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All Tomorrow's Parties: The Velvet Underground Story
An examination of some of rock'n'roll's most iconic figures—The Velvet Underground & Andy Warhol—and the loaded push-pull relationship that distorted their lives and echoed throughout popular culture.
Many cultural critics would agree that Andy Warhol gave the Velvet Underground their break simply by bringing them under his wing. While they reached a certain level of notoriety and local celebrity in their time and have since acquired a lasting cult following, their success was in large part fostered by Warhol’s patronage. But at the time, this relationship was muddied by a certain level of codependence and an insatiable appetite for fame and irony, leaving Reed to ponder Would we have succeeded without Warhol's help? This doubt begins to spread like a malignant force, eventually leading to the band’s undoing as they break away from Warhol and, perhaps, give up their golden ticket to success.
Explore the story behind the group The New York Times called "arguably the most influent2023ial American rock band of our time," through good times and bad, as captured in emotive style by multi-award winning artist Koren Shadmi ( Twilight Man, Love Confessions of a Serial Dater ).
Many cultural critics would agree that Andy Warhol gave the Velvet Underground their break simply by bringing them under his wing. While they reached a certain level of notoriety and local celebrity in their time and have since acquired a lasting cult following, their success was in large part fostered by Warhol’s patronage. But at the time, this relationship was muddied by a certain level of codependence and an insatiable appetite for fame and irony, leaving Reed to ponder Would we have succeeded without Warhol's help? This doubt begins to spread like a malignant force, eventually leading to the band’s undoing as they break away from Warhol and, perhaps, give up their golden ticket to success.
Explore the story behind the group The New York Times called "arguably the most influent2023ial American rock band of our time," through good times and bad, as captured in emotive style by multi-award winning artist Koren Shadmi ( Twilight Man, Love Confessions of a Serial Dater ).
180 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2023
129 people want to read
About the author
Koren Shadmi
28 books86 followersKoren Shadmi is a Brooklyn Based illustrator and Cartoonist; he earned his degree in Illustration in 2006 from the School of Visual Arts in New York. His graphic novels have been published in France, Italy, Spain, Israel, and the US.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 45 reviews
June 23, 2024
biographies in graphic novel format are a wonderful way to learn someone's story! as a longtime casual fan of the velvet underground, i was interested in learning more about their history.
but i have to say i struggled to get into the groove. i think this is largely because of the caricature-like comic art style. the characters are instantly recognizable, which i commend shadmi for, but the style is just not very pleasing to look at. the content is also quite dismal - the band struggled with numerous addiction problems and interpersonal conflicts. there's no joy in this story.
nevertheless, it's a thorough history of the band, spanning decades. i appreciate the book's scope, and there is a ton of information here. but much of it feels dramatized, constructed. there's lots of name-dropping, some of which roots the book in the 1960s nyc music scene, but much of which is probably hard to retain for readers who aren't already familiar with the cultural context.
i was also disappointed that the book focuses primarily on lou reed and john cale, while the other band members are relegated to the sidelines of the story.
koren shadmi's author's note is earnest, and it does seem as though he wrote this book with love for the band. i just wish some of that love shone through on the page. overall it's a rather frustrating read, filled with bad times and hateful drama amongst artists that could, ideally, be allies and friends. lou reed, in particular, is painted as an unbearably controlling egomaniac. knowledge is power, but ignorance is bliss, and i almost wish i hadn't learned the miserable backstory of the velvet underground.
Thank you to NetGalley and Humanoids Inc for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
but i have to say i struggled to get into the groove. i think this is largely because of the caricature-like comic art style. the characters are instantly recognizable, which i commend shadmi for, but the style is just not very pleasing to look at. the content is also quite dismal - the band struggled with numerous addiction problems and interpersonal conflicts. there's no joy in this story.
nevertheless, it's a thorough history of the band, spanning decades. i appreciate the book's scope, and there is a ton of information here. but much of it feels dramatized, constructed. there's lots of name-dropping, some of which roots the book in the 1960s nyc music scene, but much of which is probably hard to retain for readers who aren't already familiar with the cultural context.
i was also disappointed that the book focuses primarily on lou reed and john cale, while the other band members are relegated to the sidelines of the story.
koren shadmi's author's note is earnest, and it does seem as though he wrote this book with love for the band. i just wish some of that love shone through on the page. overall it's a rather frustrating read, filled with bad times and hateful drama amongst artists that could, ideally, be allies and friends. lou reed, in particular, is painted as an unbearably controlling egomaniac. knowledge is power, but ignorance is bliss, and i almost wish i hadn't learned the miserable backstory of the velvet underground.
Thank you to NetGalley and Humanoids Inc for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this graphic novel that tells the story of The Velvet Underground. Great background and plenty of information on the band members and the people around them. The artwork and the written narrative was well done. Now to put the music back on…
October 10, 2023
I'm not sure if this demistifies the group or just takes the nuts/bolts of their emergence and puts it into perspective.
Whatever it does.irs compelling.
Whatever it does.irs compelling.
June 25, 2023
All Tomorrow's Parties: The Velvet Underground Story will be released on August 22, 2023. Life Drawn, an imprint of Humanoids Inc., provided an early galley for review.
Music and comics have been a part of my life for over a half-century. So, the merger of the two mediums in this project had great allure for me. Admittedly, the Velvet Underground is not a group who has a lot of presence in my music library (yet), however I knew of them and their influence on other bands that came after them. Thanks to the story as told through this graphic novel, I feel I know the band a lot better.
This is also my first exposure to the work of Koren Shadmi. I really like his art style with its strong sense of narrative flow and the level of detail he puts into the work. He reproduces likenesses very well (many I instantly recognized before reading the captions). I will definitely seek out more of his work.
The behind-the-scenes pages at the end (his essay plus some of the sketches and such) was a nice way to round it all out.
Music and comics have been a part of my life for over a half-century. So, the merger of the two mediums in this project had great allure for me. Admittedly, the Velvet Underground is not a group who has a lot of presence in my music library (yet), however I knew of them and their influence on other bands that came after them. Thanks to the story as told through this graphic novel, I feel I know the band a lot better.
This is also my first exposure to the work of Koren Shadmi. I really like his art style with its strong sense of narrative flow and the level of detail he puts into the work. He reproduces likenesses very well (many I instantly recognized before reading the captions). I will definitely seek out more of his work.
The behind-the-scenes pages at the end (his essay plus some of the sketches and such) was a nice way to round it all out.
June 20, 2023
I have to say, this was definitely not a bad historical graphic novel I’ve ever read. It was so interesting to see who the members of The Velvet Underground were like I heard of them but never deep dived what they were about. That was until thanks to Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this graphic novel and share my honest thoughts!
Now I will admit the faces were a bit odd since Andy Warhol had a more skinny face than the one we see here but this graphic novel was pretty readable and it made me more a lot about The Velvet Underground themselves. They created art that sounds pretty unrated if you ask me like again I’ve heard of them but never heard anyone else talk about them but only the legendary art pop king himself, Andy Warhol. It seemed that Lou was pretty arrogant among the group since he was lobotomised thanks to his parents and the drugs which he abused on. It made me feel bad for him that he was acting this way but same time, he was pretty short tempered to the group when they were only doing their best. It was also interesting that an American band at the time during the 60s having a welsh John in their group. Long way from Wales I’m sure!
Anyways enough of my blabbering, if you like to experience a rock n roll band you’ve heard of but never knew what they are about before, you gotta read this graphic novel first and rock on!
Now I will admit the faces were a bit odd since Andy Warhol had a more skinny face than the one we see here but this graphic novel was pretty readable and it made me more a lot about The Velvet Underground themselves. They created art that sounds pretty unrated if you ask me like again I’ve heard of them but never heard anyone else talk about them but only the legendary art pop king himself, Andy Warhol. It seemed that Lou was pretty arrogant among the group since he was lobotomised thanks to his parents and the drugs which he abused on. It made me feel bad for him that he was acting this way but same time, he was pretty short tempered to the group when they were only doing their best. It was also interesting that an American band at the time during the 60s having a welsh John in their group. Long way from Wales I’m sure!
Anyways enough of my blabbering, if you like to experience a rock n roll band you’ve heard of but never knew what they are about before, you gotta read this graphic novel first and rock on!
January 16, 2024
A pretty straightforward biography of Lou Reed, John Cale, and their band, The Velvet Underground. (There are other people in the band, but they get glossed over for the most part.) The end of the tale is pretty standard, with drug abuse and infighting breaking up the band, but the beginning of the group is a little unusual thanks to the intervention of Andy Warhol, who drafted them as the house band for his pop art experience.
I like maybe six Velvet Underground songs and perhaps a dozen Lou Reed songs, mostly from his New York album, so I don't consider myself a big fan, but I was still entertained and informed by this look at the group's history.
If you cannot stand finding out that the person behind songs you like is an asshole, you'd best avoid this book.
I like maybe six Velvet Underground songs and perhaps a dozen Lou Reed songs, mostly from his New York album, so I don't consider myself a big fan, but I was still entertained and informed by this look at the group's history.
If you cannot stand finding out that the person behind songs you like is an asshole, you'd best avoid this book.
July 8, 2024
I liked this thoughtful exploration of the band members’ dynamics. Even more than the study of a band’s growth, it’s really about how people’s pasts and their coping mechanisms shape their choices and their relationships.
ARC from NetGalley
ARC from NetGalley
August 28, 2023
Adquiri este livro na semana em que saiu, por duas razões: sou ávido leitor e coleccionador de banda desenhada e os Velvet Underground (VU) são uma das bandas que mais escutei ao longo da vida. Parecem-me razões válidas e em nada relacionadas com o facto de ter um voucher que me permitiu comprar o livro e recebê-lo em casa por metade do preço.
Koren Shadmi, ilustrador de Israel e dos USA - não percebi bem -, pega essencialmente em dois pontos, que, no fundo, acabam por ter uma espécie de triângulo, para contar a história. E estes pontos são: a relação Reed/Cale e a relação Reed/Cale com Andy Warhol (é um triângulo porque são três pessoas. Não é nada quântico, obviamente. Eu sou de humanidades, não percebo dessas coisas).
Ora, vamos primeiro à história. Ele usa também dois momentos, que se interligam com aquilo que disse antes: a morte de Andy Warhol - que leva ao reencontro dos outros dois, que obviamente se odeiam - e a história da banda até à saída de Reed.
A escolha, meramente uma preferência de Shadmi, revela-se acertada. A influência de Warhol na banda foi imensa, não só por ter financiado os VU ou dado palco no seu (bem retratado aqui) Exploding Plastic Inevitable, mas por ser o mentor da banda. E essencialmente por não lhes colocar amarras.
Ele não fez grande coisa, na prática, mas como tudo na carreira e vida do artista em questão, não fazer coisa alguma era parte do processo. A influência dele é imensa, precisamente porque deixava as coisas acontecerem. E pelo menos sabia desenhar, não era como o Roy Lichtenstein.
Começamos na era pré-pré-VU. Em Long Island (Reed) e País de Gales (Cale). Daqui, a história é-nos contada. Claro que é romantizada, mas o autor pesquisou muito. Muito, mesmo. Como admirador da banda, havia coisas que eu já sabia, mas ele conseguiu deixar-me satisfeito nesse ponto. Retrata fotos, momentos e nem as roupas usadas foram só porque sim. Era assim que as pessoas estavam vestidas naquele evento. Ele foi ver muitas fotos, ler muitos livros, ver alguns filmes (ele cita tudo no fim. Algumas coisas eu também consumi).
Há momentos que podem escapar aos leitores menos letrados na banda. Por exemplo, na conversa de Warhol com Reed sobre quantas músicas fez nessa semana. O desenrolar do diálogo é uma referência directa ao tema "Work", do trabalho "Songs For Drella", da dupla Reed/Cale (Sire, 1990). Se calhar não escapam, mas é necessário um conhecimento mais exótico do que ter ouvido a Heroin num filme para apanhar tudo.
Creio que também fica claro que ele prefere a era VU com John Cale: o terceiro disco é ignorado e Loaded é falado en passant. Mas eu percebo: nem é por uma questão musical. É mesmo porque a parte mais sumarenta da história dos VU acontece até ao momento em que Lou Reed despede John Cale (mas de forma bem cobarde. Que FdP).
E o plot do livro acaba no momento em que começou. E de uma forma muito gira.
Diria que nenhum momento marcante dos VU ficou de fora, excepto os que já referi (que, se calhar, são só marcantes para mim. Nós somos todos muito auto-centrados). E são bem retratados. O autor gastou tempo a pensar aquilo.
Graficamente, é dos melhores livros de BD do ano. Mas sem dúvida. E visto que se passa nos anos 60, o autor é muito bem escolhido. Quase que vale só pela arte, mas, felizmente, vale pelo resto, também.
É bom ver que os VU continuam vivos. Em 2021 saiu um belo doc na Apple TV e agora este livro, quando se aproximam os 60 anos da edição do primeiro disco. São, de facto, uma banda muito influente. Talvez a mais influente de sempre.
A fechar: não deixem de ler o afterword do próprio artista. No início está uma página onanista do gajo dos Gang of Four, que eu achei meh. Mas o afterword é muito bom. Ele até conta como conheceu os dois protagonistas, de forma aleatória, na década passada. São duas boas micro-histórias sobre não chatear pessoas só porque gostamos das artes que elas fazem. A sério, não chateiem as pessoas.
Koren Shadmi, ilustrador de Israel e dos USA - não percebi bem -, pega essencialmente em dois pontos, que, no fundo, acabam por ter uma espécie de triângulo, para contar a história. E estes pontos são: a relação Reed/Cale e a relação Reed/Cale com Andy Warhol (é um triângulo porque são três pessoas. Não é nada quântico, obviamente. Eu sou de humanidades, não percebo dessas coisas).
Ora, vamos primeiro à história. Ele usa também dois momentos, que se interligam com aquilo que disse antes: a morte de Andy Warhol - que leva ao reencontro dos outros dois, que obviamente se odeiam - e a história da banda até à saída de Reed.
A escolha, meramente uma preferência de Shadmi, revela-se acertada. A influência de Warhol na banda foi imensa, não só por ter financiado os VU ou dado palco no seu (bem retratado aqui) Exploding Plastic Inevitable, mas por ser o mentor da banda. E essencialmente por não lhes colocar amarras.
Ele não fez grande coisa, na prática, mas como tudo na carreira e vida do artista em questão, não fazer coisa alguma era parte do processo. A influência dele é imensa, precisamente porque deixava as coisas acontecerem. E pelo menos sabia desenhar, não era como o Roy Lichtenstein.
Começamos na era pré-pré-VU. Em Long Island (Reed) e País de Gales (Cale). Daqui, a história é-nos contada. Claro que é romantizada, mas o autor pesquisou muito. Muito, mesmo. Como admirador da banda, havia coisas que eu já sabia, mas ele conseguiu deixar-me satisfeito nesse ponto. Retrata fotos, momentos e nem as roupas usadas foram só porque sim. Era assim que as pessoas estavam vestidas naquele evento. Ele foi ver muitas fotos, ler muitos livros, ver alguns filmes (ele cita tudo no fim. Algumas coisas eu também consumi).
Há momentos que podem escapar aos leitores menos letrados na banda. Por exemplo, na conversa de Warhol com Reed sobre quantas músicas fez nessa semana. O desenrolar do diálogo é uma referência directa ao tema "Work", do trabalho "Songs For Drella", da dupla Reed/Cale (Sire, 1990). Se calhar não escapam, mas é necessário um conhecimento mais exótico do que ter ouvido a Heroin num filme para apanhar tudo.
Creio que também fica claro que ele prefere a era VU com John Cale: o terceiro disco é ignorado e Loaded é falado en passant. Mas eu percebo: nem é por uma questão musical. É mesmo porque a parte mais sumarenta da história dos VU acontece até ao momento em que Lou Reed despede John Cale (mas de forma bem cobarde. Que FdP).
E o plot do livro acaba no momento em que começou. E de uma forma muito gira.
Diria que nenhum momento marcante dos VU ficou de fora, excepto os que já referi (que, se calhar, são só marcantes para mim. Nós somos todos muito auto-centrados). E são bem retratados. O autor gastou tempo a pensar aquilo.
Graficamente, é dos melhores livros de BD do ano. Mas sem dúvida. E visto que se passa nos anos 60, o autor é muito bem escolhido. Quase que vale só pela arte, mas, felizmente, vale pelo resto, também.
É bom ver que os VU continuam vivos. Em 2021 saiu um belo doc na Apple TV e agora este livro, quando se aproximam os 60 anos da edição do primeiro disco. São, de facto, uma banda muito influente. Talvez a mais influente de sempre.
A fechar: não deixem de ler o afterword do próprio artista. No início está uma página onanista do gajo dos Gang of Four, que eu achei meh. Mas o afterword é muito bom. Ele até conta como conheceu os dois protagonistas, de forma aleatória, na década passada. São duas boas micro-histórias sobre não chatear pessoas só porque gostamos das artes que elas fazem. A sério, não chateiem as pessoas.
January 16, 2024
Ich habe schon einige Bücher hier mit fünf Sternen bewertet, das sollte aber nicht darüber hinweg täuschen, dass ich sie alle mit Mühe und teilweise Widerwillen über Tage und Wochen gelesen habe. Nicht so dieses Buch: letzte Nacht habe ich es angefangen und erst aus der Hand gelegt, als meine Freundin darauf bestand, das Licht auszumachen; heute Morgen habe ich dann weiter gelesen bis ich am Ende angekommen war.
Es ist natürlich kein schlechtes Zeichen, wenn ein Buch Mühe macht, aber ich liebe The Velvet Underground seit 30 Jahren und Shadmis Buch leistet einen effektiven Job eine Atmosphäre zu vermitteln, die zu der Musik der Band passt. Ein schmuddeliger, doch gleichzeitig sehr klarer Stil, der eine düstere, kalte Variante der 60er Jahre, nicht nur in New York, illustriert. Die Bilder sind detailliert, in Farbe, jedoch nicht bunt, gedeckt, eher das Grau der Musik betonend; die Gesichter sind nicht überfrachtet, aber dennoch ausdrucksstark.
Die Geschichte enthält viele Details über die Band und ihr Umfeld, die ich noch nicht kannte und natürlich auch nicht verifizieren kann, aber das, was ich schon wusste, wurde verlässlich dargestellt. Das Buch wirkt also gut recherchiert. Schön auch, wie manchmal Songtextschnipsel in die Dialoge geschmuggelt wurden.
Da der Fokus auf der Beziehung zwischen Reed und Cale liegt, kommt die Yule-Ära zu kurz. Das ist insbesondere hinsichtlich des grandiosen dritten Albums schade, ergibt aber ein straffes Erzählen.
"All Tomorrow's Parties" ist ein faszinierendes Werk an sich - ich behaupte, auch wer die Band gar nicht kennt, kann sich für die Geschichte und die Bilder begeistern - für mich ist es aber auch ein willkommener Anlass mich in die Musik der Band wie auch einige Solo-Alben und Produktionen der Protagonisten zu vertiefen.
Es ist natürlich kein schlechtes Zeichen, wenn ein Buch Mühe macht, aber ich liebe The Velvet Underground seit 30 Jahren und Shadmis Buch leistet einen effektiven Job eine Atmosphäre zu vermitteln, die zu der Musik der Band passt. Ein schmuddeliger, doch gleichzeitig sehr klarer Stil, der eine düstere, kalte Variante der 60er Jahre, nicht nur in New York, illustriert. Die Bilder sind detailliert, in Farbe, jedoch nicht bunt, gedeckt, eher das Grau der Musik betonend; die Gesichter sind nicht überfrachtet, aber dennoch ausdrucksstark.
Die Geschichte enthält viele Details über die Band und ihr Umfeld, die ich noch nicht kannte und natürlich auch nicht verifizieren kann, aber das, was ich schon wusste, wurde verlässlich dargestellt. Das Buch wirkt also gut recherchiert. Schön auch, wie manchmal Songtextschnipsel in die Dialoge geschmuggelt wurden.
Da der Fokus auf der Beziehung zwischen Reed und Cale liegt, kommt die Yule-Ära zu kurz. Das ist insbesondere hinsichtlich des grandiosen dritten Albums schade, ergibt aber ein straffes Erzählen.
"All Tomorrow's Parties" ist ein faszinierendes Werk an sich - ich behaupte, auch wer die Band gar nicht kennt, kann sich für die Geschichte und die Bilder begeistern - für mich ist es aber auch ein willkommener Anlass mich in die Musik der Band wie auch einige Solo-Alben und Produktionen der Protagonisten zu vertiefen.
August 13, 2023
I really loved this beautifully illustrated graphic novel and I don't typically read this genre. I was attracted to the subject matter since I am a huge fan of the Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol. First of all, the illustrations look like the band. We briefly learn about John Cale and Lou Reed's tumultuous childhoods and the tension in their relationship is well documented here including Lou kicking John out of the band. Nico joins the band at Andy Warhol's pressure and her voice is described as an "IBM computer with a Garbo Accent" - pretty good description - which John likes and Lou hates. This book also has images of the famous screen tests Andy filmed as shown in Todd Haynes' brilliant documentary on the Velvet Underground. Definitely read the afterword by the author who first heard this album when he was 19. Don't skip over this -- a very interesting read. I noticed the author has other graphic novels which I will add to my list to read. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Humanoids Inc, Life Drawn for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley and Humanoids Inc, Life Drawn for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.
December 26, 2023
Originally written for the "Graphic Librarians" bookstagram.
What do Warhol, Lou Reed, Nico, and John Cale have in common? That’s an easy question—the Velvet Underground, of course!
I have heard a couple of songs from the Velvets, but I didn’t really know their story! This book simply kicks ass in completely immersing me in the New York City of the late sixties and the lives of Lou Reed and John Cale, two musicians who changed the world of music forever.
Their troubled teenage years set them on a path of searching, and it was destiny when they met and started doing music together. Koren Shadmi’s artwork perfectly managed to present the emotions of struggle and anxiety of Lou’s and John’s past, as well as excitement, possibility, and expansion after they met.
I enjoyed reading about their beginnings: living in the old apartment in the seedy neighbourhood of NYC, jamming, taking drugs, and working on their music. It’s the best part of making music—expressing and expanding yourself, being free and innocent.
Then comes the day when they got embraced by the almighty Drella, Andy Warhol. Those were the cool days, filled with excitement and also drama, and I had pleasure reading about the power that artists possess and how they leave their mark on the world.
Like in every story, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. In the story of Lou’s and John’s friendship, the end is strong and hard. It was bittersweet to read about the good and the bad in their friendship. Our past, our characters, and our emotions all communicate with others, and if we don’t heal, there will be a fallout sooner or later.
Yes, this book is filled with drugs, music, artists, and emotions. Like a good biography, it will take you through the lives of many people, many places, and many time periods. It was an extremely good read—fun, deep, and informative. The Velvets were a complicated band, and after this book, their songs have a deeper meaning.
Perfect read for every musician!
What do Warhol, Lou Reed, Nico, and John Cale have in common? That’s an easy question—the Velvet Underground, of course!
I have heard a couple of songs from the Velvets, but I didn’t really know their story! This book simply kicks ass in completely immersing me in the New York City of the late sixties and the lives of Lou Reed and John Cale, two musicians who changed the world of music forever.
Their troubled teenage years set them on a path of searching, and it was destiny when they met and started doing music together. Koren Shadmi’s artwork perfectly managed to present the emotions of struggle and anxiety of Lou’s and John’s past, as well as excitement, possibility, and expansion after they met.
I enjoyed reading about their beginnings: living in the old apartment in the seedy neighbourhood of NYC, jamming, taking drugs, and working on their music. It’s the best part of making music—expressing and expanding yourself, being free and innocent.
Then comes the day when they got embraced by the almighty Drella, Andy Warhol. Those were the cool days, filled with excitement and also drama, and I had pleasure reading about the power that artists possess and how they leave their mark on the world.
Like in every story, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. In the story of Lou’s and John’s friendship, the end is strong and hard. It was bittersweet to read about the good and the bad in their friendship. Our past, our characters, and our emotions all communicate with others, and if we don’t heal, there will be a fallout sooner or later.
Yes, this book is filled with drugs, music, artists, and emotions. Like a good biography, it will take you through the lives of many people, many places, and many time periods. It was an extremely good read—fun, deep, and informative. The Velvets were a complicated band, and after this book, their songs have a deeper meaning.
Perfect read for every musician!
July 7, 2024
A brilliant take on the VU story, so beautifully rendered. It is packed with great artwork and visual storytelling (the depiction of Lou in particular is startling) but also the writing is smart and filled with fresh details. A wonderful take.
June 12, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Humanoids Inc., Life Drawn for an advanced copy of this graphic novel history of one of the most influential bands in the history of music.
A band that at their heyday was clearing school auditoriums and Los Angeles' hot spots of the people who had paid money to see them. A fellow musician told reporters that the band wouldn't replace anything in music, except suicide. And yet those that stayed and watched them or one of the few to find their albums and listen to them, started a band. Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, New York Dolls, REM, Half-Japanese, list this band as an influence or their number one influence. The Velvet Underground was the coolest, most out-there, angriest band that set out to prove to the world that they mattered, that their music mattered. Some heard the call and tried to get the message to the masses, but ego, luck, dumb luck, and self-sabatoge always got them in the end. All Tomorrow's Parties: The Velvet Underground Story is written and wonderfully illustrated by Koren Shadmi and tells the story of a band the drugs, the acrimony, the music, the art, and the many sides to the history of this amazing band.
Lou Reed was born in Long Island. John Cale was born in Wales. In the same year, a few weeks apart. Both had rough childhoods, Cale's mother was sick, as was Cale, and he grew away rom his parents. Reed was well Lou Reed, and his parents had a difficult time, finally sending him away where he was drugged and given electroshock therapy. Both used art to escape, Reed words, and a college that he found a father figure. Cale with music, getting him first out of Wales, than to America. The two were experimenters, which did them well when they met as part of a made-up band to sell a dance song. This didn't work out, but Reed and Cale began to work on music of their own. Soon the added a guitarist Sterling Morrison, a friend and scholar, and Moe Tucker a drummer with her own particular set of skills. Soon they were playing together, usually to few people till the artist Andy Warhol heard them, liked what he saw, and soon asked them to be the band for his Factory. And the rest is history, depending on who is telling it.
I have long been a fan of Koren Shadmi since reading Shadmi's biographical graphic novel on Rod Serling, which is fantastic and well worth a read. As is this story of one of the best bands, who never seemed to get a break, and yet, influenced so many and so much. Shadmi does a great job of trying to get to the truth of the story, which is hard as drugs, contrary stories, fibs and big lies do get in the way. Shadmi lists his sources in the back, which is great, just in case one wants to know more. The book moves well, covering both Cale, Reed and the rest of the band, its influences, the scene and the hangers-on. The book covers the formation to about when Reed left, so the most influential years and does a good job of covering what happened, when, and why. Shadmi doesn't hold back on the actions of players, the media, and other musicians who really never thought the band was that great. Also Shadmi shows Lou Reed as he was angry at hurting all the time lost when the band was doing well, scared when the band wasn't doing well, and not wanting to face more disappointment. The art is excellent. The characters look much like who they are supposed to be, the backgrounds are crisp, and combined with the writing tell a complete story about the band. One can tell this was a labour of love, and for a band that Shadmi admits he is a fan of. As am I.
A great graphic novel even if one is unfamiliar with the music. Another book that needs a soundtrack too, which I did playing my albums as I read. Recommended for fans of the music, and for music fans in general. Also for fans of great art in graphic novels. The pages and layouts are really well done, and really advance the story.
A band that at their heyday was clearing school auditoriums and Los Angeles' hot spots of the people who had paid money to see them. A fellow musician told reporters that the band wouldn't replace anything in music, except suicide. And yet those that stayed and watched them or one of the few to find their albums and listen to them, started a band. Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, New York Dolls, REM, Half-Japanese, list this band as an influence or their number one influence. The Velvet Underground was the coolest, most out-there, angriest band that set out to prove to the world that they mattered, that their music mattered. Some heard the call and tried to get the message to the masses, but ego, luck, dumb luck, and self-sabatoge always got them in the end. All Tomorrow's Parties: The Velvet Underground Story is written and wonderfully illustrated by Koren Shadmi and tells the story of a band the drugs, the acrimony, the music, the art, and the many sides to the history of this amazing band.
Lou Reed was born in Long Island. John Cale was born in Wales. In the same year, a few weeks apart. Both had rough childhoods, Cale's mother was sick, as was Cale, and he grew away rom his parents. Reed was well Lou Reed, and his parents had a difficult time, finally sending him away where he was drugged and given electroshock therapy. Both used art to escape, Reed words, and a college that he found a father figure. Cale with music, getting him first out of Wales, than to America. The two were experimenters, which did them well when they met as part of a made-up band to sell a dance song. This didn't work out, but Reed and Cale began to work on music of their own. Soon the added a guitarist Sterling Morrison, a friend and scholar, and Moe Tucker a drummer with her own particular set of skills. Soon they were playing together, usually to few people till the artist Andy Warhol heard them, liked what he saw, and soon asked them to be the band for his Factory. And the rest is history, depending on who is telling it.
I have long been a fan of Koren Shadmi since reading Shadmi's biographical graphic novel on Rod Serling, which is fantastic and well worth a read. As is this story of one of the best bands, who never seemed to get a break, and yet, influenced so many and so much. Shadmi does a great job of trying to get to the truth of the story, which is hard as drugs, contrary stories, fibs and big lies do get in the way. Shadmi lists his sources in the back, which is great, just in case one wants to know more. The book moves well, covering both Cale, Reed and the rest of the band, its influences, the scene and the hangers-on. The book covers the formation to about when Reed left, so the most influential years and does a good job of covering what happened, when, and why. Shadmi doesn't hold back on the actions of players, the media, and other musicians who really never thought the band was that great. Also Shadmi shows Lou Reed as he was angry at hurting all the time lost when the band was doing well, scared when the band wasn't doing well, and not wanting to face more disappointment. The art is excellent. The characters look much like who they are supposed to be, the backgrounds are crisp, and combined with the writing tell a complete story about the band. One can tell this was a labour of love, and for a band that Shadmi admits he is a fan of. As am I.
A great graphic novel even if one is unfamiliar with the music. Another book that needs a soundtrack too, which I did playing my albums as I read. Recommended for fans of the music, and for music fans in general. Also for fans of great art in graphic novels. The pages and layouts are really well done, and really advance the story.
September 23, 2023
Koren Shadmi continues his series of biographical comics, this time focusing on the 1960s avant-garde rock band The Velvet Underground. It covers the Lou Reed-era of the group - there were other lineups and albums that followed after he left, but this is the most famous and notable era of the band so it’s a good choice by Shadmi to only highlight these years.
They were Andy Warhol’s house band at his Factory studio. Warhol “produced” their first album (Reed famously dismissed Warhol’s contributions to the record saying he was present while it was being recorded but that was it for his “production”) and designed the banana cover. It’s an odd record for the cover alone which has Warhol’s name and the banana - and nothing else, not even the band’s name!
The Velvet Underground were never popular - then or now, really. Their contributions to the history of rock are acknowledged today but I feel like even most serious music fans would be hard-pressed to name any of their songs. And I think that’s fair - some stand out, like Heroin, but for the most part the songs are just ok and not that amazing (even the track this book is named after is meh). It’s said that while the band only had a few hundred fans, every one of those fans went on to start a more famous band - that’s how influential they were. The only band considered more influential from the ‘60s were The Beatles!
The book’s focus is mainly on founding members Lou Reed and John Cale, both of whom had sad, lonely childhoods. Reed’s parents sent him off for electroshock therapy because he displayed homosexual tendencies - the ‘50s were great, eh? (Reed was probably bi - he had several girlfriends and married multiple women later in life). Cale left the Welsh valleys and headed to New York where he and Reed met. Cale was the more avant-garde artist while Reed had more pop sensibilities, and the two styles meshed into what became the Velvet Underground’s sound.
It’s not the most compelling of stories. Lou Reed was a drug-addicted egomaniac whose shitty behaviour led to numerous conflicts within the band over its short lifetime. I was going to say it follows the cliched rock band story but this was a time before those things became cliches so they were trailblazers in that regard too! Regardless, they are well-worn cliches now so contemporary readers may well find the story underwhelming as a result.
All Tomorrow’s Parties is a decent overview of this still esoteric band - I knew almost nothing about the band before reading this comic and came away from it sufficiently informed - though it’s not the most memorable or exciting of stories. It’s worth a look if you’re curious about the band but there are other sources out there that are just as good, like Todd Haynes’ recent documentary on the band that’s available on Apple TV - that might be better actually because you can hear the band’s music and experience for yourselves the sounds that made audiences from the time so ambivalent!
They were Andy Warhol’s house band at his Factory studio. Warhol “produced” their first album (Reed famously dismissed Warhol’s contributions to the record saying he was present while it was being recorded but that was it for his “production”) and designed the banana cover. It’s an odd record for the cover alone which has Warhol’s name and the banana - and nothing else, not even the band’s name!
The Velvet Underground were never popular - then or now, really. Their contributions to the history of rock are acknowledged today but I feel like even most serious music fans would be hard-pressed to name any of their songs. And I think that’s fair - some stand out, like Heroin, but for the most part the songs are just ok and not that amazing (even the track this book is named after is meh). It’s said that while the band only had a few hundred fans, every one of those fans went on to start a more famous band - that’s how influential they were. The only band considered more influential from the ‘60s were The Beatles!
The book’s focus is mainly on founding members Lou Reed and John Cale, both of whom had sad, lonely childhoods. Reed’s parents sent him off for electroshock therapy because he displayed homosexual tendencies - the ‘50s were great, eh? (Reed was probably bi - he had several girlfriends and married multiple women later in life). Cale left the Welsh valleys and headed to New York where he and Reed met. Cale was the more avant-garde artist while Reed had more pop sensibilities, and the two styles meshed into what became the Velvet Underground’s sound.
It’s not the most compelling of stories. Lou Reed was a drug-addicted egomaniac whose shitty behaviour led to numerous conflicts within the band over its short lifetime. I was going to say it follows the cliched rock band story but this was a time before those things became cliches so they were trailblazers in that regard too! Regardless, they are well-worn cliches now so contemporary readers may well find the story underwhelming as a result.
All Tomorrow’s Parties is a decent overview of this still esoteric band - I knew almost nothing about the band before reading this comic and came away from it sufficiently informed - though it’s not the most memorable or exciting of stories. It’s worth a look if you’re curious about the band but there are other sources out there that are just as good, like Todd Haynes’ recent documentary on the band that’s available on Apple TV - that might be better actually because you can hear the band’s music and experience for yourselves the sounds that made audiences from the time so ambivalent!
August 7, 2023
The Velvet Underground is a band that I have always known the name, but as I write this review, I am listening to The Velvet Underground for the first time. Reading the true story of their history has me intrigued to hear the emotion, conflict, and pain poured into the lyrics and to see if I can hear the struggle between the styles that Lou and John tried to bring into the band.
A well-written biography should make you care and feel things for the subject. Koren Shadmi does this very well, with connecting the reader to the backstory and trauma that both Lou and John experienced growing up and how this influenced who they were over the years. There are several things that stood out to me reading this graphic novel.
Shadmi does a great job in breaking apart different periods of the band’s history and focusing each on in on the most important influences to their music and history. Seeing these different chapters in the band’s story broken down helped to bring about a greater understanding of their lives.
Shadmi’s artwork seems to perfectly capture the time period and each of the settings seen throughout the story. His style captures the expressive faces of the band throughout, especially the pain, sadness, and melancholy that can be seen in a lot of the band members’ histories. The cover art for the graphic novel evokes art of the 1970s, seemingly transport the reader to the era before even beginning to read, though not evoking the pop art style of Andy Warhol, a close companion of the band and someone who had such a huge role in the direction of the band.
Since there is no way to go back in time and watch The Velvet Underground hitting the scene in New York, this is the next best thing to see the full history. Koren Shadmi was able to capture all of the angst, paranoia, and excellence of John Cale and Lou Reed, that made them, along with Morrison and Tucker, The Velvet Underground, and pen it onto the many pages of this graphic novel.
As someone who generally sticks to fiction reads, this one stands out as a non-fiction read, because there was so much drama already present that just had to be perfectly depicted and Shadmi was able to do a brilliant job with this. While The Velvet Underground made a transformative splash in the music scene, Koren Shadmi makes an equivalent contribution to their story with this graphic novel.
This one is not just for the fans of The Velvet Underground, but also for fans of Andy Warhol (who plays a very big role in their story), rock ‘n’ roll, or any of the many bands and performers that drew influence from Cale, Reed, and their incredible band.
Rating: 8/10
All Tomorrow’s Parties: The Velvet Underground Story Graphic Novel will in stores August 23, 2023!
A well-written biography should make you care and feel things for the subject. Koren Shadmi does this very well, with connecting the reader to the backstory and trauma that both Lou and John experienced growing up and how this influenced who they were over the years. There are several things that stood out to me reading this graphic novel.
Shadmi does a great job in breaking apart different periods of the band’s history and focusing each on in on the most important influences to their music and history. Seeing these different chapters in the band’s story broken down helped to bring about a greater understanding of their lives.
Shadmi’s artwork seems to perfectly capture the time period and each of the settings seen throughout the story. His style captures the expressive faces of the band throughout, especially the pain, sadness, and melancholy that can be seen in a lot of the band members’ histories. The cover art for the graphic novel evokes art of the 1970s, seemingly transport the reader to the era before even beginning to read, though not evoking the pop art style of Andy Warhol, a close companion of the band and someone who had such a huge role in the direction of the band.
Since there is no way to go back in time and watch The Velvet Underground hitting the scene in New York, this is the next best thing to see the full history. Koren Shadmi was able to capture all of the angst, paranoia, and excellence of John Cale and Lou Reed, that made them, along with Morrison and Tucker, The Velvet Underground, and pen it onto the many pages of this graphic novel.
As someone who generally sticks to fiction reads, this one stands out as a non-fiction read, because there was so much drama already present that just had to be perfectly depicted and Shadmi was able to do a brilliant job with this. While The Velvet Underground made a transformative splash in the music scene, Koren Shadmi makes an equivalent contribution to their story with this graphic novel.
This one is not just for the fans of The Velvet Underground, but also for fans of Andy Warhol (who plays a very big role in their story), rock ‘n’ roll, or any of the many bands and performers that drew influence from Cale, Reed, and their incredible band.
Rating: 8/10
All Tomorrow’s Parties: The Velvet Underground Story Graphic Novel will in stores August 23, 2023!
June 11, 2023
The Velvet Underground is a band that, once you listen to them, you will forever remember. Their music is a violent assault on the senses. You will either be appalled or utterly mesmerized. Personally, I fall into the latter category. I can recall the first time I heard "Lady Godiva's Operation" and "Venus in Furs". To this day "Sunday Morning" and "After Hours" still live in my head, rising up again at opportune moments to elicit a certain knowing half-smile.
Koren Shadmi understands the way this band affects people. More than that, Shadmi understands the mystique that surrounds them. They only released a handful of albums - only one album with Andy Warhol producing in spite of the way he is partially responsible for their rise to fame. They were a violent force. Hell, only two of their albums actually contain John Cale who was such a driving force in the band. This biography showcases just how bizarre and brief their tenure was, and how thoroughly they influenced all music that came after.
The artwork is great, as is the attention to detail. Andy Warhol is in a large part the frame of this story via his death causing the brief reuniting of the band. All too brief, but then again, how are you going to keep Cale and Reed together in the same room without murdering one another?
This is a great introduction to the complexities of the band, and a fine refresher for those of us who are fans. There is no sugarcoating just how difficult the various members were to get on with, including Warhol, but there is a fondness for it all that serves as a great undercurrent to the story.
Long live The Velvets, and may a new generation find them and be inspired.
Thank you Netgalley, for giving me an advance copy of this book. Thank YOU Koren Shadmi, for writing it.
Koren Shadmi understands the way this band affects people. More than that, Shadmi understands the mystique that surrounds them. They only released a handful of albums - only one album with Andy Warhol producing in spite of the way he is partially responsible for their rise to fame. They were a violent force. Hell, only two of their albums actually contain John Cale who was such a driving force in the band. This biography showcases just how bizarre and brief their tenure was, and how thoroughly they influenced all music that came after.
The artwork is great, as is the attention to detail. Andy Warhol is in a large part the frame of this story via his death causing the brief reuniting of the band. All too brief, but then again, how are you going to keep Cale and Reed together in the same room without murdering one another?
This is a great introduction to the complexities of the band, and a fine refresher for those of us who are fans. There is no sugarcoating just how difficult the various members were to get on with, including Warhol, but there is a fondness for it all that serves as a great undercurrent to the story.
Long live The Velvets, and may a new generation find them and be inspired.
Thank you Netgalley, for giving me an advance copy of this book. Thank YOU Koren Shadmi, for writing it.
June 25, 2023
I have long been a fan of The Velvet Underground, so I thought it would be fun to read an ARC copy of Koren Shadmi’s forthcoming graphic novel about the band, All Tomorrow’s Parties: The Velvet Underground Story, to be published in late August.
Graphic novels are one of my “guilty pleasures” (although I really don’t actually feel guilty about reading them at all), and this one by Koren Shadmi is very good – it presents factual information in an engaging format, it’s artistically pleasing (I especially love the color palette he chose), and it has emotional depth. Overall, it’s a quick, enjoyable way to learn all about The Velvet Underground.
My recommendation? Tee up a Velvet Underground playlist for yourself – and then dive into this thoroughly enjoyable graphic novel and read all about ‘em while you listen!
Thank you to Humanoids, Inc. and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on August 21, 2023.
4 stars
Graphic novels are one of my “guilty pleasures” (although I really don’t actually feel guilty about reading them at all), and this one by Koren Shadmi is very good – it presents factual information in an engaging format, it’s artistically pleasing (I especially love the color palette he chose), and it has emotional depth. Overall, it’s a quick, enjoyable way to learn all about The Velvet Underground.
My recommendation? Tee up a Velvet Underground playlist for yourself – and then dive into this thoroughly enjoyable graphic novel and read all about ‘em while you listen!
Thank you to Humanoids, Inc. and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on August 21, 2023.
4 stars
August 15, 2023
A special thanks to NetGalley, Humanoids Inc, and Life Drawn for the ARC!
The graphic is pretty straightforward: it's about the rise and fall of The Velvet Underground: who helped shape and make them, the individual trials of Lou Reed, his warring battle with drug addiction and its effect on his band mates, relationships torn asunder, and the death and mourning of a pop icon. It begins with a foreward by Jon King and ends with an afterward.by the artist weaving a loving tribute from start to finish.
I found it to be very educational as I knew very little about The Velvet Underground beforehand and enjoyed all of the references to people and events throughout that I recognized without knowing of the connection to the band. The artwork enjoyable with crisp lines and beautiful use of colors and application of color theory.
I'll definitely recommend it to my friends in the punk scene.
The graphic is pretty straightforward: it's about the rise and fall of The Velvet Underground: who helped shape and make them, the individual trials of Lou Reed, his warring battle with drug addiction and its effect on his band mates, relationships torn asunder, and the death and mourning of a pop icon. It begins with a foreward by Jon King and ends with an afterward.by the artist weaving a loving tribute from start to finish.
I found it to be very educational as I knew very little about The Velvet Underground beforehand and enjoyed all of the references to people and events throughout that I recognized without knowing of the connection to the band. The artwork enjoyable with crisp lines and beautiful use of colors and application of color theory.
I'll definitely recommend it to my friends in the punk scene.
December 27, 2023
Excellent graphic novel about the Velvet Underground. I’ve been a fan of VU since the 90s when I started listening to their first album (I still think it's one of the best of all time) on regular rotation. However, I didn’t know much about their story other than that they were a big part of the 1960s New York scene and involved with Andy Warhol's crew. The GN is mostly set in 1960s New York, and focuses on the relationships in the band- particularly that of Lou Reed and John Cale. The band's connection with Andy Warhol is also explored in some depth. I loved everything about this GN. Koren Shadmi definitely did his research and created a very informative and entertaining read about the band. Illustrations are superb. And of course, the soundtrack is fire. If you are a VU fan, this is a must-read. Also recommended for anyone interested in rock and roll history and/or the Andy Warhol Factory scene.
July 27, 2023
I lived in NYC in the early 90's, I've read books about Andy Warhol and the Factory, and I'm a Lou Reed fan, but All Tomorrow's Parties pulls together so many additional elements, to create a truly comprehensive basis of punk - the attitude, music, fashion, and more. I learned so much about enigmatic musicians Nico and John Cale, and I loved seeing so many glitterati depicted like Brigid Superstar, Julian Schnabel, Betsey Johnson, and Alice Cooper. Author/Illustrator Koren Shadmi's art and research are top-level and I was really touched by his afterword, where he shared his own experience with The Velvet Underground's music.
Thanks to publisher Humanoids Inc and NetGalley for the ARC, publication is scheduled for Aug 21, 2023.
Thanks to publisher Humanoids Inc and NetGalley for the ARC, publication is scheduled for Aug 21, 2023.
September 17, 2023
Shadmi is focused on the interplay of Reed, Cale, and Warhol, which makes sense narratively, as those provide strong emotional beats that most fans of the band will have absorbed through cultural osmosis.
However, it makes the work feel abrupt and compressed. When the VU reduce their entanglement with Warhol, it feels like some of Shadmi's interest evaporates, and when Cale leaves the band there's very little left that makes the cut.
The art and storytelling are more than competent, but the scope of the story is those three personalities, around the Velvet Underground & Nico. Don't expect to come away with a better understanding of Moe, Sterling, Doug, or the other records; they exist as minor characters, as quick mentions. They aren't real guests of All Tomorrow's Parties.
However, it makes the work feel abrupt and compressed. When the VU reduce their entanglement with Warhol, it feels like some of Shadmi's interest evaporates, and when Cale leaves the band there's very little left that makes the cut.
The art and storytelling are more than competent, but the scope of the story is those three personalities, around the Velvet Underground & Nico. Don't expect to come away with a better understanding of Moe, Sterling, Doug, or the other records; they exist as minor characters, as quick mentions. They aren't real guests of All Tomorrow's Parties.
March 10, 2025
Always fun to read a graphic about a favorite band, but there's nothing here that a fan wouldn't already know. If it had been me writing it, I would've focused more on Moe Tucker, Sterling Morrison, and Doug Yule (who are often the unsung members of the band), picked one era of the band to explore, or made it more about their music's effect -- but I am definitely a fan of the band and am more interested in the less explored territory. This book is actually great for casual listeners or those wanting to expand their knowledge of music history because it does tell a good story with plenty of context on culture and the dynamics between Cale and Reed (and Warhol) that drove the sound of the band.
November 11, 2023
Tells a version of the VU story, with an emphasis on Warhol and Reed. I learned things as a fan and I appreciated the comic. Nothing groundbreaking, comic-wise. But still worth a read. Contains a depiction of ECT for either a "mood disorder" or "schizophrenic tendencies". The symptoms are not depicted but the treatment and hospitalization is, over 3 pages. This is an important plot point when it comes to Reed losing trust in his parents and branching out more and more on his own as a 17 year old man, as the implication is that the treatment is not successful.
September 9, 2023
i'm a huge fan of Velvet Underground and appreciated this graphic novel that tells the rise and fall of one of the most important rock band.
It was like watching a movie and I liked to visualize the artist I love, the Factory and the world of Andy Wahrol.
It's not one of those book that will make you discover a lot of new details, just a good book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It was like watching a movie and I liked to visualize the artist I love, the Factory and the world of Andy Wahrol.
It's not one of those book that will make you discover a lot of new details, just a good book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 29, 2024
L'histoire du groupe de rock psychédélique adaptée en bande dessinée !
Les péripéties de Lou Reed et son groupe, The Velvet Underground mises en lumière grâce au dessin de Koren Shadmi. Découvrez l'histoire derrière la pochette emblématique du groupe, à l'image de la banane d'Andy Warhol : qui étaient-ils ? Comment en sont-ils arrivés là ? Warhol était-il simplement le producteur du groupe ? La BD vous dévoilera tout ce que vous voulez savoir (ou non) sur eux.
Les péripéties de Lou Reed et son groupe, The Velvet Underground mises en lumière grâce au dessin de Koren Shadmi. Découvrez l'histoire derrière la pochette emblématique du groupe, à l'image de la banane d'Andy Warhol : qui étaient-ils ? Comment en sont-ils arrivés là ? Warhol était-il simplement le producteur du groupe ? La BD vous dévoilera tout ce que vous voulez savoir (ou non) sur eux.
September 19, 2025
I was perhaps predisposed to like this, since the Velvet Underground were amazing and their first album remains unlike anything else. Still, I was impressed by this book. It tells its story crisply, and the excellent artwork and compelling dialog really complement each other, the pictures filling in the mood and context of events. This is one of the best graphic nonfiction books I’ve read in years.
September 13, 2023
Though I would have appreciated more info on the creative process from album 2 on, this was a tremendously enjoyable read. Framed around Lou Reed and John Cale's reunion at Andy Warhol's funeral, and magnificently portraying the arty scenes of Boston and NYC in the 1960s, this graphic history of The Velvet Underground is totally worth a look.
September 17, 2023
An outstanding illustrated version of the Velvet Underground story. It covers the tension between Lou, John, Nico, Andy, and the rest of the band very well. I also really enjoyed the author's Afterword which shed a light on how they came to appreciate the Velvets and also offers a broader desciption of the band's history.
July 10, 2023
ARC from NetGalley! Thank you so much!
So I'm a first time ARC reader and I was very enthralled by the idea of it, and this is my first book. I couldn't have been any more happy than to have this one.
*trigger warnings for heavy drug usage (as it's the 60's), language, electric shocks.*
First things first...the art is gorgeous and so are the color schemes!! That really drew me in.✨
I've heard of VU, and am a huge classic rock fan, but I definitely have heard of Lou Reed, since ATCQ samples his song in "Can I Kick It?." I think that's where I was first introduced to how egocentric he can be regarding how he made all the money from that song lol.
I like how the author does not paint Lou in a bad light but acknowledged the struggles and trauma that he did endure as well as his problems with substance abuse. I believe for a story like this, transparency is in fact the most important part. I also really did appreciate how Koren Shadmi researched the main people in the VU's cultivation like Andy Warhol for instance. I think in a lot of cases, he is looked down upon regarding his role in VU, but this book gives you a fresher perspective and allows the reader to decide that.
Enough rambling, I think I just found a new band to listen to! I have heard of VU, and not too shortly after I found myself listening to songs like the Beatles-esque "I'll Be Your Mirror" (and loving it) and really thinking back on how the author brought these people to life and their stories (Well mainly John and Lou).
This book was really amazing and it's great as far as graphic novel/biographies go! Can't wait for the official release.
So I'm a first time ARC reader and I was very enthralled by the idea of it, and this is my first book. I couldn't have been any more happy than to have this one.
*trigger warnings for heavy drug usage (as it's the 60's), language, electric shocks.*
First things first...the art is gorgeous and so are the color schemes!! That really drew me in.✨
I've heard of VU, and am a huge classic rock fan, but I definitely have heard of Lou Reed, since ATCQ samples his song in "Can I Kick It?." I think that's where I was first introduced to how egocentric he can be regarding how he made all the money from that song lol.
I like how the author does not paint Lou in a bad light but acknowledged the struggles and trauma that he did endure as well as his problems with substance abuse. I believe for a story like this, transparency is in fact the most important part. I also really did appreciate how Koren Shadmi researched the main people in the VU's cultivation like Andy Warhol for instance. I think in a lot of cases, he is looked down upon regarding his role in VU, but this book gives you a fresher perspective and allows the reader to decide that.
Enough rambling, I think I just found a new band to listen to! I have heard of VU, and not too shortly after I found myself listening to songs like the Beatles-esque "I'll Be Your Mirror" (and loving it) and really thinking back on how the author brought these people to life and their stories (Well mainly John and Lou).
This book was really amazing and it's great as far as graphic novel/biographies go! Can't wait for the official release.
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