A Collider feature argues that The Velvet Underground & Nico, released in 1967, is the most important album in alternative rock history, despite being a commercial flop at the time. The piece matters because it reframes the origins of alt-rock, tracing the roots of punk, grunge and indie not to 1990s Seattle but to the 1960s New York underground, and crediting this single record as the catalyst for the entire genre.

The article recounts how the band, formed by Lou Reed and John Cale in 1964, came together with Sterling Morrison and drummer Maureen "Moe" Tucker before falling under the wing of Andy Warhol, who managed them and paired them with German singer Nico. Given complete creative freedom, they produced a raw, avant-garde record tackling dark themes such as drugs and sadomasochism, offset by Nico's ethereal vocals on three tracks. It sold only about 30,000 copies in its first five years and was initially dismissed by fans and critics, only later being revered as hugely influential.