Free Expression - Velvet Crush
The failure of Rhode Island natives Velvet Crush to have much impact outside the cloisters of American college radio is one of life's more vexing mysteries. Their frequently exquisite albums are laden with terrific hooks, gorgeous harmonies, and lovely, languid choruses.Free Expressionfinds Velvet Crush remaining loyal to their founding principles: an abiding and guiding love ofBig Starand theRaspberries, and a certain spiritual kinship withTeenage Fancluband thePosies. There are some new touches added, however, and they're all for the better: the exuberant horns on the giddy "Melody #1" and the mournful slide guitar on the gentle country trundle "Heaven Knows"--the album's highlight and possibly Velvet Crush's finest few minutes.--Andrew Mueller