A superbly researched Velvet Underground chronicle
White Light/White Heat: The Velvet Underground Day-By-Day is a superbly researched, immensely detailed, fascinating chronicle of the ultimate cult band.
Drawing from approximately 100 interviews with band-members and associates and exhaustive research, including rarely accessed documents, recordings, and countless unused archive sources, Richie Unterberger's book covers every aspect of the Velvet Underground's career, from recording sessions to concert tours, press reviews, and pivotal events.
Beyond documenting performances and personnel changes, the book illuminates the Velvet Underground's evolution from avant-garde beginnings to a daringly creative rock band under Lou Reed's direction.
The book covers the period from 1965 to 1970, when Reed was the primary singer and songwriter. It also looks at the members' pre-1965 activities and their post-1970 legacy. It discusses solo projects, Reed's, Cale's and Nico's early careers, the band's acrimoniuous split, Throughout, Unterberger describes unreleased recordings and obscure concerts, dispelling numerous myths about the band, that he has conveniently summarized on his website.
Featuring over 100 black & white illustrations, including rare photos, concert posters, and memorabilia, White Light/White Heat celebrates the Velvet's pioneering spirit, experimental instrumentation, and lyrical explorations big city sensibilities, solidifying their status as one of the most influential bands in music history.
The description
Richie Unterberger, White Light / White Heat. The Velvet Underground Day-By-Day. London: Jawbone Press, 2009. Paperback, 367 pp. 27 x 21,5 cm. Matte laminated pictorial wraps. Cover with flaps, inside one c printed (yellow).
First edition, first printing. Illustrated throughout with b&w photographs, illustations and pictures of posters, ads, tickets, liner notes, etc.
Condition
A very good + copy of this very nice, large-size trade paperback. Smooth and straight spine with no creases. Covers crisp. Minor shelfwear on the matte lamination of the front cover. Edges ever so slightly worn (see pictures). Price sticker (in euros) on back cover.