"Fantastic to have (The?) Velvet Crush back so quickly, especially with such a fantastic album, particularly as their last, "Heavy Changes", was complete and utter bollocks in places. Thankfully, Chastain & Menck have realised this and tried to write the album of their lives. They've failed, of course (they suceeded on their 1994 masterpiece "Teenage Symphonies To God"), but have certainly come close: closer "Ballad Of Yesteryear", trite title excused, is probably their finest moment. Whether this return to form will inpire them to play some Scottish dates is unlikely, but at it sounds like they've tried this time..."
Modern-day Pop-Masters Return!!!!
11/01/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Velvet Crush's new album is their most satisfying since 1994's neglected masterpiece "Teenage Symphonies to God" and a return to form after 1998's slightly disappointing "Heavy Changes". Ranging from crisp, melodic power-pop to lovely Gene Clark-esque country rock this is a breath of fresh air for folk - like me - who detest the bombastic sounds of most independent music. The Crush who are now officially a duo (Ric Menck & Paul Chastain) are again helped out by buddy Matthew Sweet, who co-wrote two of the tracks. My favourite tracks are the lilting country-rocker "Heaven Knows" and the shimmering "Gentle Breeze". Definitely one of the best 20-or-so releases of 1999. File next to Teenage Fanclub, Matthew Sweet and The Byrds."
Serendipity Serendopity, with Emphasis on the Dope!
Giordano Bruno | Wherever I am, I am. | 02/03/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here's bit of ama-glitch humor for the ages!
I ran a search for 'Edward Wickham' - the director of The Clerks' Group, a Renaissance vocal consort - and found him listed, along with several other familiar Early Music stars, as members of "Velvet Crush", a pop group described as follows:
""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.""
Eureka! I thought. So Eddy Wickham has a secret identity...
But then I played the samples.
I think I'll leave that surprise for others to experience on their own ..."
More of the same a good thing
Clay Mallory | Kansas | 02/29/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Just a quick comment - this is another really strong album by Velvet Crush. But to my ears, somthing is wrong with the production. Though obviously not recorded in mono, the sound is very flat, like something out an AM radio. At first I thought my headphones weren't plugged in all the way - that sort of idea. It doesn't matter as much without headphones, but it bothered me knowing these great songs could sound even better. For great playing by the guys from Velvet Crush, check out Duffy's self titled CD,produced my Mitch Easter."
The Velvet Crush Grow Up
Amanda Nichols | Boston, MA | 02/03/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As was the case with Matthew Sweet's latest release (In Reverse), the Velvet Crush have developed a richer tone without eliminating the catchy pop hooks that make this band sound so great. This is the only record of 1999 that I picked up purely on a recommendation. I was well rewarded. With few execeptions, the tracks on this CD will be well worn. This is one of very few CDs that I can return to and hear something new every time. Not exactly a classic, but pretty close."
Track Listings (36) - Disc #1
