Sweet Rock'n'Roll by Sanpaulo
Those who consider themselves Velvet Underground scholars may recognize "Sweet Rock'n'Roll" as the infamous "missing" VU song recorded live on a tape then stolen during their 1968 shows in San Diego. This 2009 article includes thoughts from both the late Lester Bangs and VU guitarist Sterling Morrison on the whole affair, so please read on at the link. -- sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/sep/02/blurt1/
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And let's be perfectly clear -- this version of "Sweet Rock'n'Roll" is in no way an attempt to re-write an unknown Velvet's song, as that's a truly ridiculous notion. However, there was a great song title sitting there, waiting to be used, so why not do so? Sanpaulo's "Sweet Rock'n'Roll" is instead a 60's-inspired lament filtered through four-plus decades of indie-rock experience. It celebrates the simple joys of Rock'n'Roll to uplift our lives in an age where AI-produced "music content" floods the ecosystem -- and that's the least of our problems. Screw that, pick up a guitar and make a song that might just be "good for your soul" -- something AI could never do.
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Sanpaulo is joined on the "A-side" by Closet Mix bandmate Dan Della Flora on drums. Steve Lindstrom and Mike Ritt, Nini's bandmates from late 80s/early 90s Chicago band Peck of Snide, add some guitar and background vocals to round out his bass, guitar, organ, and vocals. Steve also created the digital "choir" at the end, which undoubtedly proves that we're not complete Luddites.
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The "B-side" is "Chicken Blows (Instrumental Roller Rink Version)" where Sanpaulo plays everything, and that GBV fans will know from the classic "Alien Lanes" LP. A completely unnecessary and indulgent cover? Well, sure. Though feel free to add your own drunken vocals, and to channel Bob who's "not here to drink all the beer in the fridge" -- even though we know that he certainly is. "It's our parade" indeed, so join in before Spotify co-ops the whole thing. Oops, too late.
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Bandcamp links of artists related to this release:
closetmix.bandcamp.com
peckofsnide.bandcamp.com
thestevelindstromproblem.bandcamp.com
mikeritt.bandcamp.com
Tracklist
| 1. | Sweet Rock'n'Roll | 4:07 |
| 2. | Chicken Blows (Instrumental Roller Rink Version) | 2:23 |
Credits
Track 01: Sanpaulo - bass, guitar, organ, and vox; with Dan Della Flora - drums; Steve Lindstrom - guitar and digital choir; and Mike Ritt - background vox. ℗ 2026, Paul Nini, Loghits BMI.
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Track 02: Sanpaulo - keyboards, etc. ℗ 1995, Robert Pollard, Needmore Songs BMI.
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Recorded in Columbus OH USA in 2025. Mixed and mastered by Keith Hanlon at Secret Studio, secretstudiohq.com. © 2026, Tone Scholar Recordings, Old 3C Label Group.
