm and welcoming. There’s nothing overly complex about it, but it’s a really effective presentation. That's The Story Of My Life - There’s a nice little swing to this and it’s subtle but effective. Again, I really dig the tonal vibe of this, it’s sonically very interesting and engaging, despite the fact that it’s a simple composition. That being said, there’s enough melodic quality to hold it up and backed by that sonic vibe, it all just comes together really well. The Murder Mystery - And we’ve arrived at the most experimental, traditionally Velvet Underground track on the album. It’s weird, it shifts between various phases and it’s musically and sonically more challenging, but it’s really interesting and carries over that warm tonal vibe. The panned dual vocal lines are a really interesting effect, as is the shift in intensity between what you might consider to be the verses and choruses. It’s a pretty tasty piece of experimental work and doesn’t sound like the kind of thing you’d expect from the late 60s. It’s quite pretty in places, it’s unnervingly intense in others and it has this delicious undercurrent of menace about it, and then it ends in this increasingly intense, hypnotic and threatening way. Great stuff. After Hours - We close with something more delicate and pretty. It’s melodically pleasant and is a really nice palate cleanser after the previous track to close us out, as well as echoing the sense of fun and camaraderie that is sprinkled across the album.
8/10
I loved this. The poignant questioning songs were a perfect fit for my rather morose mood of today. I added “Candy Says” to my Generator -playlist.
Great music. Great length.
Biasa
Heel vet ingetogen album
Really enjoyed this. It felt like a complete album and I know if I listened to this when I was 16 I would have eaten it up. It felt like the soundtrack to a film, something close to submarine. It felt like a more complete version of the mama and papas record we listened to before. Just a more mature record. Think I’ll be checking more of them out. I really like after hours. Felt like a great closer.
Cool
Felt like when the weather in spring starts to get consistently warm
I love boring music :)
Why did I think the Velvet Underground was similar to the Clash???
Wow, A third Velvet record I get here, after almost 200 albums. And their three first albums in order. Some nice coincidence. I'm a huge John Cale fan, and knowing this one is the first record after his departure always had an impact on me. With great respect to the other band members (I mean, Lou is one of the best songwriters to ever live) I view this one as a debut of a new band. Having said that, it's hard to not fall for this Album. The songs are incredibly good. Lyricly, while totally different from his previous work, Lou is shining. Finding a new voice and material that will carry him further in his career. Musicly, it's hard not to think of it as a step back. But it's not. It's just a new, much simpler beginning. The exploration of their first two masterpieces is replaced by the coziest sound you can imagine for a rock band. Guitar work is just mesmerizing and shining out of its simplicity. I won't go in to detail on all the songs here, but as someone who's favorite velvet songs are sister ray and venus is furs, I have to note The Murder Mystery. What an incredible inclusion. As an experimental piece it's much more "friendly" then Sister Ray for example, but it's still so fucking thrilling, and may I say, fun. The music is rolling with the poetry in such a imaginative way, and it just works so well. You never want it to end.. I love the Velvet Underground. One of the best bands of all time, without a doubt. I gave Nico a 5. It has to be a five. I Gave White light a 4, only to distinguish the unique greatness of Nico. I think this one deserves a 5 and everyone giving it a 5 can be my friend, but I'll keep to this tradition A very very high 4. 4.9, if you want.
Me encanta. Ya conocía alguna que otra canción, pero escuchar el album entero me hizo que me gusten más. Me gustó mucho y es un álbum que volvería escuchar (solo si estoy un poco deprimido y el día me ayuda a estarlo). Muy adelantado a su época. After hours fue una premonición a la música therian de 2020.
que lindo para una siesta fresquita y chill. tkm lou