LogFAQs > #955236798

171. The Velvet Underground Venus in Furs (1967)
from the album The Velvet Underground and Nico

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qQ0MG9OPzA

Key lyrics:
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart

The Velvet Underground was a transgressive act in its time, only avoiding genuine controversy due to its initial obscurity. On an album full of loving odes to hard drugs and those who deal them, Venus In Furs is a rare track that maintains its shock value so many artists have made drug ballads, but rarer are the tracks begging for masochistic ecstasy. Explicit sexual lyrics are no longer taboo, but Lou Reed manages to suggest something seedier than mere vulgarities. Even here, Lou Reed showcases his melancholy side. When not begging for the whip, he suggests a boredom and emptiness unlike anyone has experienced.

Though acting as obvious provocateurs, The Velvet Underground truly succeed here through the music itself. The beat is simple yet effective, plodding along to set a slow pace. The sound suggests something foreign, some secret sex den people travel continents to visit. The true standout is John Cales wailing electric viola The Velvet Underground may have influenced a thousand bands, but this remains one of their unique traits. Few bands would dare to even try imitating John Cales masterful skills. Due to all these unusual instrumental choices, Venus in Furs barely shows it age after 50 years.

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My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/