The Velvet Underground: The Velvet Underground Vinyl LP

"By the summer of 1968, The Velvet Underground had a much graver problem on its hands than commercial success (or the lack of it). A rift developed between Lou Reed and John Cale, the most creative forces in the band and, as one could expect, two temperamental egos. Reed presented the rest of the band with an ultimatum, declaring that he would leave the group unless Cale was sacked. Morrison and Tucker reluctantly sided with Lou, and Doug Yule was recruited to take Cale’s place. The group’s third album, 1969’s The Velvet Underground, was an even more radical left turn than White Light/White Heat. The volume and violence had nearly vanished; the record featured far more conventional rock arrangements that were sometimes so restrained it seems as though they were making an almost deliberate attempt to avoid waking the neighbours. Yet the sound was nonetheless effective for that; the record contains some of Reed’s most personal and striking compositions, numbers like 'Pale Blue Eyes' and 'Candy Says' ranking among his most romantic, although cuts like 'What Goes On' proved they could still rock out convincingly." - Polydor

• The Velvet Underground's self-titled third album, originally released in 1969 (not to be confused with The Velvet Underground & Nico LP)
• black vinyl pressing
• original release year: 1969
• music label: Polydor 2015