The Velvet Forum

Hey--

I'm curious about any information people have found [articles/interviews/books] that tell the story of Cale and Reed's falling out, and the change in sound between WLWH and the later albums. I think I've heard stories about Cale hating 'Pale Blue Eyes' (and stepping on Sterling's pedals when he tried to play it), although I've also heard about Sterling hating the song. and pleading with Lou to not push it into their set. Does anyone have any information on Pale Blue Eyes, or on the transition from the WLWH vu to the quiet, acoustic, s/t/loaded years?

I'd also be curious to know the story behind the song, as people see it. I think I read somewhere that it was actually written about Lou's college girlfriend, but then there sounds like there is an affair in the lyrics, so I'd be curious what people's take on that is.

Thanks

texas wrote:I think I've heard stories about Cale hating 'Pale Blue Eyes' (and stepping on Sterling's pedals when he tried to play it)...

LOL. That's awesome.

The song is written about Shelley Albin, Lou's college sweetheart. I think when he wrote the song she was in a relationship with someone else, so that's what the adultery theme stems from.

Sterl famously said to Lou "If I wrote a song like that, I wouldn't make you play it". Funny that he should then proceed to add one of his most beautiful guitar parts ever to that very song!

And I believe Cale did step on Sterl's distortion pedal during the solo on one occasion live, but I think it was a mistake, although Lou got pretty annoyed about it.

Haha, Lou is so sensitive. I'd hate to see what he would do to tha Ashton Kutcher fellow if he was ever "punked"

I love the version on 93 Live. Cale's viola adds an emotional sound to it and Lou seems like hes on the verge of tears.

I didn't know about Sterl and John hating Pale blue eyes
According to the Up Tight book they played it during summer '68
during wich Cale smashed Sterl's pedal guitar
But it has nothing to do with the song itself (John seemed jealous
of the WONDERFUL sound Sterl was doing during his solo!)
See you

From my knowledge, Docotr_Bob is correct.