I’ve decided to start a new series here where I introduce some of my favourite albums and how they came to be. First up is the self-titled debut album from The Velvet Underground & Nico. To be completely honest, as a kid who grew up on a diet of Pop Art, I was familiar with the album artwork long before I realised who The Velvet Underground were. I didn’t listen to this album until my teens and I did so after being introduced to bands like The Strokes, who listed The Velvet Underground as influences. So when I finally did get around to investigating The Velvet Underground I was like “oh hey, you guys”. Needless to say I was instantly sucked in by the broody vocals and raw rock’n’roll vibes. Also, having been “produced” by Andy Warhol, it was like my Pop Art education had come full circle.
Who: The Velvet Underground & Nico
When: March 12, 1967
Listen for: Jangly guitars, general Lou Reed steez, Nico’s chanteuse-ing, references to The Factory
Song you probably would’ve heard without ever having listened to the album: Sunday Morning
Song that will stick in your head: Run Run Run
Follow up with: White Light/White Heat by The Velvet Underground, Transformer by Lou Reed
