[MUSIC] The Velvet Underground, "New Age"
Oct. 22nd, 2005 12:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rfmcdonaldMy review of Tori Amos' 2001 cover version of The Velvet Underground's 1970 song "New Age" failed to mention that Tori Amos' version drew upon an uncanonical version of "New Age," a live version that--I am ashamed to say this, yet I must--accidentally deleted some time ago. The 1997 reissue of Loaded, arguably the Velvets' final studio album, has an intriugingly different set of lyrics.
The rhythm that I remember is still there, Doug Yule's boyish vocals add an odd sort of innocence, but this version of "New Age" is a sadder and quieter song, about a fading movie star and an opportunistic male groupie and their chance encounter, all anchored by a yearning for human connection. I'm tempted to read this song as a prequel of sorts of the version I'm familiar with, as the first part of a story about a woman caught up in her repression, the second about the woman after eros had its way with her. It's only a temptation, granted, but it's a strong one.
Can I have your autograph?
he said to the fat blond actress
You know, I've seen every movie you've been in
from "Pass of Pain" to "Duels of Glory"
And when you kissed Robert Mitchum
Gee, but I thought you'd never catch him
You're over the hill right now, and you're looking for love
You're over the hill right now, and you're looking for love
I'll come running to you, honey, when you want me
I'll come running to you, honey, when you want me
Can I have your autograph?
he said to the fat blond actress
You know, I know everything you've done
Anyway, I hate divorces
To the left is a marble shower
It was fun even for an hour, but
You're over the hill right now, and you're looking for love
You're over the hill right now, and you're looking for love
I'll come running to you, honey, when you want me
I'll come running to you, honey, when you want me
Something's got a hold on me and I don't know what
Something's got a hold on me and I don't know what
It's the beginning of a new age...
The rhythm that I remember is still there, Doug Yule's boyish vocals add an odd sort of innocence, but this version of "New Age" is a sadder and quieter song, about a fading movie star and an opportunistic male groupie and their chance encounter, all anchored by a yearning for human connection. I'm tempted to read this song as a prequel of sorts of the version I'm familiar with, as the first part of a story about a woman caught up in her repression, the second about the woman after eros had its way with her. It's only a temptation, granted, but it's a strong one.
