THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

401-Velvet Underground-Sweet Jane.

1970-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.17. Lou Reed wrote lots of songs about drugs, and even the odd one about transvestites, but this isn’t one of them.

The Velvet Underground (see also best songs 165) were formed in 1964, in New York City, United States by Lou Reed, (1942-2013) (vocals, and guitar) John Cale, (bass guitar, and keyboards) Sterling Morison, (1942-1995) (guitar) and Angus MacLise (1938-1979) (percussion.)Prior to the Velvet Underground performing their first gig in 1965 MacLise quit, stating that the band were selling out, he was replaced by Moe Tucker, (drums) and those four are considered the classic line up.The Velvet Underground released five studio Albums between 1967-1973, but the fifth Album ‘Squeeze’ from 1973 features no original band members. There were also 11 singles released, with none of them reaching the charts. Although during their years together they achieved little commercial success, since their split they have become recognised as one of popular musics most influential acts. Music critics now see them as crucial in the development of Alternative Rock, Punk Rock, and New Wave.

‘Sweet Jane’ was released as a single from the Velvet Underground’s fourth studio Album ‘Loaded’ from 1970, and was written by Lou Reed (see also best songs 131 and 58.) The record company ‘Atlantic’ records had told the band that they needed hit singles, which is why the Album was called ‘Loaded,; as in loaded with hits. Although of course because of the groups reputation many thought that ‘Loaded’ was a drugs reference. There was a lot of infighting during the recording of the Album, and Reed left before it was finished. In his absence ‘Sweet Jane’ was edited down for radio play. This angered Reed who said,’If I knew they were going to press on with the Album I would have stayed with them and showed them what to do.’

‘Sweet Jane’ is a message, telling the younger generation not to make assumptions that they know everything, maybe the older people (Jack and Jane) were once like them. The song is partly about inter-generational understanding. Just because Jack and Jane have now compromised, and settled for a 9-5 suburban existence, doesn’t mean that they have forgone their thoughts and actions of yesteryear.

‘And everyone who ever had a heart, oh, that would turn around and break it. And anyone who ever played a part, whoa, and wouldn’t turn around and hate it.’