The Velvet Underground - Loaded
On this week's episode, we dive into Loaded, the fourth LP by the Velvet Underground, and the last one to feature founding member Lou Reed, who left before the album was released.
Loaded is roundly regarded as the Velvets at their most accessible. After leaving MGM/Verve for Atlantic, the band was "encouraged" by their new label to focus on making hits (hence the title, alluding to the album being "loaded" with hits). Reed gave up some the reigns of the band he co-founded to newcomer Doug Yule, an multi-instrumentalist with an uncanny knack for sounding a lot like Reed. The album features some of the band's best-known and enduring songs, including "Rock & Roll" and "Sweat Jane." Even though one more album would be released Under The Velvet Underground moniker, drummer Mo Tucker and guitarist Sterling Morrison left soon after the tour to support to support Loaded, making it arguably the last true Velvet Underground album.
No recommendation for this episode.
The Velvet Underground circa 1970
Pictured (L to R) Doug Yule, Lou Reed, Maureen "Moe" Tucker and Sterling Morrison
The Velvet Underground and Nico in 1966.
The Velvet Underground circa 1969. This lineup has Doug Yule. The video is from a performance on Oct. 15, 1969, in Dallas, Texas at the Peace Moratorium. The audio was recorded 4 days later at the in Dallas. on Oct. 19, 1969.
