New York City in the 1960s was an interesting time. While the decade started out relatively calmly, by 1964, there were racial tensions that came to a peak with the Harlem Riot, and beyond this, crime rates were rising. However, the artistic scene was reshaped quite nicely. It was a time when artists like Andy Warhol used everyday images and made them into something fascinating. It was also an era when young musicians craved their own niche, such as The Velvet Underground.
An extremely unique bunch, The Velvet Underground – most famously recognized with Singer/Guitarist Lou Reed, Multi-instrumentalist John Cale, Guitarist Sterling Morrison, and Drummer Moe Tucker – were stepping away from Rock-n-Roll norms. Utilizing the landscaping of the city as inspiration, their music encapsulated life on the streets, spoke of drugs and sexuality, and simply broke down the core of life to a very real level. Aspects that made them stand out, Lou Reed’s poetic lyrics and mixing of talking and singing in a low tone, matched with the raw sound of the instrumentation, made The Velvet Underground a key influence for the Punk Rock movement that arrived years later with New York Dolls and the Ramones.
While The Velvet Underground may not have been mainstream during their peak years, there is no denying they inspired whoever they came in contact with. First releasing the iconic debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico, in 1967, it is a record that has stuck out with each passing generation of listeners. A part of a legacy that made them one of the most influential underground Rock-n-Roll bands of all time, they would go on to release three more albums with the original lineup (leading into 1970’s Loaded) before Lou Reed pursued other musical projects.
A relatively short period of time together in the grand scheme of history, there is still no denying the true artistic nature of The Velvet Underground sound. That is why they continue to be celebrated over half a century later. In fact, there have been countless box sets and compilations released of their music… but the latest comes in the form of a brand new Rhino Records vinyl.
A part of the Rhino Records LP series they call Now Playing (which launched in 2023), it takes tracks from beloved artists and combines well-known tracks with deeper cuts. Available to purchase since August 2, 2024, The Velvet Underground’s Now Playing vinyl picks a heavy hand of fantastic songs from the Loaded album, such as “Sweet Jane,” “I Found A Reason,” and “Rock & Roll,” and mix them with engaging live cuts like “I’m Waiting For The Man,” and the legendary “Femme Fatale.” Ten selections in total, beyond those mentioned, also have songs like “Ocean,” which did not reach the public until 1985 as part of VU but was recorded sometime earlier in 1968 and 1969.
Overall, it is a solid compilation that is even more interesting due to the clear silver pressing that looks simply lovely. Additionally, sounding warm and rich, this is a great LP to add to a dedicated The Velvet Underground fan’s collection or someone simply curious to learn more about the band. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Rhino’s Now Playing The Velvet Underground LP 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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