@stereogum: we will get someone in @Death Cab for Cutie to print out your comments for Ben #VelvetUnderground #theBeatles #DeathCabForCutie #LouReed #BenGibbard @The Beatles

Open Closed Doors :

Has he heard the white album? That record alone checks off every one of his points for VU.

Felipe El Tornero :

The Velvet Underground are my favourite band ever. But the Beatles, especially Paul McCartney are the best to ever do it. Without their creative changes album to album. The stuff you think is "better than the Beatles", doesn't even exist.

Lawrence Blawrence :

Why does one piece of art need to be better than another? That’s so creepy I’m so sick of it.

Notme :

"I prefer the Velvet Underground to The Beatles." Boom. Fixed it.

Jake :

Never understood the appeal for the Beatles.

tunestrendsnteef :

And Elliot Smith was in a different league to both bands.

ElCliffo :

The thing is that without the Beatles, people like Lou Reed would have nothing to comment on, respond to, work against, etc. The Beatles are culture by the time The Velvet Underground comes around. The Velvet’s are counter culture. The whole point is to feel cooler than millions of Beatles fans. Without the Beatles, the Velvet Underground are not exceptional, because there is nothing for them to be the exception to.

--- :

Yeah, this is obvious to anyone with taste

voodoo_priest_ximenez :

Well, he’s entitled to his own opinion. And Velvet Underground are insanely influential. But above the Beatles. A very hipster take.

Matsfan :

The Velvet Underground are basically the template for the thousands of alternative and art rock bands that came in their wake in the 80s and 90s. That’s kind of hard to deny.

scrubbins :

people weren't ready for the velvets. ahead of their time. birth of alternative rock.

mini_me50 :

one great album doesn't make you the greatest band of all time.

degonzo :

The Velvet Underground are the best Americsn band.

Ian111 :

Played their instruments wrote their own songs and took control of their artistic vision. This was the template. And that is why The Beatles are so important.

mathews.wesley :

Agreed! and the Stones top them both.

Francis Anthony361 :

100%... The Beatles were a pop band... can't listen to their music. Radio killed it.

JerJarn91 :

ok. now ask yourself why The Velvet Underground existed, & there's you're answer.

KhilPhristofferson :

Couldn't agree more.

Rory :

I love the velvet underground. & Nico changed my life. But, no, absolutely not. And knock it off.

that_ben_guy :

I love the VU but saying they’re “better” than the Beatles is like saying Iggy Pop is “better” than The Doors. It doesn’t make any sense.

BDJane :

stereogum :

Death Cab For Cutie are named after the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band song featured in the Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour' film 😂

elementarypenguin :

Year after year decade after decade people keep trying to reason why some artists are better than the Beatles. Nobody's managed it yet.

Riley :

10000% The Velvet Underground over the beatles

bbunc :

Agree