The Bootleg Series, Vol. 1: The Quine Tapes

Bootleg Series, Vol. 1: The Quine Tapes is a three-CD compilation of live performances from the Velvet Underground. This is likewise the first in presumably a series of recordings documenting the band's concert visage throughout their brief history. This volume is derived from the semi-legit and non-professional recordings of Robert Quine (guitar), who at the time was a fan as well as a friend of the band. During the intervening years, Quine became a founding member of Richard Hell & the Voidoids and later went on to work with guitarist Lou Reed on his 1982 solo album, Blue Mask. A majority of these recordings are from the VU's swing through the San Francisco Bay Area circa late November/early December 1969. Additionally, they reflect the period just prior to embarking upon the Loaded album. This latter-era band includes: Lou Reed (guitar/vocals), Sterling Morrison (guitar/vocals), Doug Yule (bass/organ/vocals), and Maureen "Mo" Tucker (percussion/vocals). Tucker's contributions are of particular note, as this collection features both "After Hours" as well as "I'm Sticking With You," her only VU-related lead vocals. The track list likewise offers a decent sampling from the group's back catalog, including a few tunes that had yet to be issued at the time these recordings were made. Among them are "Ride into the Sun" and "I Can't Stand It" -- which would initially surface on Lou Reed's self-titled debut -- as well as a few tunes that were never issued on a studio album by the band, such as "Over You," and "It's Just Too Much." These titles are likewise available on 1969: Velvet Underground Live. Potential consumers should note that the no-fi sound quality of this release is at the very worst only a minor distraction. For the most part these recordings are clean. Although they are in mono, they are as enjoyable -- if not more so -- than similarly issued releases, such as the previously mentioned 1969: Velvet Underground Live or Live at Max's Kansas City, both of which were unprofessionally documented.