Black Velvet was recorded by Madeline and the Black Velvet Band in between national and international tour dates. Inspired by Neil Young s producer David Briggs work, Madeline followed the strategy of On The Beach and Tonight s the Night - recording whenever and wherever they could find a couple of micro- phones, and focusing on capturing the energy of a live show. Black Velvet sounds like an Arthur Russel record one minute, all bedroom pop and private crooning, while turning around and twisting into dark Jefferson Airplane-esque psychedelia the next. Madeline s signature Karen Carpenter/Neko Case meets The Carter Family southern ballads still make an appearance with lyrics about everything from Johnny Cash s career as heaven s angel barber to the joy of talking cops out of DUIs. Black Velvet is one of those albums you can see while you hear; a mental music video for every song. Madeline has finally and fearlessly let her mind, mouth and heart open far enough for everyone to get a good look and the results are nothing short of thrilling.