The Quine Tapes, Vol. 1-3

Assembled by hardcore fan Robert Quine (who would later play guitar with Lou Reed, Richard Hell, and others), this collection was originally released in 2001. Although decidedly low-budget, (recorded in straight mono, on cassettes, from the audience), the material nonetheless shines, giving us a glimpse into the live Velvet Underground experience in all its raw glory, without trying to "fix things" via the usual digital re-mastering shenanigans. Recorded in San Francisco clubs during the group's 1969 tour, it features the later-era line-up (with Doug Yule replacing co-founder John Cale on bass), and includes a great mix of songs from throughout their career. Cacophonous noise anthems "Sister Ray" and “White Light/White Heat" are both here, as are junkie-rock standards "Heroin" and "I'm Waiting for the Man," mellower favorites like the Moe Tucker gem "I'm Sticking With You," and a very rare selection called "Follow the Leader." Although there are many other live and/or bootleg VU collections out there, The Quine Tapes is ideal for Velvets' fans who think they've heard it all.