The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground & Nico are known for their experimentalist performance sensibilities, as well as the focus on controversial subject matter and descriptions of topics expressed. With majority of their material pertaining to drug abuse, prostitution, sadism, masochism and sexual deviancy this would make The Velvet Underground one of the most unique, offensive, and talked about groups of the late 1960’s.

Lou Reed (primary lyricist) and John Cale are both songwriters and also founding brothers of The Velvet Underground, forming the band in early 1965 and shortly after recruiting Reed's college friend Sterling Morrison and Cale's flatmate Angus Maclise. Unfortunately for the band Reed and Cale has had an on going discrepancy about creative disagreements, spawning since the band was formed. This has caused multiple break-ups, fights, disagreements, and end resulting in the two members actually never speaking again.
Promoter, Supporter, and Producer Andy Warhol helped The Velvet Underground tremendously. Not only did he fund and produce their projects he also provided a place to play and experiment. Andy Warhol was full of great ideas, his plan was to merge Music, Art and Film onto a single platform and deliver it at once for an unforgettable experience, using The Velvet Underground as the axis.

 The Velvet had many unique traits about them that set them apart from the others. Obviously their lyrics being one, having such songs like "I'm Waiting for the Man" that describes a man's efforts to obtain heroin while "Venus in Furs" is a nearly literal interpretation of the nineteenth century novel of the same name (which itself prominently features accounts of BDSM). One of the best-known tracks on their album is "Heroin", a song that details an individual's use of the drug and the experience of feeling its effects.

 Another amazing trait about The Velvet Underground was Cales awesome ability and additive instrumentation of the Viola. Cale's viola was used on several of the album's songs, notably "Venus in Furs" and "Heroin". The viola used guitar and mandolin strings, and when played loudly, Cale would liken its sound to that of an airplane engine. Cale's viola technique usually involved drones, or single notes sustained over long periods of time. He would, however, vary his attack, speed, or even add other notes on top to create differing tones while maintaining a consistent pitch.

 I believe The Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol are both pioneers of many techniques and performances used today. The evolution of Music Videos, live video effects, and visual performances have all spawned from pioneers such as this.  Although offensive to many with there explicit lyrical content and heavy drug use, The Velvet Underground has forever marked their place in history. 

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Velvet_Underground