Makeover Monday - Velvet Underground Songs

First active from 1965 to 1973, the best known members of the Velvet Underground were Lou Reed and John Cale. Both went on to fairly successful solo artist success. They never managed to attain commercial or financial success while they were together, but were and are often named by critics and other musicians as one of the most important and influential groups of the 1960s".

The Velvet Underground - Photo Courtesy last.fm

"After Hours" was written by Lou Reed in 1969 and it was the the tenth, and final, track on the Velvet Underground's self-titled release. It is one of the few songs the band recorded in which drummer Maureen Tucker took the role of lead vocalist. Check out the cover by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, below.



"What Goes On" appeared on the box set of the same name, released in 1993 by Raven Records. Check out the cover by indie powerhouse, the National.



"Sunday Morning" was recorded in late 1966 and was the final song recorded for The Velvet Underground & Nico. The band previously performed it live with Nico singing lead, but when it came time to record it, Lou Reed sang the lead vocal. Here's virtuoso Beck's take on the track.



"I Found A Reason" originally appeared on the 1970 album Loaded. Cat Power covered the tune in 2000 on her The Covers Record and the track was used in the film V for Vendetta (2006).



"Sweet Jane" also appeared on 1970's Loaded. Lou Reed continued to add the song to his set list during live performances years later as a solo artist. Numerous bands and solo artists have taken a stab at covering the song, including the Cowboy Junkies, Phish and the Kooks. Here's the writer of the song itself, Lou Reed, performing with Metallica.