This is a repackaging of the band’s all important third album and it is a must for all fans of the band and classic rock music. The album was great with beautiful melodies supporting poetic lyrics. Everything good rock music should be. John Cale had just left the band replaced by Doug Yule and Lou Reed became more of the focal point. Several of songs are so powerful you might feel like your heart is being ripped out of your chest. Mournful stuff that really shines an unflattering light on the times (the late sixties). Then they pick you up with some hopeful numbers. To round out the excellence you get some amazing Reed guitar solos. “Pale Blue Eyes”, “Jesus” and “Candy Says” is some of the best stuff the band ever put out. Makes you wonder why this self-titled third album was largely ignored by music fans and critics when it was originally released. Big oops! Even listening to the songs with today’s ears you can hear the quality as the songs have aged very well. On top of all this excellence you get a recording of the “lost” fourth album, an entire great live show, some remixes of songs, and early versions of songs. The live stuff really demonstrates what a great band The Velvet Underground was. If you close your eyes while listening to the show you’ll be able to see in your mind’s eye the crowd moving to this infectious sound. Six CDs doesn’t feel excessive.
The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground: 45th Anniversary Super Deluxe
