The Velvet Underground and Nico has influenced the sound of more bands than any other album. And remarkably, it still sounds as fresh and challenging today as it did upon its release in 1967. In this book, Joe Harvard covers everything from Lou Reed's lyrical genius to John Cale's groundbreaking instrumentation, and from the creative input of Andy Warhol to the fine details of the recording process. With input from co-producer Norman Dolph and Velvets fan Jonathan Richman, Harvard documents the creation of a record which - in the eyes of many - has never been matched.

Author Harvard has succeeded in finding the right mix between objective research and personal connection with his subject.” –  Jason Dropor, Record Collector, October 2004

“A bite-sized look at the creation of one of the more seminal albums of our time....well worth dipping into.” –  David Hill, Shredded Paper Magazine, Fall 2004 issue

“The splendidly named Harvard sees the Velvets through the eyes neither bleary nor jaded nor excessively worshipful, and among many sharp insights nails the idea that it wasn't just LouLouLou with, oh yeah, John Cale and the chick who split after this debut and the drummer who played standing up and the bass player who moved to Austin. Anybody who's heard "Sunday Morning" as the sun's coming up on a Sunday morning knows the Velvets were a BAND, and for these two sides of vinyl there was no more powerful idea. A-” –  Austin American-Statesman

“[Harvard] has the material as well as the gift of gab.” –  Robin Vaughan, Boston Herald