And explain to me why The Velvet Underground are so highly acclaimed and well liked?

I understand the big argument is "influence", which I can definitely understand as I listen to artists like Sonic Youth who came much later but I am curious as to how this fact really helps you enjoy the music. This argument seems like more of a technical insider argument as to why they are relevant, but definitely not why people enjoy them.

I just listened to White Light / White Heat again and I just do not understand the tremendous following they have. I enjoyed a lot of this album, particularly the feedback effects they used and some of the shorter songs in general, but the 17 minute "Sister Ray" just went on and on and does not warrant 17 minutes.

I'll be listening to a few more of their albums tonight and probably commenting on them as well, but I'd like some perspective from you fellows.

They aren't

who?

what?

the what?

I think referring to them as "pretentious hipsters" is a little forced, and a tad bit pretentious in itself. A lot of the minds of the 50s and 60s were genuinely intelligent; not raised on iPhones and Google and Kerouac novels.

oh alright lol