The Velvet Underground: An Unconventional Path to Musical Reverence
Long before The Velvet Underground became the epitome of underground cool, their avant-garde sound echoed through the halls of a suburban high school in New Jersey back in 1965. With a performance that left parents and children alike in shock, the 'screeching urge of sound' produced by Lou Reed and his bandmates caused a hasty retreat from the crowd after just two songs. This initial repulsion, as noted by a local reviewer, marked the humble and tumultuous beginnings for a band destined to shape the future of rock music.
Encounter with Andy Warhol
It wasn't long before the group caught the attention of the influential artist Andy Warhol. He became fascinated with their distinct sound and introduced them to the vibrant scene at the Factory, his famed studio and social space in Manhattan. Despite Warhol's backing, The Velvet Underground struggled to achieve mainstream success during their active years, often marked by internal conflicts. Nonetheless, they would go on to gain posthumous recognition as pioneers in the music industry.
'Loaded': Oral History of an Iconic Band
In his book 'Loaded: The Life (and Afterlife) of The Velvet Underground,' veteran journalist Dylan Jones recounts the story of the band through a rich tapestry of anecdotes and insights. This oral history brings together thoughts and memories from those close to the band, including friends, Warhol 'superstars,' and fellow musicians, as well as incorporating past interviews with the late Lou Reed and others connected to The Velvet Underground.
The essence of The Velvet Underground's enduring legacy is found not only in their innovative music - ranging from beautiful to dissonant and hypnotic - but also in their defiance of convention. Their indifferent attitude, internal struggles, and trademark sense of style left an indelible mark on the music scene. 'We hated everybody and everything,' Cale once remarked, encapsulating the band's rebellious spirit.
The Cultural Impact of Reed and Cale
While the story is heavily intertwined with Lou Reed's complex personality and artistry, the narrative also delves into his volatile relationship with John Cale, the classically trained Welsh musician whose intensity matched Reed's. The book also follows the post-Velvet pursuits of Reed, Cale, and Nico, illuminating their individual journeys following the band's dissolution.
Lou Reed's broader recognition picked up momentum with the 1972 release of his album 'Transformer,' featuring the acclaimed track 'Walk on the Wild Side.' However, despite the book's attempts, the dark reputation of Reed, known for being notoriously challenging, particularly with journalists, remains relatively intact.
Legacy and Anecdotes
Good oral histories provide a balanced mix of reflection, opinion, and compelling stories. Jones' work satisfies this criterion, interspersing fascinating tales - such as Cale's shocking stage antics and Reed's aggressive encounter with David Bowie - with credible arguments on the band's historical significance. In summing up their influence, Jones states, 'Unpack the last 50 years of pop, and the broken fragments of the Velvet Underground are everywhere,' a testament to their unshakeable impact on music and culture.
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