Movie Review: The Velvet Underground documentary (2021)

The Velvet Underground Documentary (2021) on Apple TV+ explores the dark, quirky, bizarre origins of the band, with deep focus on the relationships between Lou Reed, John Cale and all of the other members, including their producer Andy Warhol. See the trailer here.

Lou Reed was a Long Island kid who was making music as a way to rebel against his parents, his suburban culture, his sexual secret and the voices in his head. He was a terrible guitarist and an even worse singer. But he could tell stories and put them to music.

John Cale was a Welsh born classically-trained, multi-instrument musician who was interested in the science of music and minimalistic harmonic sound.

In no alternate universe should these two artists meet, no less work together.

But in this universe they did meet and both recognized that the other had what they themselves were missing. Cale was mesmerized by Reed’s vivid lyrics, and Reed was blown away by Cale’s sense and understanding of sound and instrumentation. Together they created a new form of music that wouldn't be appreciated until long after their brief time together (less than 2 years) ended.

This documentary isn't for everyone. In fact, without some substantial prior knowledge of the cast of characters and history of the band, most will be lost during the early part of this story. But the film is structured to build the foundation and explanation for what the Velvet Underground represents to Rock and Roll.

While the destructive, pained, self-loathing artist is cliché in music – this story makes it clear that without the pain, Lou Reed could never become "Lou Reed". And thus could never have impacted music as profoundly without it.

If you stick it out – the film delivers what you're looking for – a trip down memory lane to all of the classics songs you know, either as an original, or as a remake by countless others. VUs' influence on so many artists is profound. Bands like REM, Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, Joy Division, The Smiths, The Cowboy Junkies – all started because of a Velvet Underground record spinning on their bedroom turntable. Even Bono cites Lou Reed as reason for his early interest in music. And while existing in the same era, David Bowie might never have experimented and broken through without the Velvet Underground's influence and culture-changing music.

As musician/producer Brian Eno once said, "The Velvet Underground's first album only sold a few thousand copies when it was first released. But every person who bought it – started a band."

I'm a big Velvet Underground fan. But for me, it was always about the sound or mood of the music. I was never musically sophisticated enough to understand the lyrics or nuance of the musical structures. I knew a little bit about the history (mostly from the liner notes on albums) and continued to listen to Lou Reed's solo stuff. (I still listen to New York.)

This documentary forced me to explore some of the more obscure recordings and led me to the 2021 released album The Bootleg Series Vol. 1 – The Quine Tapes (Live). This is an absolute treat of an album. Unlike previous, and more well-known live recordings (such as Max's Kansas City, which was recorded in NYC during their post-John Cale hay day and filled with terrible background noise) this album captures VU during their San Francisco days in 1969, where they weren't well known and played to nearly empty rooms. The sound is live and pure and imperfect and allows the band to jam and experiment. On this album you'll find the best live version of "I'm Waiting for The Man" (1st track on Disc 1) with some crystal clear intro commentary from Lou and a smattering of audience clapping. There's also a 38-minute version of "Sister Ray" and an absolute charming (and rare recording) of Maureen (Moe) Tucker singing "After Hours".

I recommend The Velvet Underground Documentary (2021) for die-hard fans and perhaps for patient curious casual listeners. As Lou would say (and said often) – "It's alright".

For Velvet Underground beginners, start here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/loaded-remastered/1050415251