The Velvet Underground and Nico (Paperback or Softback)

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.

Joe Harvard became an Ivy-trained archaeologist before settling into a long career as a musician, producer-engineer, promoter and indie pioneer. Co-founder of Fort Apache Recording [1985], Helldorado Productions (originators of Music at the Middle East Restaurant, Cambridge) [1988], NYC's Tribal Soundz [1999], & Asbury's Cranial Mass Productions [2008], winner of the WFNX/Boston Phoenix Best Local Producer title [1989] and NYC's prestigious Moth StorySLAM Championship [2001], his most recent accolades include Asbury Music Awards for Top Americana Band [2009], Top Multi-Instrumentalist [2010] and Top Avant-Garde Act [2010].

He continues to play regular live shows with Velveeta [the Velvet Underground tribute band], the Cockwalkers [Boston Garage at its best], solo as the Human Slinky, and with the Joe Harvard Band. He is currently working on a second book of true stories from the world of rock, and his travel experiences in the U.S., U.K., Saudi Arabia, Greece and Pakistan, and adapting the once-online Boston Rock Storybook for print.