Reputation

"Squeeze" is easily the most criticized and least- heard Velvet Underground album. It was only pressed briefly in one country; for some bizarre reason, it has not been reissued. The album has not been heard by most fans, it is not even in all VU discographies, and if you want it you can expect to pay as little as $50 and as much as $200 for it. As a result, there has probably never been another great album released by a great band that is so maligned (except for the two post Morrison Doors albums and Uriah Heep's "Conquest" maybe). Basically, the purists will not believe that the Velvet Underground existed after Reed left. They criticise "Squeeze" mercilessly, usually without even hearing the record. This is a shame and a real loss to those individuals. "Squeeze" is actually a great album, one which you should hear. You do not have a complete VU collection without this album. Had "Squeeze" not been issued as a Velvets record and instead been credited to Doug Yule, undoubtably this would be a more warmly regarded effort.

Songs

'Little Jack' "Squeeze" starts off with this jaunty country rock number, with a great guitar solo from Yule, who sounds much more confident and strong vocally than he did on previous VU tracks. 'Little Jack' is not one of the best tracks but does serve as an effective introduction to the new Velvets sound.

'Crash' Psychedelic whimsy, nothing more. Easily the most radical departure from the traditional VU sound, but also very likable. Comparable in some respects to the Syd Barrett penned Pink Floyd track 'Bike', only on a much smaller budget and scale. Once you get past the initial shock at the Velvet Underground releasing this song, you'll like it.

'Caroline' For many, the highlight of "Squeeze". For all, a true classic that has sadly been all but forgotten. Written about a member of the GTO's, 'Caroline' is actually about the same individual that the great Flying Burrito Brothers addressed in their 1969 classic 'Christine's Tune'. She had died by the time the VU's song was recorded so out of deference Yule called her 'Caroline' and future pressings of the Burritos track were retitled 'Devil In Disguise'. A live favorite, on record 'Caroline' is amazing; it perhaps most successfully bridges the gap between what the VU had been with what they had become on a purely musical level. It is catchy, well-played, amusing and still very dark stuff, the one song you will probably like upon first listen more than the others.

'Mean Old Man' Great track that actually sounds a lot like Reed's "Loaded"-era material. The female backing vocalists add a warm touch to a sardonic song. Comments on the songs continue on the next page.

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