The Velvet Underground's seminal debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico was released 50 years ago today. What can be said about this legendary album that hasn't already been covered a zillion times in a zillion other places? Sure, it has all been said before.
Still, it's important to pay tribute to this iconic album, as it is widely considered to be one of the most influential recordings of all time. Though very few copies were sold after its initial release (considered a colossal failure at the time), as the famous saying goes, those who did buy a copy went on to form bands in various sub-sets of alternative including underground, experimental, punk, post-punk, psychedelic, garage rock, boho, and more. Artists inspired by The Velvet Underground & Nico include David Bowie, R.E.M., Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers, Sex Pistols, Joy Division, New Order, Roxy Music, Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Echo & the Bunnymen, Nick Cave, Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, U2, Nirvana, Radiohead, Garbage, Galaxie 500, Luna and soooooo many more.
Fifty years on, its music, art, and message still speaks to generations young and old. Happy Golden anniversary! Viva las Velvets!
Published March 12th, 2017