The Velvet Underground Album: “Live MCMXCIII [Single Disc]”

I was thrilled about the prospect of a VU reunion back when it happened, and very excited about the release of this CD since the band had split up again before bringing the tour to the U.S. And I'm a shameless VU/Lou Reed fan, forgiving an awful lot of things that other people wouldn't. But after playing this again recently (inspired by the "Quine Tapes" release), I have to say this isn't very good. It hardly ruins the VU legend, but I wish it hadn't happened. It would be a shame if anybody bought this thinking it is a real representation of the Velvet Underground.

The biggest problem is that by '93, Lou simply could not sing these songs anymore. His croaking vocals and bizarre phrasing ruin most of the songs here, especially "Venus in Furs" and "Beginning to See the Light." The playing is often a reasonable facsimile of 1968, and it's nice to finally get a well-recorded live document of the Velvets (although Sterling Morrison's guitar is mixed down to the point of inaudibility much of the time...undoubtedly Lou's decision), but it's hard to listen to anything here without wanting to turn it off and go back to the originals.

You can tell Reed was the least enthused of the four about the reunion--besides the poor singing and forgotten lyrics, his guitar work is slovenly at times. His work with his own bands in the '90s was far superior (I'd much rather listen to "Perfect Night Live in London" than this). Morrison, John Cale, and Moe Tucker were clearly giving it their all, though. Two of three stars I've given this are for their playing. And if nothing else, the reunion put some well-deserved money in their pockets. Sadly, Sterling wasn't around much longer to enjoy it.

So, blame Lou, save your money, and buy the "VU & Nico" or the "Quine Tapes" instead to appreciate these legends properly.

Lou Reed and John Cale didn't need the short-lived Velvets reunion in '93. They had already reconciled (and clashed again after) with "Songs for Drella." The VU reunion, if anything, tarnished their reputations--Cale far less than Reed, however. For the American fans who couldn't attend the brief tour, this live album is a good document of why it probably shouldn't have happened, at least as far as the two "stars" are concerned--even though no VU fan wasn't curious to hear it, and hoping beyond hope that the magic would still be there. It was in fits and starts, but the "recycle the hits" approach and Reed's inability or unwillingness to sing all but a few of the songs decently spoiled it.

However, the album is worth it for what it did for the unsung, quiet heroes of the Velvet Undergound: guitarist Sterling Morrison and drummer Maureen Tucker. Despite being the pillars of the group's rhythmic sound in the '60s, their contribution was always undervalued by their own modesty and the dismal recording quality of the VU's original albums. You could never really hear the true power of their playing, which was the bedrock that made Reed's and Cale's explosive interaction possible. Well, on "Live MCMXCIII" you can finally hear them clearly, and the primal power is still there, undiminished despite 25-plus years on the sidelines. The tour and album also provided the two with some long overdue financial reward for their groundbreaking work. Reed and Cale didn't need the money, but who could begrudge Sterling and Moe finally seeing some payoff? (Sadly, Sterling would not live much longer after this was released.)

So think of this album as a worthy contribution to the VU catalog, if nothing else for the dignified and intense contributions of the amazing Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker.

Two things should be kept in mind. One is that 1969 Live and Live at Max's Kansas City did not have the original/complete Velvets or good sound, as here. Second, it cannot be expected that older folks can live up to the old dynamic standards. Maybe for one or a few songs, but not a truckload. Sure, Lou Reed's guitar is slower and his and John Cale's voices are old, so I'll meet the detractors halfway. Still, the group seems to be happy with what they are doing (regardless of what they really felt about the reunion), and ham it up with the crowd in some slow moments. Indeed, I've never heard "Velvet Nursery Rhyme" before. Plus, I feel some of the best performances are those of the best songs. Lou's leads are a bit subpar in "Rock and Roll," but he dazzles in the double rhythm guitar sections. John sings very spiritedly in an excellent version of "All Tomorrow's Parties." With John's viola screeching, "Heroin" rushes upward, over and out. Lou rips through "Sweet Jane" with passion. "Black Angel's Death Song" played live by John--it was worth the wait! One thing, tho: Lou's vocals on "I'll Be Your Mirror" and John's on "Femme Fatale" make one long for Nico. But overall, this Live reunion album is well worth it.

Who cares if it is the Lou Reed show..it isn't. RIP.

Who wants to hear a jagged FUNKY Lou on White/White Light. Yes.

Who wants to hear perhaps the most influential band of Rock on their Reunion tour laying down solid licks in tightness kick ass fashion.Yes.

My only gripe is that it would have been great to hear a new version of Foggy Notion and Sister Ray and Lady Godiva's Operation....oh well..thankfully we have the Quine 3 CD Box and Lou's Live In Italy.

John Cale on 'The Gift" is swagger and stellar even down to the "AAH"..We have "I Heard Her Call My Name" and much to be happy about.

I guess those that trash Lulu with Metallica or the redone Berlin are looking for some authenticity from a bygone era....it does not exist.

John Cale you are great and it is great that that you guys got together again for posterity.

This is a great live recording of the VU!

A few reviewers have called it uninspired. They think that the band should sound as raw and raucus as they did in 1968. Guess what? We all get a little bit older and a little bit slower.

I think all four of the VU pulled off a great (albeit short) reunion. The video of the same is excellent viewing/listening. I'd love for the video to be released on DVD.

This CD came out shortly before the late, great FZ died and after I listened to all my Zappa discs I played this set over and over to get me through. Kinda weird to rely on the VU to get me over some Zappa blues, but it did!

Enjoy this CD set. Don't buy the single disc version. The long "Hey, Mr. Rain" is worth the price alone.