Velvet Underground
Velvet Underground (3) - MGM 1969 Comments:Along with the Banana Record, this album is probably the most beloved Velvet Underground album. It is groundbreaking and stylizing, yes, but first and foremost it is an album with really great songs / tracks and is clearly a much better album than its predecessor "White Light, White Heat". John Cale is gone and Doug Yule has joined, with the result that Lou Reed has become the all-dominating figure.
"Candy Says" is a nice quiet melodic song sung by Doug Yule; maybe a slightly fresh version.
"What Goes On" is more classic Velvet Underground; slightly raw sound with organ and interesting guitar solo. Reed sings his own song.
"Some Kinda Love" is a bluesy rather quiet song, very sparsely instrumented with guitar, bass and bell.
“Pale Blue Eyes” is a highlight; one of Lou Reed's most beautiful songs. Quiet with beautiful guitar, tambourine and organ.
“Jesus” has Reed and Yule harmonizing, another simple quiet song.
“Beginning to See the Light” is the classic Velvet Underground; upbeat and a good drive. Nice sound on the rhythm guitar and a nice text with a good dose of humor.
"I'm Set Free" is melodic drone. A funny little cracked guitar solo.
"That's the Story of my Life" is a slightly country-like song; melodic and short.
“Murder Mystery” is a strange number; a lot of talk that can be hard to follow. An atmosphere a bit like "The End" with the Doors.
On "After Hours", the lead vocals are left to drummer Maureen Tucker. Very charming despite the gloomy lyrics on an upbeat, almost happy melody.
As a whole this is an album that's hard to get around.
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