In a lot of ways, The Velvet Underground was the protypical rock & roll band. They seemed to represent everything core to rock & roll. But on the other hand, they also rewrote the rules. They didn’t play it straight. And they gave way to bands like Sonic Youth, Wilco and others to do the same—to be melodic and experimental at the same time. “Sweet Jane” is maybe one of the best examples of this, turning a three-chord rock song on its head with the opening 15-second cacophony.

“Anyone who's ever had a heart wouldn't turn around and break it. And anyone who's ever played a part wouldn't turn around and hate it.”