Velvet Underground
History
The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in 1964 in New York City by singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise. MacLise was replaced by Maureen Tucker in 1965, who played on most of the band's recordings.
The band's integration of rock and the avant-garde achieved little commercial success during their existence, but they are now recognized as one of the most influential bands in rock, underground, experimental, and alternative music. The abrasive, experimentalist work of the Velvet Underground was a direct contrast to the smooth, clean-cut pop music of their contemporaries.
Musical style and influences
The Velvet Underground's music was greatly influenced by several avant-garde and contemporary artists of the time. The band's early collaborations with Andy Warhol, who served as their manager and producer, introduced them to the world of art and fashion, which had a profound impact on their music and image.
The band's music was characterized by its explorations of taboo subjects such as drug addiction, sexual deviancy, and urban decay, with its often abrasive sound serving as a musical embodiment of the gritty, unvarnished reality they sought to depict. This was a stark contrast to the polished, optimistic sound of the mainstream pop and rock music of the era.
Legacy and influence
Despite their lack of commercial success during their active years, the Velvet Underground has since been recognized as one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music. Their innovative approach to songwriting and recording, their willingness to tackle taboo subjects, and their integration of avant-garde influences into their music have all been cited as key factors in their enduring influence.
The Velvet Underground's influence can be heard in a wide range of musical genres, from punk and alternative rock to noise and experimental music. Many notable artists and bands, including David Bowie, R.E.M., Nirvana, and Patti Smith, have cited the Velvet Underground as a major influence on their own music.
Discography
The Velvet Underground released four studio albums during their active years: "The Velvet Underground & Nico" (1967), "White Light/White Heat" (1968), "The Velvet Underground" (1969), and "Loaded" (1970). Despite their initial commercial failure, these albums have since been recognized as classics of the rock genre and have been reissued numerous times in various formats.