Classic Pop Icons

We mark the release of the 45th anniversary editions of “The Velvet Underground & Nico” by selecting “Sunday Morning” as “Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “Sunday Morning” was released on single in December 1966, backed with “Femme Fatale” and three months later opened “The Velvet Underground & Nico.”

The Velvet Underground were formed in 1965 and began to make strides when they came to the attention of Andy Warhol, who made them a part of his multimedia roadshow, Exploding Plastic Inevitable, and helped secure them a recording contract. It was also Warhol’s influencce that led to the German singer, Nico, apppearing on the Velvet Underground’s debut album.

“Sunday Morning” was the final song recorded for “The Velvet Underground & Nico” and was added because of the perceived need for more radio-friendly material. Lou Reed originally intended the song to be sang by Nico, but changed his mind and sang it himself, perhaps because he wanted to take the lead on what he hoped would be the breakthrough single.

The music box style intro, played on celesta, establishes a laidback, dreamy vibe, which is carried through by Lou Reed’s understated vocal, before the atmosphere becomes altogether more spaced-out thanks to the liberal use of reverb on the second verse. Andy Warhol had reportedly suggested that Reed should write a song that would capture the atmosphere of the morning after a night of excess – specifically the feelings experienced as drugs wear off. Verse two seems to achieve that, even though the lyrics are vague enough to allow for multiple interpretations.

The “Sunday Morning” single was a commercial failure at the time, as was the album. The reputation of this music has grown massively since though, with many critics regarding “The Velvet Underground & Nico” as one of the most innovative rock albums of all time.

Sunday Morning – The Velvet Underground & Nico

Authorship

“Sunday Morning” was written by Lou Reed and John Cale.

Recording date/location

“Sunday Morning” was recorded at Mayfair Studios, New York City in November 1966.

Musicians

The following musicians appeared on “Sunday Morning”:

• Lou Reed – lead vocals, lead guitar
• John Cale – celesta, viola, piano
• Sterling Morrison – bass guitar
• Maureen Tucker – percussion
• Nico – backing vocals.

(Left to right) Nico, Maureen Tucker, Sterling Morrison, Lou Reed & John Cale

Chart performance

The “Sunday Morning” single failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was similarly largely ignored by the public at the time, peaking at #171 on the Billboard Album Chart.

Other notable recordings

“Sunday Morning” – Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs

Bangles singer Susanna Hoffs recorded a fine rendition of “Sunday Morning” in duet with Matthew Sweet as part of their “Under the Covers, Vol. 1” album in 2006. Hoffs takes the vocal lead and is well suited to the attractive melody. If the song has a darker side, it’s not explored here.

“Sunday Morning” – Strawberry Switchblade

Strawberry Switchblade ‘s cover of “Sunday Morning” has a haunting quality, thanks to the sparse arrangement and the echo-laden close harmonies of Jill Bryson and Rose McDowall. The song was the B-side of the group’s 1984 single “”Since Yesterday.”

There will be a new Song of the Week on November 5.

The Velvet Underground’s “Sunday Morning” features on the classic album “The Velvet Underground & Nico,” which is re-released his week in standard, deluxe and super-deluxe editions. Further information is available via the links below.

Title
Velvet Underground & Nico 45th Anniversary (CD)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Velvet Underground & Nico 45th Anniversary – Deluxe Edition (2 CDs)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Velvet Underground & Nico 45th Anniversary Box Set (6 CDs)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now