CD of the Day: ‘The Velvet Underground,’ The Velvet Underground (1969)

I’m not the right guy to grade this album. I get that The Velvet Underground were an influential band, but I just don’t get it, you know? Maybe it’s because I didn’t live in New York in the ’60s. Maybe it’s because I don’t go for much art rock.

Although, this eponymous effort isn’t a whole lot of “art rock” at all. Rather, it's comprised of more straightforward, mostly acoustic songs like “Beginning to See the Light” and “That’s the Story of My Life.” The artiest cut is by far the worst to these ears: The interminable “The Murder Mystery.”

To those that love VU, don’t let me stop you—it’s just not for me. Though I have yet to meet someone who loves The Velvet Underground the way you love a band, so maybe I’m not as alone in this as I think.

Grade: B-

Favorite Track: “Beginning to See the Light”

Least Favorite Track: “The Murder Mystery”