The Velvet Underground – THE VELVET UNDERGROUND***

Candy Says/What Goes On/Some Kinda Love/Pale Blue Eyes/Jesus/Beginning To See The Light/I’m Set Free/ That’s The Story Of My Life/The Murder Mystery/After Hours

Following the departure of John Cale the third Velvets’ album sees the group returning to a more mainstream sound. Despite their fame and reputation The Velvet Underground struggled on the US album chart. (US:197)

“John Cale left The Velvet Underground after their second album, and his absence shows on their eponymous third album. He was the avant-garde musician to Lou Reed's avant-garde lyricist. Cale's departure did not result in a decline in the quality of the Velvets' records, but that was to some extent the result. The tension between the two pushed both of them to their limits, resulting in the most far out popular music ever recorded at the time. With Cale's departure, Reed chilled out quite a bit.”

“With the departure of John Cale from their line up, The Velvets’ third studio album is a generally quiet sounding one. Tracks like What Goes On interrupt the low key atmosphere, but even they are fairly straightforward late 60s rock songs. Lou Reed repositioned himself as a more conventional songwriter, aiming to get an intimate effect, possibly a nostalgic one, portrayed by ballads such as Pale Blue Eyes and Candy Says. Though this album is perhaps the most dramatically low key album in the band’s career, it’s also the most solidly enduring because of the blend of tracks.”

“One of the most unapologetically safe releases in history. Virtually no risks taken throughout, not even so much as a flashy riff or risky drum fill is to be found. Perhaps the spoken word in The Murder Mystery could count as a bit of a risk. Anyhow, it's pretty consistent as far as quality goes - straight through, it's very well done for standard style (somewhat soft) rock.”

“It could be the loss of John Cale, or it could be the result of a conscious aesthetic decision, but The Velvets are blander than ever here. None of the songs are bad, none are excellent. The lilting, twee feel is pleasant, and the immaculate sequencing makes this an enjoyable but forgettable listen.”

“Even straight-laced pop fans will likely enjoy this particular album - and as such it is the perfect place for the uninitiated to begin a journey into The Velvet Underground. Everything about it is beautifully done, and it is a welcome twist to the band's earlier, much edgier sound.”