Palo Alto Pop Overthrow

"I’m writing a teenage symphony to God."
-Brian Wilson

The leader of The Beach Boys once said that about his album "Smile", then very much a work in progress, which ended up not being finished for decades. In the mid-90s, the pop/rock band Velvet Crush released an album that tipped their collective hats to Mr. Wilson. The Crush brought in Mitch Easter to produce a record tinged with harder rock, moments of alt country, and lots of melodious guitar hooks.

Ric Menck drums for the band, having also worked with the likes of The Pernice Brothers and Matthew Sweet. Paul Chastain provides the vocals and bass, and Jeffrey Borchardt rocks the guitar.

Favorite tracks: 11. Star Trip, 5. Atmosphere, 3. Why Not Your Baby (originally by Gene Clark), 1. Hold Me Up


"Atmosphere" performed by Velvet Crush with Matthew Sweet
Label: Creation Records
RIYL: Matthew Sweet, Sloan
Four stars.

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