Up-Tight

The Velvet Underground is arguably one of the most influential American rock bands ever. Based on interviews with former members Lou Reed, John Cale, and Sterling Morrison, as well as others from Andy Warhol's circle of artistic collaborators, Up-Tight is the definitive oral and visual history of the band and its revolutionary, often avant-garde music. Bockris and Malanga's intelligent and entertaining approach-which does not shy away from the drugs, sleaze, and controversy that enveloped the band seemingly from its inception-provides compulsive reading.

Victor Bockris is British-born writer who specialises in arts and music writing. His book-length subjects include William S. Burroughs, Andy Warhol, and Patti Smith. Bockris was a presence within New York's downtown arts scene and alongside helping John Cale to pen his autobiography, his writing also appeared in the famed Interview magazine. Bockris makes a brief appearance in cult movie Downtown 81.