The Velvet Underground:  An Illustrated History of A Walk on the Wild Side

By Jim DeRogatis
Voyageur Press; MN, 2009

Reviewed by Kent Manthie

    45 years ago four eclectic New York art-school types melded together and, voila, The Velvet Underground was born.  Their name, taken from a book by Michael Leigh (The Velvet Underground, McFadden Books, 1963) was the beginning of their mission to be as outré as possible. 


    Soon they found themselves the darlings of Andy Warhol and his Factory gang.  As well as The Exploding Plastic Inevitable, another Warhol creation, VU was guided at first by Andy and were soon the “house band” for the wild, dream-like parties at the Factory in New York. 


    Just out now is a fabulous book celebrating 45 years of one of the most influential bands of all time, entitled An Illustrated History of The Velvet Underground. 


    While the Beatles were getting hung up on the Beach Boys (listen to Sgt. Pepper and then listen to Pet Sounds and you’ll see where the Beatles got the inspiration).  Along with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, John Lennon and Brian Wilson, Lou Reed remains one of the most innovative, inspiring and original songwriters whose influence has spanned four decades. 

... From Kent's Music blog. Read the complete review HERE.