The music that was created by the band The Velvet
Underground & Nico created a rebellious image. They were in my opinion the
image of what rock and roll artist would eventually embrace. Their lyrics and
song were unorthodox as they usually included lyrics about topics such as drug
use/abuse, sex and prostitution. I think that their intention was mostly
self-expression, but they also wanted to make an outstanding statement by going
against the grain in their music. Some of their songs often clashed instrumentally,
but I can most definitely understand how they can be considered amongst the
most influential rock bands to date. They made it not so unorthodox to speak
about subjects that were also experiences of theirs that involved topics that
pertained to the evils of the world, so to speak. Group founders John Cale and
Lou Reed had no intentions to make people happy in their music. Cale actually
had the intention of the exact opposite. Lou Reed was more of the songwriter
storyteller. John Cale being music major was more aware of the actual sound of
the music or as some would say lack thereof. They were the obvious leaders of
The Velvet Underground & Nico. Both
Cale and Reed had a sense of musical talent. Andy Warhol is the guy that pretty
much mad them happen financially. His role was sponsor. He paid for their
recording sessions. He also helped out on the artistic aspect featuring the
band in his multiple visual arts ventures. Making their musical image seen
visually. I believe the Velvet Underground’s lyrical themes and pairing of art
and music is what set the Velvet Underground apart from other bands in the
1960’s. Their music was not rapidly understood, therefore contributing to the
lack of commercial popularity at first. When listeners that could relate gave
their support, they achieved more success. This band may have opened the door
for uncensored music. As a listener I don’t care for the sound but I can appreciate
the lyrics. As an industry professional Velvet Underground was necessary for
progression of rock and roll rebellion.
Shayna Campbell,
ReplyDeleteHello and thank you for letting me read your post on The Velvet Underground and Nico. I very much enjoyed reading about the history and impact the album had. The statement you made about the album creating “a rebellious image” set your post apart from many others. Sure people talk about the album itself and what it meant but not too much about the image it created. I thought that was a very smart way to think outside the box. I would have however, liked to have read a little more on Andy Warhol’s involvement on the art of the album. Overall I thought your post was on target and easy to read. I look forward to reading more of you posts! Keep up the great work!
~Ryan M. Reyes