The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground & Nico
Style: Experimental Rock, Art Rock, Noise Rock
Release: 1967, one of my favorite years of music.
Round: Art Rock
Thais is probably the fifth or sixth time I've heard the album. And my opinion is barely wavering from the 9/10 I previously gave it. However, it is wavering. I told myself, "If I can finally get used to the second half, I'll give it five stars." The final consensus might please you.
Sunday Morning, the opening track, is one of a couple amazing tracks on the album, songs that pass the 5 star limit. It's beautiful, perfectly atmospheric, and as long as necessary. "I'm Waiting for my Man" is a little boring in comparison and it drags on a little, but it's a pretty good song with decent lyrics. "Femme Fatale" is the real introduction to Nico's vocal talent. A perfect introduction with a great Rhythm. "Venus in Furs" is the second of the amazing tracks. The guitar work is unbelievably good for using the same note over and over again. That takes skill. And the lyrics are surprisingly deep and meaningful. "Run Run Run" has the same flow as "I'm Waiting for My Man," but it's better and more rhythmatic. "All Tommorow's Parties" is the third amazing track. The guitars in the background, as well as the worldly aura, are both amazing. But they are nothing compared to Miss Lady Nico. Amazing voice.
Next comes "Heroin." This is one of those tracks I could never get into. I admit the rhythm and production are quite good, and the song has a little creativity. But I've grown on the song. It's more slow than necessary at times, mostly because Lou Reed isn't singing enough. Seven minutes is too long for that. But the aura is flawless. It's funny when a pioneer of noise rock's influence is so atmospheric to a guy who doesn't get into noise rock. "There She Goes Again" is one of my guilty pleasures. It's such a jumpy song in comparison to the rest, which has been carefully moodswinging through the album's noisy atmosphere, from soft and cheery to noisy to mysterious. Now we have a jumpy little tune like something from an early Beatles' album, seemingly for kids. "I'll Be Your Mirror" has a vibe a little too similar to "Femme Fatale," making it obvious Nico would be singing. Still, it's a very cute song with a very sad aura that influenced goth rock. "The Black Angel's Death Song" is one that I could never understand, even to this day. It just sounds like well-timed rambling to me. "European Son" is rteally noisy, but it maintains a rhythm while taking a complete change of pace and keeping the atmosphere: a super fast noise.
Overall, 96. I've understood a little more of the album, and I hope my noise rock journey will help me give this a higher rating in the future.
Sunday Morning - 12
I'm Waiting for My Man - 7.5
Femme Fatale - 9
Venus in Furs - 11
Run Run Run - 8
All Tomorrow's Parties - 12
Heroin - 7.9
There She Goes Again - 8.5
I'll be Your Mirror - 8.5
The Black Angel's Death Song - 7
European Son - 8
OK, so I'm gonna be listening to my 1300th album next.