There are certain groups that are popular when they first debut, groups that are ignored except by their small group of devoted fans, and then there are groups like The Velvet Underground, who during their brief time in the musical world were never played in the mainstream, only loved by a few critics and ignored by the rest. But with time, the group became even more popular as it aged, and their fan base continues to grow to this day.

It was in the late 60’s when Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, Maureen Tucker and Nico (who has no last name because, well, she is just Nico), came together to form The Velvet Underground. In my opinion, one of the best albums of all time is “The Velvet Underground and Nico.” Produced by Andy Warhol, the album mixes classic 50’s rock with the experimental music of the day. The Velvet Underground influenced many of today’s artists in most genres; whether it was lyrically or musically, you can find a hint of the Velvet Underground in much of today’s music.

Ignored by many in their time for being too “out there” and experimental, The Velvet Underground’s songs were wonderfully written and flowed like poetry. Two of my favorites are “Heroin” and “All Tomorrow’s Parties.”

“All Tomorrow’s Parties” tells the story of a girl who loves to go to parties, but always ends up feeling empty the next day because she has nothing to show for it.

“And what costume shall the poor girl wear to all tomorrow’s parties for Thursday’s child is Sunday’s clown for whom none will go mourning.” The song and its lyrics leave you feeling hollow with a “what’s the point of partying now” attitude, making you ask yourself if it’s all going to be over tomorrow and if you’re going to have anything to show for it.

The song “Heroin” tells the story of drug addiction and needing to find your fix at all costs, because if you don’t, you will end up feeling like death ran over you. In this song, you can truly feel for Lou Reed when he was battling his heroin addiction.

“Cause it makes me feel like I’m a man when I put a spike into my vein and I’ll tell ya, things aren’t quite the same when I’m rushing on my run and I feel just like Jesus’ son.”

With lyrics like this, you can really feel what Reed was going through during this period of his life. In some warped way, it makes you want to try the drugs he was using to really feel what he was. But at the same time, it works as a deterrent, keeping you from wanting to try them to avoid the pain that Reed was going through, who was always looking for his next fix. The song “Heroin” leaves you with this odd feeling of inner struggle that he too must have felt while writing the song.

Bands like The Velvet Underground are few and far between; The Velvet Underground’s influence can still be felt in music today, in all artists that are trying to push the musical envelope no matter what genre they are in.