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 Expression finds Velvet Crush remaining loyal to their founding principles: an abiding and guiding love of Big Star and the Raspberries, and a certain spiritual kinship with Teenage Fanclub and the Posies. 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