The Y! Music Playlist Blog

Velvet Underground Covers

One of my favorite quotes in rock & roll history was by Brian Eno about the Velvet Underground. He said, "The first Velvet Underground album only sold 10,000 copies, but everyone who bought it formed a band" -- and the famous rock critic Lester Bangs wrote this about the band, "modern music begins with the Velvets and the implications and influence of what they did seem to go on forever."  These quotes sum up nicely how important the Velvet Underground has been in the development of rock music. They have inspired so many musicians that you could find thousands of VU covers without having to search too hard. For this playlist I've selected what I feel are 30 fine examples of Velvet Underground covers that offer a glimpse of just how influential the band has been to a wide cross section of followers and fans.

What's your favorite Velvet Underground cover?

Velvet Underground Covers

1. Pale Blue Eyes - R.E.M.

2. Rock N Roll - The Runaways

3. I'm Waiting For The Man - David Bowie

4. After Hours - Rilo Kiley

5. Venus in Furs - DeVotchKa

6. Sweet Jane - Cowboy Junkies

7. All Tomorrow's Parties - Nick Cave

8. Here She Comes Now - Nirvana

9. Femme Fatale - Big Star

10. I'm Sticking With You - The Decemberists

11. I'm Set Free - Yo La Tengo

12. Sister Ray - Joy Division

13. Foggy NotionThe Modern Lovers

14. Velvet Underground - Jonathan Richman

15. Heroin - Roky Erickson

16. There She Goes Again - Beat Farmers

17. The Black Angel's Death Song - Mitch Easter

18. Coney Island Steeple - Jack Grisham

19. Candy Says - Martin Gore

20. European Son - Gary Lucas

21. Who Loves the Sun - The Spires

22. Jesus - Voice of the Beehive

23. White Light/White Heat - Slaughter and the Dogs

24. What Goes On - Screaming Trees

25. Sunday Morning - James

26. Stephanie Says - Lady & Bird

27. Ride Into The Sun - Luna

28. Run Run Run - Motorcycle Boy

29. Head Held High - Jack Grisham

30. New Age - Tori Amos

Follow what Robert is listening to on Twitter.

News for You

  • Mom: RI theater threw out disabled girl over noise

    NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — A woman says she and her 5-year-old developmentally disabled daughter were thrown out of a theater during a "Beauty and the Beast" performance because the girl was making giggling and humming noises she makes when she's happy.

  • Deen says she used slur but doesn't tolerate hate

    SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Celebrity cook Paula Deen said while being questioned in a discrimination lawsuit that she has used racial slurs in the past but insisted she and her family do not tolerate prejudice.

  • AP PHOTOS: The career of James Gandolfini

    James Gandolfini, who won three Emmy Awards for his indelible role as mob boss Tony Soprano in HBO's "The Sopranos," died while on vacation in Italy at age 51. While Tony Soprano was a larger-than-life figure, Gandolfini was exceptionally modest and obsessive — he described himself as "a 260-pound Woody Allen." HBO called the actor a "special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone, no matter their title or position, with equal respect."

  • 'The Voice' Winner: Who Did the Experts Choose?

    By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - NBC's "The Voice" will crown another winner on Tuesday night's finale. Season 4's three finalists - Daniellle Bradbury, Michelle Shamuel and The Swon Brothers - battled it out for the title on Monday's performance finale episode. Before the performances, coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Shakira and Usher performed The Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends." The Top 16 then got together for the second group performance of the night on Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros' "Home. ...

  • Cher credits luck for her lengthy career

    UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) — Cher is no stranger to tabloid fodder.

  • Palace sheds some light on Kate's baby plans

    LONDON (AP) — With Prince William and the former Kate Middleton expecting their first child in mid-July — and much of the world interested in the birth of a future monarch — the royals' office has released some of the couple's plans, although many details are still being kept private. Kate has made several public appearances recently but is expected to keep a low profile in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Here is the latest news about the infant who will, upon entering the world, be third in line for the British throne.