Aural Fixations

THE VELVET CRUSH
Free Expression (Expanded)
(Action Musik)
The Velvet Crush is one of those bands revered in the underground pop scene but unknown to the general public. Originally released in 1999 and reissued under the band's own Action Musik imprint, Free Expression is its fourth album, and, some say, its best. Whether that's true or not I can't say, but there's no doubt that it's a fine power pop record that heartily deserves to be rescued from out-of-print oblivion. Joined by their friends Matthew Sweet and Greg Leisz, multi-instrumentalists Paul Chastain and Ric Menck concoct a sparkling tapestry of hooks, harmonies and jangles, with auxiliary bits like harpsichord beds, synth licks and trumpet blurts. Tunes like "Kill Me Now," "All Together" and "Goin' to My Head" (a hit single if I've ever heard one—too bad Clear Channel is in charge) loudly make a strong case for guitar-based pop as a continually refreshed art form. "The Ballad of Yesteryear" sounds Beatleseque without blatantly ripping off a Beatles classic. "Heaven Knows," "Gentle Breeze" and the lovely acoustic haiku "Things Get Better" make melody their watchword, exploiting the folk/country lilt that has always helped the Crush stand out from the power pop pack. This edition also includes a bonus disk of Chastain's demos for the record, including an early version of "Please Don't Take Me Down," which would reappear fully formed on 2002's Soft Sounds. As a bonus, track-by-track commentary from Menck and Chastain is included in the liner notes. It's unlikely that this refreshed version of Free Expression will make the band huge at this late date, but it should be regarded as a pop classic anyway. Michael Toland [buy it]