2 weeks in, 2 albums down, how do I rank the songs of the Velvet Underground now? Once again, a disclaimer: this is totally subjective and my opinion. It doesn't reflect empirical best, just what I like best. Also, it could very well change. Ok? Here goes…

At seventeen and a half minutes long, it's the most monumental song in the Velvet Underground's catalog and a true tour de force that deserves it's own post. Here's my breakdown of "Sister Ray."

Here's a brief look at some other band's interpretations of White Light / White Heat songs.

Velvet Underground Month enters Week 2 with a look at White Light / White Heat, an album that finds the band pursuing the extremes of their sound.

Alright, people, it's list time. After each week of Velvet Underground month, I'm going to present my ranking of the band's songs. Since this sort of thing can get contentious, here's my disclaimer: this is totally subjective and my opinion. It doesn't reflect empirical best, just what I like best. Also, it could very well change. Ok? Here goes…

Still can't enough of The Velvet Underground & Nico? Check out a few more cool things.

 

 

 

The cover of The Velvet Underground & Nico bears his – not the band's – name and his banana. What else did Andy Warhol bring to the table?

It's well established that The Velvet Underground & Nico is highly influential. Let's take a quick look at some interpretations by and influences upon subsequent artists.

In 2009 a collection of Andy Warhol screen tests was released – 13 Most Beautiful… Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests. The DVD is a compilation of extended looks at celebrities set against music which reflects their personalities. Warhol and the Velvet Underground had a fruitful creative relationship so it's not surprising that Lou Reed would lend his face to this project. However, what makes this chapter of the DVD so cool is that Lou Reed manages to exude American rock and roll simply by drinking a Coke. The accompanying song is I'm Not a Young Man Anymore from a 1967 bootleg of The Velvet Underground. I don't know about you, but this kind of makes me thirsty.

Our month long coverage of the Velvet Underground at Those Who Dig begins tonight with a look at the group's debut album: The Velvet Underground & Nico. Peel slowly and see.