Velvet Underground Book Review

JIM DeRORGATIS –

“THE VELVET UNDERGROUND – AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE” (Book)

(Voyageur Press)

The acclaimed American rock critic Jim DeRogatis is by no means the only person to have played a hand in creating this stunning book; the back cover text lists his cohorts. This coffee table sized book is a superlative behind-the-scenes study of one of the most pivotal American bands of the sixties. It is also a fascinating look into the counterculture/bohemian movement in New York at that time. The photographs and still images are lovingly compiled while the text adds depth to the visuals, and there’s also a discography for the keen enthusiast. The Velvet Underground have undergone a revival of interest in the past few years and this book is a worthy celebration of their legacy, published 45 years since they founded. They were one of the most influential bands of the sixties and the first phase of their career (1965-1973) saw the band produce some incredible work that inspired Patti Smith, Sex Pistols and REM and The White Stripes. It’s a fascinating book and one that is worth certainly revisiting.

Copyright Neil Daniels © 2010