VELVET UNDERGROUND & NICO
self-titled (Deluxe Edition) (Polygram)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

---

Ever since I got a mono copy years ago, I have preferred the mono mix over the stereo, if only for things like the extra few seconds of "Waiting For The Man" and "European Son," not to mention the seemingly louder vocals overall. It's nice to have it on CD now, as my vinyl last time I played it seemed noticeably worse for wear. Also cool are the singles mixes which are all different mixes, in particular "I'll Be Your Mirror" which doesn't fade out like the LP version. It's too bad that the inclusion of the previously unreleased "Miss Joanie Lee" was nixed (apparently by Reed). The howling feedback on "Run Run Run" and "European Son" seems louder on the mono mix, and "Waiting For The Man" seems more aggressive and you can heard Lou's spoken comments towards the end better. The stereo CD includes as bonuses the five songs from Nico's "Chelsea Girls" LP that feature Reed, Cale and Morrison. I like that album, but I have to wonder what it would've sounded like if they hadn't drenched it in strings and flutes.

Since Nico always complained the she didn't sanction those additions, it would've been cooler almost to have included the songs remixed from the mastertapes - if possible - sans those embellishments. A long essay is included although there are some factual errors: for instance "All Tomorrow's Parties" was NOT written for Nico. You also get the lyrics to all the songs, but oddly enough the ones to "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams" are wrong! Everyone needs this release.

© 2002 - Alan Wright