BenFolds

I've heard nothing but good things about the Velvet Underground/Lou Reed and I was wondering if you guys could reccomend a few good songs to get me started on this band (try and limit the total to 3). Thanks a lot

J

atlantamoi

You'll get a lot of different responses probably. This is a GREAT band, but each of their albums differs from the others.

My faves... "Rock & Roll", "I Can't Stand It" and "Foggy Notion"

Lokimok

"Sweet Jane" & "Heroin" are probably their 2 most famous songs. Not a bad way to start.

Cornfed

Personally, I like "I Found a Reason." And check out the cover by Cat Power while you're at it.

mllefoo

The Velvet Underground was an eclectic band that dabbled in more than a few styles.

For a beginner I'd suggest:
Sweet Jane
Heroin
Femme Fatale (Nico was such a slut, but I love her voice)
All Tomorrow's Parties
Sunday Morning
White Light White Heat

Once you get into them, you'll get into some of their more esoteric weird stuff like The Gift (very disturbing, yet funny in a tragic way).

I wish I had a bit of money so I can repurchase the albums I used to own on vinyl. The only CD I have at the moment is Velvet Underground and Nico.

By the way, John Cale (one of the members) has put out some fantastic solo work. Check out The Gun (or anything off his older albums). He's the genius behind The Gift.

And of course Lou Reed has some good solo stuff available, as well.

Gdrlv

The VU rule, and you won't go wrong with their music...and their box set has 4 wonderful discs of music (the demo disc is interesting but doesn't have much replay value at all).

I think their seminal song is "Sister Ray" but that is not a good place for a beginner to start. Try "I'm Waiting for the Man," "White Light/White Heat," "Pale Blue Eyes," "After Hours," and "Rock & Roll." (Sorry, couldn't keep it to 3) Welcome to the forum, BenFolds.

mllefoo

Limit to three? Dang, I thought I was holding back with six.

Pale Blue Eyes is one of my favorite VU songs. I miss that album

Had to sell it when I lost my turntable in a fire a year or so ago.

Gdrlv

It's a beautiful tune, and one of the best songs I've ever heard.

PaperStreetSoapCo

"Oh! Sweet Nuthin" made me fall in love with the Velvet Underground.

gondorspit

Heroin - is a good place to start

I say buy the first album, Andy Warhol presents . . . and move forward from there. The double-disk Fully Loaded is really worthwhile, some of the alt versions of the songs are great.

Two other starter songs:
Pale Blue Eyes
Beginning to see the light

TeeSeeJay

They're also a couple of their best.

Pale Blue Eyes is also very good.

larryw

I love that song. Personally I think you should start with the "Loaded" album. It's the most accessible I think.

Joey Ramone

Buy any album of theirs, listen to any one of their songs. This is truly one of the greatest, most influential bands ever. Sister Ray would have to be my favorite song.

BenFolds

Thanks a lot guys.

I decided to download Sweet jane and Heroin first and i really enjoyed them. I'm going to download all those other songs you listed. If i like them, i'll have to buy an album.

Thanks again.

-J