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The Complete Matrix Tapes
Rock · 2015

The Complete Matrix Tapes

The Velvet Underground

Four discs of pristine 1969 live recordings capturing the band's shift from avant-garde noise to soulful, improvisational rock in an intimate San Francisco club.

November 20, 2015 · UMe

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This is the sound of a band breathing. Unlike the abrasive, confrontational energy of their earlier years, The Complete Matrix Tapes captures The Velvet Underground in a state of relaxed, confident mastery. Recorded over two nights in a small San Francisco club, the atmosphere is incredibly intimate; you can hear the glasses clinking and Lou Reed's dry, witty asides to the audience. The sound quality is a revelation, offering a warmth and clarity that makes these fifty-year-old recordings feel like they were captured yesterday. It is the definitive document of the 'Doug Yule era,' where the drone of the viola was replaced by melodic organ swells and soulful vocal harmonies.

Moments Worth Listening For
the moment in the thirty-eight minute sister ray where the drums drop into a primal, steady thud
lou reed casual, humorous introduction to venus in furs that breaks the song usual tension
the soulful, almost gospel-inflected organ solo by doug yule during the climax of what goes on
the delicate, slowed-down version of some kinda love that feels like a private conversation
Reviews
AllMusic
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Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does The Complete Matrix Tapes sound next to the rest of The Velvet Underground's catalogue?

Live Recording+1.8σ

The production is pushed notably harder into live recording than this artist usually allows.

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