The Velvet Underground: From Local Repulsion to Global Inspiration

Back in 1965, before their name was etched into the annals of rock 'n' roll, The Velvet Underground found themselves facing an audience of bewildered parents and children at a New Jersey high school. Their sound, described by a local reviewer as a 'screeching urge of sound,' was far from well-received, and the crowd dispersed in shock during their abrasive performance of 'Heroin.'

The Shift to Stardom

Despite their rocky beginnings, fortune changed when the band caught the eye of artist and cultural icon Andy Warhol. He introduced them to the avant-garde scene at his studio, the Factory. But even with this boost, mainstream success remained elusive during their active years, and it was only after disbanding that their influence began to soar.

An Oral History: 'Loaded'

Dylan Jones, seasoned journalist, steps in to narrate the story of the Velvet Underground’s rise, fall, and posthumous conquest in his book 'Loaded: The Life (and Afterlife) of The Velvet Underground.' Through the perspectives of friends, Warhol's entourage, contemporaries, and the band members themselves, accompanied by interviews both fresh and historical, Jones explores the complex dynamics that drove the band's innovation and discord.

The Legacy Lives On

The book dives deep into the riveting partnership between Lou Reed, the band's contentious frontman, and John Cale, whose classical background made for a compelling yet turbulent creative force. Reed's post-band success, marked by the release of 'Transformer' and his hit 'Walk On the Wild Side,' also garners attention, tracing his path to recognition.

Jones balances the account with anecdotes of wild antics and personal strife, maintaining an honest depiction of the band's highs and lows. While his attempt to humanize Reed may not fully redeem the artist's notoriously abrasive behavior, he successfully cements The Velvet Underground’s status as an irreplaceable influence on modern music. As Jones aptly puts it, a dissection of the last five decades of pop music will reveal shards of The Velvet Underground's essence scattered throughout.

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