Amanda Palmer's latest album, Several Attempts To Cover Songs By The Velvet Underground Lou Reed For Neil Gaiman As His Birthday Approaches, is a heartfelt tribute to the music of one of rock's most influential bands. The album features 12 covers of songs originally written by Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, all performed in Palmer's unique style.
From the opening notes of "All Tomorrow's Parties" to the closing chords of "Heroin," Palmer's love for these songs is evident. She breathes new life into classics like "Sweet Jane" and "Pale Blue Eyes," while also digging deeper into the Velvet Underground's catalog with lesser-known tracks like "Candy Says" and "Stephanie Says."
What sets this album apart, however, is the personal connection Palmer has to the music. As she explains in the liner notes, the album was recorded as a gift for her husband, author Neil Gaiman, on his birthday. The couple share a love for the Velvet Underground, and Palmer's renditions of these songs are a testament to the power of music to bring people together.