Velvet Underground - 'Peel Slowly and See'

'Peel Slowly and See' is a five-disc box set that was released in September 1995 by Polydor. The set includes all four studio albums by the Lou Reed-era line-up of the Velvet Underground, alongside demo recordings and live performances, some of which were bootlegged, some of which were never released.

Disc One contains previously unreleased demos that date back to 1965. The Velvets sound like they're in an amphetamine psychosis, which of course, they are. The music here is basically acoustic, with Reed singing in a voice akin to Dylan on helium (although Reed would deny Dylan’s influence for years to come).

Disc Two is the 'Velvet Underground and Nico' LP, with four bonus cuts, among them the single version of the amazing “All Tomorrow’s Parties.” In the midst of all the emotional chaos on this record lies some true pop gems. Reed learned his craft well working as a staff writer for Pickwick Records.  The riffs are catchy, and so are the lyrics; who knows what might have happened had they been on a label that could have actually promoted them.

 Disc Three contains the 'White Light/White Heat' album and eight other demos. White Light was the least accessible Velvets LP, but it contains some of the band’s finest moments. “Here She Comes Now” is one of Reed’s most beautiful and haunting songs. And the total assault of songs such as “I Heard Her Call My Name” and the title cut was unheard-of at the time, with the board levels in the red and daring you to dig in.

 

Disc Four presents what many consider their most ageless work. 'The Velvet Underground' LP is a work of late-night beauty that came as a shock after White Light/White Heat. Cale had departed, replaced with bassist/vocalist Doug Yule. Reed was in a very reflective mood, even showing hints of compassion. The record contains some of his most lasting and gorgeous writing.

 

 Disc Five, is 'Loaded', plus bonus tracks. Reed lays down a testament to his passion for rock ‘n’ roll right before he splits the band. “Sweet Jane” and “Rock And Roll” would remain popular in Reed’s set and on the radio for years, and for good reason: Is there a better song about rock ‘n’ roll than “Rock And Roll”?  In “Sweet Jane”, Reed wrote the riff that would become a rock staple, finding its way into songs from Springsteen’s “Jungleland” to the Knack’s “My Sharona”. On this disc, we finally get “Sweet Jane” in its entirety.  The lost ending has been restored, and upon hearing it, you’ll wonder why they ever left it off.

For the freeload, post the lyrics of a verse, to your favorite Lou Reed song.