The Velvet Underground Find A Balance On ‘Loaded’

The Velvet Underground`s “Loaded” is a simple, discreet piece of pop art. It`s a Warhol postcard, a pastel tinted Mona Lisa.  A Renaissance of Rock `N` Roll was born from “Loaded.” “She started dancing to that fine fine music, you know her life was saved by rock & roll.” The cover, illustrated by Stanislaw Zagorski, references a subway system, possibly the subways of New York City, a subterranean refuge for VU Art. With a release date of September 1970, VU was already cooked. Lou Reed left the band in August, and John Cale had long been history.

A focused listening of “Loaded” will bring a smile on your face. Everything is subtly baked into the mix. Doug Yule really added a lot to the band. There is California sunshine beaming on “Who Loves The Sun.” And Doug does a good job on Lou Reed`s song, “New Age.” I interpret this as a statement about the end of 60s, and an inauguration of the 70s. The rhythm guitar work on “Rock & Roll” is very intricate, nuanced and integrated into the texture of lyrics and sound. I believe this is Sterling Morrison swinging the pick on his strings. His cardiovascular system is firing with fever on all eight cylinders. A sheer physical effort is present in these scratchy chords!

There is a natural sadness to “Loaded.” The intrinsic drama of the Velvets just comes through. This is a landmark record for VU, and for the history of R & R also. The guitar work on “Lonesome Cowboy Bill” is the best ever. The band is playing as a cohesive unit. Sterling was the equal of Lou! The Velvet`s were always their best when equanamity prevails amongst these sorted egos. This was the tightrope they always walked. And there is so much variety here. At the very moment that VU was blessed with balance, they disintegrate like dust, a Roman fresco exposed to stale air.

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