The Complete Matrix Tapes cover

The Complete Matrix Tapes

The Velvet Underground · 2019

275 min · 43 tracks · alternative rock

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Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's live renditions highlight the band's experimental nature while offering a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Many tracks extend beyond their studio counterparts, allowing for improvisation and exploration of themes, particularly in songs like 'Sister Ray'.
  • The raw sound quality captures the energy of live performances, with audience interaction audible throughout, enhancing the immersive experience.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 I’m Waiting for the Man (version 1) 13:07
  • 2 What Goes On (version 1) 8:53
  • 3 Some Kinda Love (version 1) 4:58
  • 4 Heroin (version 1) 8:07

Disc 2

  • 1 The Black Angel’s Death Song 6:20
  • 2 Venus in Furs (version 1) 4:38
  • 3 There She Goes Again (version 1) 3:13
  • 4 We’re Gonna Have a Real Good Time Together (version 1) 3:20
  • 5 Over You (version 1) 2:24
  • 6 Sweet Jane (version 1) 5:12
  • 7 Pale Blue Eyes 6:05
  • 8 After Hours (version 1) 2:58

Disc 3

  • 1 I’m Waiting for the Man (version 2) 6:33
  • 2 Venus in Furs (version 2) 5:11
  • 3 Some Kinda Love (version 2) 4:04
  • 4 Over You (version 2) 3:02
  • 5 I Can’t Stand It (version 1) 7:54
  • 6 There She Goes Again (version 2) 2:50
  • 7 After Hours (version 2) 2:30

Disc 4

  • 1 We’re Gonna Have a Real Good Time Together (version 2) 3:40
  • 2 Sweet Bonnie Brown / Too Much 7:50
  • 3 Heroin (version 2) 10:05
  • 4 White Light/White Heat (version 1) 9:27
  • 5 I’m Set Free 4:48

Disc 5

  • 1 We’re Gonna Have a Real Good Time Together (version 3) 3:15
  • 2 Some Kinda Love (version 3) 4:38
  • 3 There She Goes Again (version 3) 2:59
  • 4 Heroin (version 3) 8:28
  • 5 Ocean 10:59

Disc 6

  • 1 Sister Ray (Part 1) 19:40
  • 2 Sister Ray (Part 2) 17:34

Disc 7

  • 1 I’m Waiting for the Man (version 3) 5:31
  • 2 What Goes On (version 2) 4:31
  • 3 Some Kinda Love (version 4) 4:03
  • 4 We’re Gonna Have a Real Good Time Together (version 4) 3:24
  • 5 Beginning to See the Light 5:30
  • 6 Lisa Says 6:00
  • 7 New Age 6:28

Disc 8

  • 1 Rock & Roll 6:54
  • 2 I Can’t Stand It (version 2) 6:52
  • 3 Heroin (version 4) 8:18
  • 4 White Light/White Heat (version 2) 8:43
  • 5 Sweet Jane (version 2) 4:20

What to play next

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2018
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Reference: MusicBrainz