Reviews (page 7 of 15)
A very different atmosphere provided here by The Velvet Underground. It's one of those albums that you have to listen in the right circumstances - slightly focused on the musoc, but relaxed, certainly not when you're not in the good mood. I had to listen to it twice, and only on the second try I started to appreciate the easy and peaceful melodies. Pretty good album to have on a vinyl, for those calmer evenings.
Gear: Letshuoer S12 PRO Artwork: 📸🔳🛋️ Mix: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 😭😔💔 Wertung: 🧿🧿🧿🧿/5
I’ve never really gotten into their stuff before but I honestly really enjoyed this album.
Composed, mellow, experimental
definitely has a wide range of weird, but ultimately it's relatively chill and easy listening.
I like a bit of this, although not as good as the banana boi with Nico. Pale Blue Eyes is a banger. Simpsons: Yes
i really love this, it's polished and relaxing. Candy Says is an amazing intro. The only aspect that prevents it from achieving a 5 is that it can get repetitive at times. 4.5
didn't like it all that much, was much more of a VU fan a few years ago, but I would feel bad if I gave it a bad grad.e
The fact that this came out in 1969 blows my mind. I love John Cale and think this album suffers some from his absence but it’s still great. Lou Reed was undeniably a flawed person but also, the world is more interesting for what he brought to it. This is - without a doubt - an album everyone should hear.
Not the pinnacle, but we are getting there.
First song is pretty damn good Good laid back beat so far, little trippy Lou Reed actually sounds pretty good The Murder Mystery sounds like a Doors song in the beginning with the organ--also it's very meandering--nevermind I like it
Flatzby underground
Beautiful! This led the way for so many other musicians.
Pretty smooth rock, worth a relisten
Simple, happy, velvety
These are like candies to my ears and I loved it. It'll probably grow on me after a while but rn it's a 4
Great!
soft and sleepy rock music, something about this era of rock has just a specific sound that a lot of bands share and this one is no different. compared to the other bands i have listened to, these guys are very... like i said, soft. quiet. it's very much rock but it's low-key, instead of shouting in the mic and playing passionately they play gracefully, conservatively... even the louder tracks almost feel like the band members are holding back. not that it's a bad thing, it's just these guys like things mild and mellow. it feels like... prototype indie. and it's really cool.
Some tracks reminded me of the Beatles, some of the Kinks, some of Lou Reed (oh, I just looked -- Lou Reed was in the band, haha). Really cool, mellow stuff -- I like it a lot. Four stars.
I actually enjoyed this quite a bit. I sometimes feel like I “don’t really love Lou Reed/TVU overall but I know they have some tracks I really like”…. This strikes a good balance of what I like with the weird mopey-gothic-opiate-art that I don’t love. It’s the same tricks we’ve heard in other LR/TVU albums but just nicely executed Perhaps this one has a better producer? Anyway I’m feeling it today. Good 1st day of vacation vibes maybe haha
Wow is this contemporary or what, everything here sounds timeless, and pungent. 4.0
M'n eerste kennismaking met De Fluwelen Ondergrond was een zware en ik keek dan ook niet echt uit naar dit album, maar het blijkt mee te vallen. Dit is redelijk makkelijk luisterbare eind '60's rock. Het geluid is warm, het is sfeervol, er zitten lekkere bluesy rifjes in en een fraai orgeltje waar ik toch wel een zwak voor heb. Lou Reed klinkt als Lou Reed, maar van alle zangers met een herkenbaar stemgeluid vind ik hem lang niet het meest vervelend. Er staan weinig tracks op die me echt bij zullen blijven, maar in z'n geheel kan ik dit album goed hebben. Ik heb het idee dat dit een wat overrated band is, maar ik vind dit best een lekkere plaat van ze. En daar beoordeel ik het op. Ik ga voor een 4, ondanks dat The Murder Mystery een dikke kuttrack is.
This is amazing bro. The other 2 I listened to were fine but nothing too grand, but this one I think is my favourite one so far. GG VU! Really enjoyed. This is album #98 I think
Nice alternative to the Beatles and the Stones subverting my expectations a little.
I love their instrumental arrangements and soothing vocals.
This is music.
Most of my Velvets listening comes from the 2 that came before this but I have given this one a few spins before. It's more accessible than its predecessors & as close to a straight up rock record as you will get from them, John Cale had already left the band and been replaced by Doug Yule. The first side is by far the superior side with gems like Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes & What Goes On. Well worth a listen but if you want the weird stuff go for the previous 2 which are also in the book.
I had an idea in my head of what this album was going to be and this... wasn't hair metal. In a good way.
Some great, some good, some variable - the usual Velvet's stuff. I like it a lot.
01) Candy Says - 7,5 02) What Goes On - 8,0 03) Some Kinda Love - 7,5 04) Pale Blue Eyes - 8,0 05) Jesus - 7,5 06) Beginning to See the Light - 7,0 07) I'm Set Free - 7,5 08) That's the Story of My Life - 7,5 09) The Murder Mystery - 8,0 10) After Hours - 8,0 TOTAL: 7,65 (77/100) Current ranking: 106/218 Honestly, I was expecting a more boring album. Each song is interesting in its own way, and the most interesting is definitely "The Murder Mystery". Left and right ear each play their own song for almost nine minutes, and somehow it all sounds just right. The best song for me is "Pale Blue Eyes", but as I said, each one is interesting in its own way.
Always pushing forward.
4/5
its a good quality recording album.
Locker flockiges Velvet Underground Album. Gibt bestimmt Bessere, is aber trotzdem ziemlich geil.
More like 3.5 but on the high end of that.
VU’s first post Cale release. Reed leans heavily on Brill style compositions and early rock n roll influences. VU lite
I dont think it’s their best I just love Sister Ray too much and the nico album is just superior as well. Still some beautiful guitar play and just an easy to listen to record altogether.
3/5 but extra points for the sound which is sooo much better than jimi hendrix sounds which i listened to before
Liked this one.
не смог слушать. звук свернут гулом слушал на кобуз - нужно послушать еще на других источниках В наушниках на небольшой громкости альбом совсем по другому раскрывается. Музыка тебе как бы нашептывается бархатным голосом и мягкими гитарами. Не слушать после Лед Зеппелин!
⭐️ What goes on, pale blue eyes, beginning to see the light, the murder mystery, after hours Liked this before, listened many times, still lovely.
I was really digging this album and was thinking it might get a five — right up until the last couple of tracks dragged it down. This album feels timeless in a way I'm not sure I can really explain. It feels very much like late 60s/early 70s rock but also very different at the same time. It's an interesting mix of the type of psychedelic stuff The Doors and The Byrds would do and something more original and experimental. I can see why so many artists were influenced by them. It takes a weird turn with "The Murder Mystery" — the idea of the song is cool, and it's not totally unlistenable, but it's just so dense (not to mention long). Even trying to read along with the lyrics, I couldn't keep up because there are two different things going on at the same time. And nothing against Nico, but the last song "After Hours" was meh. Her voice isn't the worst, but it's definitely amateurish. I get what they were going for, but it's not the most pleasant thing to listen to. From an artistic/experimental perspective, this probably gets a 5. From a listenability perspective, I'll give it a 4.
I liked it!
Kinda torn between 4 and 5 for this one
Least favourite Velvet Underground album by far, feels like listening to a caged bird.
I have always known of the velvet underground but not really tied them to the era they’re actually from (seems like they were played a lot on rock stations that played newer rock so associated them with being from a more recent decade). I enjoyed this album, it reminded me of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Bob Dylan all wrapped into one. Will definitely listen again!
I loved the ballads on here. This was the first full listen I’ve given to the Velvet Underground and I think they’re a band I’ll appreciate more on subsequent listens. This had some great writing and vocals, but remained minimalistic. Instrumentally, there wasn’t much on here that jumped out at me. However, the atmosphere is immaculate.
Soothing calm music that's sometimes a little weird but that's okay. I really like their banana album so was interesting to get to listen to more of their music. Made for a pleasant evening listen while I tried to learn how to code for my quiz on Friday. Favourites are Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes, Jesus, and That's The Story Of My Life. 4, lovely songs
I really dig this album. Not only are the songs good, but the pacing of the album was also great. Lots of diversity among the songs too, which helps keep things from getting stale. The penultimate track, “The Murder Mystery,” is a cool concept, but way too long.
Great album. I had heard "Pale Blue Eyes" from this album before, but I had not listened to a full album from The Velvet Underground outside their first album and Loaded. I really, really enjoyed this one. It's got great sentimentality and is just really well-done folk-rock. "The Murder Mystery" is weird 60s shit, but the rest of the album is phenomenal. ****
4.5/5
Very mellow and enjoyable
Great album, always like listening to this one
Very 60s but I’m into it.
Such a cool album
It’s not their best, but Velvet Underground is something
it was aight some tracks i really enjoyed some i didnt 3.6/5
Soft and slow very nice to relax to
A fine post-Cale effort. Highlights are Pale Blue Eyes and What Goes On. Murder Mystery, however, makes the 2nd side drag a bit.
If I had just heard this whole album rather than the songs that got picked out as hits I'd probably have been a VU fan for a lot longer rather than just starting now.
I really like this one. Better than the last choice I got from them. Torn for a rating. 4.5
I had never heard this album before. I like some of their other stuff. This is pretty good, great chilled out but up a notch sort of vibe. I will definitely listen to this again, maybe buy it on vinyl.
A righteous rollicker of a record
Close and charming
Surprisingly have not listened to much of The Velvet Underground. I quite enjoyed this. My favorite songs are probably "Candy Says," "What Goes On," and "Jesus." "The Murder Mystery" was totally a mixed bag for me; I loved and hated it at the same time, but that was the only song I didn't really care for, even though I kind of did. Overall a really good album!
So much I like about this, and then some not so much. "Pale Blue Eyes" is really good. Love "I'm Set Free". Did not like "The Murder Mystery" at all.
Like it Fav songs: What goes on Pale blue eyes After hours :^
Nice and chilled-out album, better than most of their prior stuff.
Awesome!!!
Great album. Feels contemporary in so many ways.
Far more accessible than the other albums of The Velvet Underground. I can see why it is derisively called Lou Reed's first solo album. I enjoyed all of the songs to one extent or another. My favorite track was "What Goes On". Least favorite "The Murder Mystery", which is an interesting thought experiment of song arrangement, but definitely not the sort of thing that I am going to want to listen to again.
great album, ending was a highlight, really good, pale blue eyes is so good.
The older I get the more I start appreciating this album
A lovely album to have a heroin overdose to.
Whilst I didn't enjoy it as much as the Nico album, it was still a good listen. I think it might be an album which improves with multiple listens.
Wonderful - two 4* albums in a row. ‘What goes on’ has been channelled by countless 90’s shoe gaze bands while the ballads ooze charm, regret and poetry. Dare I say it but the story-telling in this record might even be the basis for gems such as Screamadelica? Gasp! Why can’t they all be this good.
love this album. more straight forward rock than their other material. Can do without The Murder Mystery though. REM does a great cover of Pale Blue Eyes.
Other than "The Murder Mystery" this was great.
Lou Reed op z’n best. Dit album is een stuk minder experimenteel, en daardoor gewoon goed. Soms wringt het, wat een muzikaliteit. Bijna 5 sterren.
What goes on and some kinda love were my favs. Murder mystery was a bit too out there for me but I loved the rest of the album and it was weird in a good way?
4.5
Sehr schöne Melodien, Texte und Sounds.
Definitely some very interesting ideas and great songs
In places, this is absolutely superb; the first four tracks are clear five star material, but I think it drifts a little towards the back end. The Murder Mystery is hard work, and I'm afraid that After Hours just falls on the wrong side of tweeness for me (and I have an extremely high tweeness threshold). One absolutely cracking nugget I didn't know before though - the opening lines of Candy Says are borrowed by Sparklehorse on Maria's Little Elbows, which is probably in my top ten songs of all time. So that was a real treat.
I’ve always loved pale blue eyes but after hearing all of the other Lou reed/velvet underground albums on here I really thought I’d have a pretty tepid response to this one as well, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked what goes on and overall it was good listen but as I’m trying to write this review I literally don’t remember how to describe the music which probably isn’t a great sign. Oh well.
75/100
Listened to this while playing Middara with my partner. We won! I have to say, we both enjoyed this a whole lot more than we were expecting to. I was very familiar with the name, but I honestly didn't recognize any of the music from the album. What a thoroughly enjoyable album. The sequencing of the album was pretty great...with a wonderful last two tracks. Super solid 4.
The Velvet Underground a band I knew the existance of but had never payed much attention to. Probably my mistake. This was pretty good deserving a closer look. Added to favorites.
This was such a great album for me. Friendly, heartfelt, funny. You can really see how their sound impacted others.
I liked it
Began very well, ending was worse
Pretty good. Gave some Beatles vibes. Really dug “pale blue eyes”
Very nice
I usually feel that I'm not cool enough for the Velvet Underground. I grew up in Pittsburgh, not NYC, I've never done heroin. But I do own 3 of their first 4 albums... 'cause we can always try. This is the one I've missed. Anyway, It's a very good album, in a Velvet Underground kind of way. It's very relaxed, casual. What I'd expect from a bunch of people jamming around after a long week of hedonistic excess (perhaps White Light / White Heat). Not exactly "laid back", but more "come down calling". But it all works, really well. The album is absolutely worth hearing, just for "Pale Blue Eyes", but everything else works, too. I've heard it said that Velvet Underground didn't sell a lot of records, but everybody who bought one went out and formed a band. I get where that comes from. But they're certainly a niche sound; not something I'd listen to every day. I'm not sure how I missed this one previously, I think it is destined to be my favorite Velvet Underground album. But I can't QUITE give it a 5, just a bit too niche. 4/5
A little uneven, yet surprisingly mellow
First album listened to
Low key Velvets. This one doesn't grab me like their previous records, but I like that Lou Reed wanted to change gears and not get pigeon-holed. The ballads drag, but the up-temp songs are good and save this record for me.
I really liked this album. Not quite enough to give it a fiver but it was very pleasant to listen to (I could very well have such a high opinion of it bc we had to endure Korn a couple days ago so anything sounds really good compared to that). The only real critiques I have of this album is the fact that most of it is so quiet and slow. That’s not a bad thing but it might be nice to have just one or two songs that were a bit more upbeat but that’s a minor critique. Also I didn’t really love the Murder Mystery song, it was just weird and very hard to understand. I do really like the album other than that it has a very cozy feel, something I would very much choose to listen to on a dreary day while I sit inside and stare out at the rain.
Really great. All 4 discs of the same album. 4.4. Marginal regrets is it a 5? Closest album on the 4/5 star mark so far. Hmmm
"The Velvet Underground" by The Velvet Underground is a landmark album that has had a lasting impact on the music industry. Released in 1969, this self-titled album is often referred to as the band's third album, following "The Velvet Underground & Nico" and "White Light/White Heat." This album marked a departure from the experimental sound of their earlier works, focusing more on songwriting and a more accessible sound. Tracks like "Candy Says," "Pale Blue Eyes," and "What Goes On" showcase the band's musical maturity and Lou Reed's poignant songwriting. While the album wasn't a commercial success at the time of its release, it has since gained critical acclaim and is now considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Its influence can be heard in countless bands and genres, solidifying its place in music history. Overall, "The Velvet Underground" is a masterful album that showcases the band's evolution and musical prowess. It earns a solid 4/5 rating for its innovative sound and lasting impact on the music industry.
Velvet Underground are protopunk legends . I respect them, I can hear and see their influence on punk and other modern music. I have personally always had a problem listening to a whole VU album all the way through, I like everything on the albums, but they feel like a slog everytime and I'm not sure why.
Cool!
Great sound, simple and lots of character. Cohesive and genuine, my type of album.
Lou Reed doing a gay voice out of ten
pretty good!
Own
For no reason I had not listened to this old favorite for a few years. This adventure lured me into listening more carefully. I love this album. I love the raw urban tempos and tones. But what I did not recall is how well recorded and produced it is. Bueno!
one of those albums you can listen to
I've heard it before, at some point (college) I thought it was cool, but I was never in love. Probably a 3.5
Far more interested in what this album represents than how it actually sounds. About as sheer of a 180 degree turn as a band can do, leaving behind (for the most part) the abrasive, avant-garde noisiness of their first two records to do summer of love folk rock, albeit in their own signature fashion. Really fascinated by the way a couple of these songs “Some Kinda Love” & “Beginning to see the Light” in particular prefigure Pavement’s whole brand of talky sardonic slacker rock. Though I’m far more interested in Lou Reed’s suite of religious, but not religious songs. “I’m Set Free” was the first song here that really hooked me, with its soft slow build, and themes of ambiguous, existential rebirth. “After Hours” is so twee and adorable, the pure innocence makes for a nice ending after the weirdo experimentalism of “The Murder Mystery.” Feel a little out of touch, for just not caring for “Pale Blue Eyes” though, which seems to be the song for a lot of y’all, but it does nothing for me. I enjoyed spending a good deal of time with this, but for as comforting an album as this is I'm just not sure if I see myself returning to it all that often.
4.6
Really enjoyed this - need some more VU in my life. How to do a soft male voice without whinging!!!
The beautiful songs are beautiful. I’ve never liked the murder mystery.
Good stuff. Added
Not as onsanley brilliant as the banana one. But still a high quality album from the gang.
I kinda like it.
Am enjoying. Second album on this list I want to listen to more.
Pretty good album! I liked the words.
Very enjoyable. I could have done without the last song on the album.
I could do with a break from the BritRock, but at least this album is mostly chill. "After Hours" was my favorite, which is funny because it's not the normal vocalist.
Pas si underground que ça finalement
nico concentre toi
Now i want vinyl. it’s cool. Different sound make me feel so good. This album has touched my heart.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Maybe easier/less trite to put on in the background?
I really liked this a lot. I was already familiar with the Velvet Underground & Nico album, but this one is very good too. It is definitely worth listening to again.
This is an album I spent a lot of my life not understanding, and today it smacked me right in the face. It’s quiet and it’s reflective and it’s got a point and I suddenly understand so much how it was so influential. Some albums are made for that quiet train ride when it’s raining outside and you’ve got your headphones in.
Really enjoyable. Good songs. Good writing. Murder mystery was a little weird but a super good album. Might have to listen to more of their stuff.
Me gusta, pero no me impacta - 8
It just sounds like a guy jamming on his guitar with a couple of friends. The drums are very subtle and back in the mix; sometimes it’s just a shaker. It’s more of a percussionist than a drummer as far as the space that the musician is filling. Even on Beginning to See the Light, the pulse is really driven by the guitar. It’s a lot more about the rhythm guitar strumming, with some nice highlights from the lead. Im Set Free fills up the most space with drums, but still very little is carried by a ride or hi-hat. Lou Reed’s voice has an earnestness to it - unornamented and not distracting, it makes me think of the beat poets. All of that until you get to The Murder Mystery which moves in and out of structure, cacophony, monophony, and limited melody. After that detour, you get closed out with the bubbly sweet pop of After Hours - the only track to feature female vox front and center, highlighted more so without the presence of drums, bass, or backing vocals.
The album that launched a thousand bands/albums
Man, I wish the rest of the album were like “The Murder Mystery.” I don’t think I’ve ever actually listened to The Velvet Underground before this, but that sort of weird, dark, experimental style was more what I expected. The rest of the album was pretty boring, unfortunately. Feeling charitable - 3.5 rounded up.
4.5 Candy Stay is phenomenal
Really liked it a lot! Mellow and cool, definitely my style
4/5. Super chill and definitely drugged out but there is a sweetness among the lyrics that feels innocent. There is a dark undertone among it all which keeps me on edge but that is a good thing. I enjoyed most of these acoustic songs but some misses (looking at you murder mystery and that's the story) but overall these are very accessible and simple songs that stand the test of time.
What can I say? I mostly live The Velvet Underground. Until they get too bizarre and screechy. That only really happens once on this album. Otherwise this is mostly filled with bangers. 4.5/5
Favorite Songs: What Goes On Some Kinda Love The Murder Mystery After Hours Pretty cool and solid rock album. Catchy but not hard and overall a fun listen.
A really relaxed album, i think velvet underground + nico is More experimental but i prefer this album
Nice introduction.
Kinda ethereal.
Ein wunderbares Album mit einem ganz tollen Klangerlebnis. Die Songs sind zwar etwas ruhiger, aber meisterhaft produziert. Candy Says, What Goes on, Some kinda love, Beginning to see the Light und I'm Set Free gefallen mir besonders gut. The Murder Mystery ist ein besonderes (Kunst)stück. Mit 9:00 Minuten ist es besonders lang und schon etwas crazy. Die Spannung des Songs bleibt erhalten. Ein Highlight.
7 - Cool but not my favorite style
my least favorite album by the velvets, if their other albums didnt exist no one would care about this one
Good stuff
Loved it! There were songs on there that I recognized but never knew who sang them.
A complete surprise. I have to admit to having been 1 of the 'oh, the Velvet Underground blah blah blah.....'. A bit of a large mistake on my part! Great tunes and melodies and quirkiness. It sounds to me like it's quite a simple album, nothing fancy in the recording or the songs but everything is really well crafted. Very tidy album.
some hits some misses. a classic album for a reason, I really enjoyed this one, particularly I'm Set Free, but majority of this album is worth a lesson.
Great until the Murder Mystery. I haven’t felt my enthusiasm die for an album so quickly. Loved the rest of it though!
Great harmonies while instrumental purposely sounding a little rough. I see why so many people mention this group. This was a delightful trip and I will add to my rotation.
3.5/5
I'd never listened to this before. It was really great to listen to it, but it's not something I'll listen to many more times.
This is my second Velvet Underground album and 3rd appearance by Lou Reed for this project. I've never heard any of the songs on this album. With the exception of "Murder Mystery Party" this is way less experimental and dark than "Velvet Underground and Nico" was. The sound and content is still very poetic and raw, but this album alternates between lighter sounding folk-pop and garage tunes. There are more songs about love and relationships and fewer songs about obtaining and using heroin. They still have the same hypnotic quality and the tracklist has the same cinematic build as "and Nico". This was a really good listen, I'm definitely starting to appreciate Lou Reed's position in the halls of great songwriters. I was going to write favorite tracks, but realized I couldn't pick one and that one of my favorite things about this album was the transition and building from track to track. Some songs were almost like punchlines to the previous song ("Jesus" into "Beginning to See the Light" lol). It was cool to hear the rest of the band singing, too, but these are all songs written by Lou Reed.
I loved the drums and the guitars
i have pretty limited exposure to the entire discography of velvet underground - really my entire experience is their first album, so this was an interesting listen. a very subdued, folky album, very different from the other music that i've heard. i really like that it has a different sound and feel than their other stuff. i think i could grow into liking this one a lot, on first listen i definitely appreciated its style.
Good music but not my jam
Just lovely. That song Jesus is terrible. Last two songs amazing, particularly second last. Long and unweildly. Will listen to this more than Nico, which is overrated AF.
Good mix of calm and more energetic songs; reminds me a bit of Parquet Courts, but not probably only because I do not listen to (Indie) Rock a lot. I cannot say much about the lyrics.
Great
Really enjoyed some of the more mellow and experimental songs on here. Lou Reed has unlimited singer/songwriter rizz. I would just like to point out how the song “Murder Mystery” on here is eerily similar to “Chop Suey” by System of a Down
Didn't think I was a Velvet Underground fan and this album surprised me. Nice and mellow. Makes for a smooth easy running. Not breaking any land speed records but I found it nice and relaxing.
Enjoyed, want to listen to this again
Pioneers
Found this album when I was 18. It changed my life.
The albums with Cale are more interesting, but I am not sure they're actually better, though they're also doing radically different things. At any rate, Doug Yule Rules.
wow I forgot how hard "Candy Says" goes.
Classic
And that's a wrap for all the velvet underground on the list. Verdict: not really for me, but they're good, and endless respect to them for sounding Like That back in the 60s.
Classic
Some good songs (what goes on, murder mystery, after hours and pale blue eyes). Can see why it’s seen as a classic. 7/10
really special album, I loved digging into the lore on the wikipedia page and seeing all the drama between band members that influenced the final sound! standouts are definitely the murder mystery and after hours, and candy says was extra special after having been a long-time fan of Reed's Walk on the Wild Side, without realizing they reference the same Candy :)) very cool
As usual, VU delivers a solid album that is streets ahead.
This album has one of my favorite songs of this generation! Rest of album overall is a little slower than I like.
This is a great album!
Na wat eerdere mislukkingen van Lou Reed, nu een best luisterwaardig album. Relaxte sound, af en toe een experimentje, een keer een vrouwelijke vocalist tussendoor. Lekker hoor.
4/5
спокойненько, приятно
Местами интереснее первого альбома, местами более проходное. Более взрослая и взешенная музыка. Но Murder Mystery имба!
Fav: The Murder Mystery
It's cool, it's dark, it murmurs along some important points. Lou Reed doing the production alone, to the disapproval of his bandmates, is truly the rise of an important asshole. I do like that everyone in the band was encouraged to sing and contribute.
Really enjoyed this. Pale Blue Eyes is a gorg song.
Summary: I've only heard their debut album prior to listening to this, and there's a marked difference in quality and professionalism with this album. The songs are mature and tightly arranged. Just an all-round incredibly solid rock album that's on par with Abbey Road for sounding like 1969's future. The majority of the tracks are fire. It's close to being 5 stars, for sure, but the weaker tracks and very questionable "experimental" choices on them hold this album back. Candy Says: A very pretty ballad with an excellent chord progression and melody. Love the confidence on this track compared to their comparably laid-back debut album opener, Sunday Morning. What Goes On: A stronger counterpart to the identically-named track off the Beatles' Rubber Soul. Organs are well-placed and the vocal ensemble lends it a bar-singing vibe. Distorted guitar/horn-sounding solo would be better without the piercing high organ notes over the top. Overall, the song gives a progressive early-70s underground feel. Some Kinda Love: The spread-out mixing on this bluesy, one-chord "talky" song is really fun. A little monotonous, but a good track. Pale Blue Eyes: I've just noticed how great the singing is on this album. Especially in this track, Reed's vocal has this quiet sadness and maturity that's difficult to describe but incredible to witness. Excellent guitar and bass playing here too. My favourite track so far. Reminiscent of Radiohead's No Surprises (which was recorded 28 years later). It's even in the same key! Jesus: Unusual mixing in the intro, but it rebalances after the 30-second mark. A beautiful, quiet track. Beginning To See The Light: A bombastic start to side 2. The chorus (or post-chorus? "Here we go again...") is excellent, and Reed's wild hollering heading into the next verse is pretty hilarious. A great track. I'm Set Free: A good track with a good guitar solo, but otherwise nondescript compared to other quieter songs on the album. Fitting choice of percussion. That's The Story Of My Life: The melody doesn't deviate much here, but interestingly the vocal still ends up shining. The Murder Mystery: A very odd intro with a convincing guitar riff that ends up being the star of the first portion of the song. Confusing two talking vocals at the same time is confusing. These are replaced by two completely new talking vocals, again different and played over each other. It's impossible to keep track of, so the listener tends to focus more on the rhythm section, which (fortunately) is kind of fire. New section at 6:30 is fun but makes the song sound like heavily discount prog. After Hours: Huh? Who's this vocalist? Honestly, this song bops, and it's difficult to explain why. The guitar and singing are extremely simplistic, and there's nothing else there. The lyrics are pretty but naive - and maybe that's exactly why the song shines. It's a simple, blind, naive, childish, beautiful lullaby concluding a great album. Key tracks: Candy Says, What Goes On, Pale Blue Eyes, Jesus, Beginning To See The Light, After Hours
Jesus after hours
Soft and quiet. Could put this on any afternoon and a read a book, or give it your full attention. Lot's here to appreciate. Need to delve deeper and relisten to more of VU's catalogue. *Heard before
After hours
thoughts : big fan of the chill vibe overall and really enjoyed the nostalgic, almost childlike, feel of the album. I've only ever listened to some of Lou Reed's solo stuff, but this might make me look into that and VU a little more. favourite tracks : 'The Murder Mystery' and 'After Hours'
3 great tracks on here - (so good I though it might be late Beatles/early Wings) and a bit of experimental mess. Nothing so whacked out it that ruined the album though. A solid 4. My most enjoyable Velvet Underground experience so far.
Liked it more than I expected. Velvet underground is a classic.
Excelente album, te la pasas bien escuchandolo
I was familiar with this album already, but what a treat to listen again and with a new lens to see what I appreciate about it. I really enjoyed it and for some reason, perhaps the recording style always feel likes there's a sense of innocence and light heartedness about TVU. Which I like a lot. Beginning to see the light is perhaps my favourite. A lovely varied album too
Definitely a banger for sure. Not as good as Loaded but still a banger.
This is great, love the vibes. Experimental, fun, unique, original. Wonderful time was had by all. 4/5
Blue eye nice
Some great tunes. Nice chill music to walk to. Light airy
This is a great album. Lou Reed is clearly a major musical influence on a ton of bands that came after. Pale Blue Eyes is a masterpiece of a song.
I've heard the name so many times but this is my first listen. The production is solid. Excited to hear what else they offer. Murder Mystery and After hours are my favorite tracks.
I wasn't expecting such a nice album but I really liked the experience
Very chill album to listen to. I think it stands up nicely to their preceding albums, even if the sound is totally different
Classic.. Candy Says och After Hours är två av mina favoritlåtar och resten är bra
Pale Blue Eyes makes sense as their biggest hit on Spotify, definitely ahead of their time (late 60s but more artsy) Beginning to see the light is a bop - would love on vinyl
A great listen from start to finish, had some standout peaks and also some valleys.
Classic sounding and very loose.
Värt att återkomma till
Pretty good. Dragged on towards the end, especially murder mystery which didn't seem to fit.
Standout tracks- Pale Blue Eyes, Jesus
I was convinced I hated the Velvet Underground before lol. I liked this album more than I expected. It’s a solid 3.5. Favorite song is probably The Murder Mystery.
3.5/5
Solid record.
relaxing. good background music
listened to again good one, very introspective
For a notoriously artsy, underground band, this is quite a cozy and intimate listen. Like sitting in a room with your art school friends, just joking about (I'm Set Free) and saying some weird shit (The Murder Mystery), but also showing you their most vulnerable side (Candy Says). Light 4 And don’t forget to listen to Anohni's cover of Candy Says
An important part of music history: The Velvet Underground was truly ahead of their time. The melancholic lyrics paint deeply emotional pictures while the choice of words makes it feel like the singer keeps a certain emotional distance between himself and the subject material. This raises questions - are the songs sung from the pov of someone who is now in a better place? Someone who has gone emotionally numb? The answer does not matter, though, because the result is amazing regardless. Raw, intimate songs that are polished and accessible at the same time. While I love the overall vibe of the songs and album, to me personally there is no one song that particularly stands out to me.
Another sublime album by the Velvet Underground - subtle, gentle yet gritty, high minded yet sleazy - art and rock and roll and fun. No wonder this is arguably the most influential band in guitar music. It’s not a 5 star because as a record they have release better - but only by a hair.
sweet and nice and lovely second half is way better
Despite being a bunch of liberal arts nepo-babies, The Velvet Underground really tapped into something here.
Fader med velvet underground 4.3
There's a lot of great/fun tracks on this album, though like most VU albums, I find it a little inconsistent (probably the drugs). Still, great band, and an album with many sounds that i can hear reverberating in the sounds of many modern bands I love.
3/4
Lou Reed kicked John Cale out of the band and a lot of The Velvet Underground’s thrilling experimentation left with him, as is evidenced by this tame, though lovely, post-split record.
This was a change in style for the Velvet Underground. Gone was the heroin-drenched experimentation. This record brought a more straight-forward rock sound. I think Reed’s songwriting really shines on this one.
Fantastic pop album. You can still find some touches of early Velvet Underground flavor in the instrumentation and songwriting. It's bittersweet, mellow, and a shift from the vibes of VU's first two albums with the exception of the song The Murder Mystery which sounds like it is right of White Light/White Heat. Highlight tracks include What Goes On, Pale Blue Eyes, Beginning To See The Light, I'm Set Free, and the closer After Hours. This album really shows how good of a songwriter Lou Reed is and how diverse Velvet Underground can sound. Not my all-time favorite album of theirs, I would definitely rate VU & Nico higher. But it's a close race for the second spot between this one and WL/WH.
I liked What Goes On a lot and the Beatles influence is tattooed on this album’s face (in a good way)
The more I listen to Lou Reed, the more I realize he influenced a variety of musicians who came after him. With albums like this one, it isn’t too hard to see why. “Candy Says” is one of the Velvet Underground’s more underrated tracks, with introspective lines like “What do you think I’d see / If I could walk away from me?” I didn’t know the band had ever ventured into Southern twang, but they pull it off well in “Some Kinda Love.” The simplistic instrumentals and raw emotion in “Pale Blue Eyes” make it the best song on the album and one of Lou Reed’s best songs ever. While nearly impossible to follow, the parallel storylines in “The Murder Mystery” are an interesting stylistic choice. About halfway through I wonder if Patrick Bateman might walk through the door and explain to me, ax in hand, his interpretation of the song like he does so enthusiastically with “The Power of Love,” and by the end I tell myself the track could inspire a Coen Brothers thriller. The singalong song “After Hours” is a strange way to end the album after the tumultuous penultimate piece, but its simplicity is welcome. It’s not as good as Loaded or their debut album with Nico, but the Velvet Underground’s self-titled record is where contemplative psychedelic meets the early stages of new wave. It has a couple of uninspiring tracks, but overall, it’s an enjoyable listen.
this was a pretty awesome album there were some elements during the listening where i thought these guys know how to write interesting songs and its not like i didnt think they could but i have had middle expectations for most of the albums i have listened to recently they havent all delivered that much but this was an exception almost to the extent of giving it 5 stars i think if this cant get a 5 star from me then most older music wont get anything more than a 4 i think i prefer the production of somewhat newer music
Solid throughout with some absolute bangers.
feelign generous, but more like a 3.5
Good stuff. Pleasant to listen to.
Aside from a couple songs I could do without (I’m Set Free, Murder Mystery) it’s a really good UV record. Just not as brilliant as the first 2 records.
I liked it better then the last time I listened to it. It's the least interesting VU record to me.
It's good but I like some of VU's other stuff better, and some of Reed's solo stuff better. Not a bad album at all, but not my favorite.
It’s been awhile since I’ve listened to this one. I was going in thinking I’d give it a three, but listened and was reminded why I always think so fondly of VU.
At first I found this kinda sleepy and underwhelming, I didn't grow up on them though their legacy looms large, but the second half of the album won me over. Listened to it a few more times this weekend and it continued to grow on me. Some stuff still hits me at odd angles but overall I really appreciated it.
Not quite a 5 but close. Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes, Beginning to See the Light, After Hours - a lot to love here. VU eased back on the throttle but still put out a fantastic record with some of their biggest hits.
I can hear the roots of Indie Rock in this album. “What Goes On” and “Beginning to See the Light” were my favorites.
Having previously heard the album they did with Nico, and finding it bordering on too chaotic, I did miss a bit of that chaos on this album, but have to say I found it really lovely - one of the better Lou Reed projects I've come across.
I'm sure there will be other reviewers that will go into detail about how influential the Velvet Underground is/was for soooo many bands that came after them. They are the ultimate garage band. Listening to this album, all you want to do is pull out your guitar, get your friends together, write some songs and become rock stars. The Velvet Underground actually makes you believe the dream is possible. In their case, throw in a little heroin to get the creative juices flowing. I only gave it 4 stars because the stuff that comes after this album is 5 star fantastic.
This feels like a Velvets morning acoustic jam after a long night. Dolly and riveting.
I overall liked it, few of the songs didn’t care for but I understand why so many people were influenced by this album. After Hours was a huge favorite of mine before listening to the album.
Solid album. A great listen, I became a Velvet Underground fan after this.
Really like it, not obsessed with it but it's definitely got it's own vibe to it, apparently makes for a perfect album to walk to. I'll come back to this one for sure Stand out tracks: Pale Blue Eyes Beginning to see the Light After Hours
High 3/ low 4. At the minute it's a 3, but I'm well aware that this could grow into a 4/5. The big two highlights are Pale Blue Eyes and After Hours. The low light is Murder Mystery, which feels like its influenced alot of bad songs.
I've not listened to much Velvet Underground before now. From what I've been told, this album is more reflective and mellow compared to the band's previous recordings. I liked it - the songs are simple, the lyrics are good, and I was entertained.
All very good
I enjoyed this a lot actually. It did kinda feel one note, but it was good music all the way through
Wasn’t as good as I remember honestly but I think that had something to do with setting. It’s a great album on a chill rainy day but you gotta be in the mood for it. I also think it’s a little top which may be why I remember it to be better than it was cuz pale blue eyes is one of my favorites songs ever. I also respect the total change in direction they made. It’s a little similar to the clash’s third album with how both bands started as very rough and punk and rather than trying to keep pushing the limits on that style they go for a softer sound leaning more on songwriting. They keeps the first two album as more groundbreaking and important for their sound and also makes the band less one dimensional.
I do like the VU and this is a pretty good album. I can hear harmonies similar to the Grateful Dead and some of the organ work is reminiscent of The Doors but it is still a good album.
Nice vibes, very chill. I’ve never listened to them before, but I might start now! 4/5
4.5
I really liked this album. It's like smith mixed with Frank Sinatra. It's hard to describe. My favorite songs on it were The Murder Mystery and Candy Says I loved the bass lines, the drums, the little guitar riffs and the vocals were really good. Overall a solid 8.2/10 It was really good just not like change my life exceptional. But I definitely will be listening to it in the future
Very chill, almost minimalist rock. A couple very weird tracks, but I enjoyed them all. Nothing earth shattering though.
Easily their best record as it's their most earnest, and least self-important. Every cut has something to offer and the overall feel is very well balanced and integrated. "Pale Blue Eyes" is an all-timer. "Some Kinda Love" and "After Hours" are only slightly less cool, though much lesser known.
It’s the velvets
27th June 2023 Listened a day late on the drive to and from Birmingham. Worked from home and pulled the kitchen out with dad. Whimsical and idiosyncratic but always sincere
Candy Says, Some Kinda Love, Pale Blue Eyes, Beginning To See The Light, That’s the Story Of My Life, The Murder Mystery 4.5/5
the vibe for me is “your older brothers music”
Not my favorite from the velvet underground, but still a good album, thanks to their fascinating experiments with folk and vocal harmonies. Favorites: Candy Says and After Hours.
Another one of Lou reeds led velvet underground album that was really well done. This one is a bit less experimental and dark as their self titled album. I feel this one has some of their best songs though. Pale blue eyes is so simple and yet so good. Sometimes music that is simple is easier to enjoy the instrumentals and lyrics. Velvet underground is a solid band and this album may be my favorite of theirs. 7.9/10
This was extremely lush (I almost said velvet-y god DAMN IT). Lovely in almost every way.
Hankala välillä kun näitä parhaita albumeja kuuneltana...Ymmärtää mitkä albumit olivat aikaansa edellä... Tämä ei paskalta kuullosta..
Already one of my favorites
Great - very varied.
Beautiful, beautiful album. Definitely one I’m going to need to hear a lot more since I can just feel like I’ll love this more with every listen. I’m a huge fan of their other self titled album, and this is just as good—I find myself gravitating toward the tracks that are reminiscent of that aesthetic such as Sunday Morning, but I’m sure that I will come to appreciate the others just as much with time. Four stars for now with the definite ability to go to five.
Heeeel nice! Sommige nummers beter dan op banaan album. Avant garde stukjes op het einde vond ik ook cool. 8/10
Cool album, lekker ruig bij vlagen en je hoort de inspiratie voor andere bands.
Erinomainen levy tämäkin! 4/5
This was great!
Really love this
I love the Velvet Underground, but this not their best work.
Heard this one before. For a band that started out as Andy Warhol's controversial, challenging art-rock weirdos, this is a shockingly intimate and comfortable album. Soft and gentle without being mushy or forgettable. Even The Murder Mystery, while not exactly an easy listen, is a lot quainter and friendlier than their earlier long experimental stuff. Overall a really pleasant album with some gorgeous ballads. Best song: Candy Says
Quite nice
I'd never heard this and didn't know of this kind of Velvet Underground. Reading around it, the exit of John Cale allowed Lou Reed to perform songs without the desire to make it knowingly arty. I really enjoyed this, a very nice set of songs. I'll listen to this again.
Many beautiful songs and important in music history/pop culture.
I've only listened to their debut, which I really don't care for, and never thought fondly of this band. But I kind of like this. Not sure I would listen to it again though.
Good in parts. Can see why it's a classic. Relisten,
J'ai beaucoup écouté l'album avec Nico, mais j'avais vraiment celui-ci. Pourtant, on y reconnaît immédiatement le son. Je suis heureuse de l'avoir découvert.
Very cool album, with some beautiful compositions. Perhaps one of the best performances of lou reed on record! 7,5 out of 10
Released in 1969, this album is a collection of eleven songs that explore themes of drug use, sexuality, and urban life. The band's sound is a fusion of rock, experimental music, and avant-garde elements, creating a unique listening experience. The album features many memorable tracks. "Sunday Morning," is a dreamy and melodic tune. "I'm Waiting for the Man" is a gritty and raw song that portrays the seedy underbelly of New York City. "Heroin" is a haunting and intense track that vividly describes the experience of shooting up. "Pale Blue Eyes" is a beautiful ballad about love and regret that showcases Lou Reed's songwriting prowess. One of the most notable aspects of the album is the use of unconventional instrumentation. John Cale's viola adds an eerie and experimental element to the songs, while Reed's guitar work is both gritty and melodic. The rhythm section of Maureen Tucker and Sterling Morrison provides a solid foundation for the music, while also adding their own unique touches. The Velvet Underground's self-titled album is a gem of rock and roll.
Very artsy fartsy, I liked it
우와 첫 앨범이 The Velvet Underground라니!!!
This review should open with some articulate words on Velvet Underground's importance in the history of late 20th century Western popular music, here they are: blah, blah, blah. Chances are just too good that if you've followed Western music culture in the last 50 years you've been exposed to some description of their importance so I'll leave it at that. What about this, their third, record? This album is really very nice, it's mostly mellow and even the uptempo tracks demonstrate restraint. It's a mostly quiet and small affair. Though not without the occasional rambunctious moment i.e. Murder Mystery is a bit crowded sonically and yet is a blueprint used by Hüsker Dü, Pavement, and more. You could almost use the adjective quaint to describe the album overall.
Brilliant! Standouts: Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes, Jesus, After Hours Others: What Goes On, Some Kinda Love, Beginning to See the Light, I'm Set Free, That's the Story of My Life, The Murder Mystery,
Extremely mellow. Almost forget that something is in the background. Really enjoy it.
Didn't feel this album and would have given this a "2 star boring" review if it wasn't for murder mystery which I couldn't stop playing.
The Velvet Underground takes a massive sonic departure from their previous album, White Light/White Heat, by making a softer, more psychedelic project. This venture into different sonic territory makes for some of the band’s most creative and experimental work yet. Best Track: After Hours Rating: 7.5/10
Extremely unexpected direction for a Velvet Underground album, but it was quite enjoyable. This is also by far the best Lou Reed's singing voice has ever sounded to me. It is apparent to see why this band was so influential. Favorite track: I'm Set Free
Fairly interesting album with a few cracking songs (Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes) and a really quirky tune in The Murder Mystery. Some songs felt like filler but good album overall. Fav song: After Hours
This was after Cale was fired and it shows. This is smooth music to chill to and is a lot like later Reed stuff (which I like). A lot less rocky and experimental (ie: unlistenable) than the previous albums of theirs but I still think the Nico album is one of the greatest albums ever made. This is still good though don't fret. All very strange. That was the 60's though. I like it.
I've been waiting for the Velvet Underground to appear in this project, but I guess I was always assuming I'd see the "banana" album. This was a new one to me. I was quite taken with it. I would like to spend a bit more time with it and just absorb it a bit more.
Had no idea TVU could sound like this. Intimate, subtle and subdued, Reed's stops sounding overindulgent as he did on their debut, bringing the best out of him, and every other member follows suit. And their records finally sound decent. Thank god. A great record.
Honestly wasn't paying much attention while listening to this, I liked the last two songs a lot but I definitely need to relisten as well as listen to the entire Velvet Underground catalogue. From the first listen I give this an 8/10
4.25
Lou Reed takes over the band with a melancholic dreamy folk record. Peaceful, quite, and beautiful, there's plenty to like here with a few essential standouts, particularly "Pale Blue Eyes." We even get an cool avant-garde track "The Murder Mystery."
It still sounds hip and fresh
I really enjoyed this album it has some real good songs
What a wild ride to listen to this album for the first time. It was such an experience to listen to their experiment in what is music and how can it be upended to support the artistic expression. The poetry on some of the songs was magnificent. I can see why it wasn’t a commercial hit - just too avant garde. I’d love to know specific example of this album’s influence, because I can’t identify it at this time.
Very different from their 2 previous album 👍
Very cool album. Loved that this was less experimental than some of the other VU albums, making it feel a bit more accessible. What Goes On is a jam. Murder Mystery is absolutely crazy.
Damn this shit good!
I really liked this, it was chill and calming, a really nice listen
Astonishing piece of art.
Very enjoyable
Familiar with some Lou Reed songs, but have never took the time to listen to any full album all the way through. First listen, I thought this was just OK. 2nd time through, it clicked! Liked Waiting for the Man, What goes on and After Hours. Really liked Pale Blue Eyes, but my favorites were Heroin and Sweet Jane. I enjoyed enough, I'm listening to the live portions of this album while I type my review. I can see me playing this album while I'm binging on Mario Kart. The live portions of the album are so much better than the studio versions. But I found it funny/strange that is sounded like there were only a few people in the crowd. Maybe the day, maybe the mood, but I really enjoyed a good portion of this album. Can't quite get to a 4 for me. A very good 3.5, but will score a 4. I will download a few songs and I will play again. Hell, I may seek out more Velvet albums once I get caught up. My surprise album of the last couple weeks!