Venus in Furs (song)

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"Venus in Furs" is a song by The Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed and originally released on the 1967 album The Velvet Underground and Nico. Inspired by the book of the same name by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, the song deals with themes of sadomasochism, bondage and submission.

Recording

"Venus in Furs" was one of three songs to be re-recorded at T.T.G. Studios, Hollywood, before appearing on the final mix of The Velvet Underground and Nico (the other two being "Heroin" and "I'm Waiting for the Man"). The music features John Cale's cacophonous viola as well as Lou Reed's Ostrich guitar, that is, a guitar with all of its strings tuned to the same note.

Alternate versions

Ludlow Street Loft, July 1965

The song was one of several early songs to be recorded by Lou Reed, John Cale and Sterling Morrison in their Ludlow Street loft during July 1965. This version of the song features a drastically different arrangement than would appear on The Velvet Underground and Nico, and ends with what David Fricke calls a "stark, Olde English-style folk lament" in the liner notes for Peel Slowly and See (the 1995 compilation album that the Ludlow demos appear on).

Scepter Studios, April 1966

An alternate take of the song was first recorded at Scepter Studios, New York City before being re-recorded in Hollywood. This take of the song is performed at a quicker pace and the lyrics vary slightly from the T.T.G. recording.

Cover versions

Lou Reed has recorded several solo versions of the song and John Cale also performs it with his band. In addition, the following artists have recorded it.

Miscellenea

• The song was used in the Oliver Stone film The Doors (1991) and in Gus Van Sant's Last Days (2005).
• Steven Severin, from Siouxsie & the Banshees, developed his artistic last name inspired by the song, in which the name of von Sacher-Masoch's protagonist, "Severin", is repeated.
• This song was covered by the then guitarist Dave Navarro of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the mid 90s on their One Hot Minute tour.
• Dave Navarro also sat in with Siouxsie & the Banshees on their appearance at Lollapalooza and covered the song on more than one show.
• The song was adapted by the band The Ukrainians on their 1993 album, "Vorony", and entitled "Chekannya" (waiting).
• Professional skateboarder Tom Penny skated to the song in the 2002 Flip Skateboards video Sorry.
• Marilyn Manson references this song in the lyrics of "Doll-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zag" off the "Golden Age of Grotesque" album (2003).