Singer/songwriter
Melissa Ferrick emerged in 1994 as part of a group of new female alternative singer/songwriters, much in the vein of
Liz Phair.
Ferrick began singing in coffeehouses after dropping out of college, eventually winding up in Boston. Her major breakthrough arrived one night when she replaced
Morrissey's opening act less than an hour before showtime.
Ferrick's performance impressed
Morrissey and he invited her to open for him during the rest of the tour. The tour earned her a small cult following as well as a contract with Atlantic Records. She released her debut album,
Massive Blur, in 1994 to good reviews; the critical reception for her stripped-down second album,
Willing to Wait, earned even stronger reviews.
Everything I Need followed in 1998, and in early 2000
Ferrick returned with
Freedom. Capturing her enigmatic stage persona,
Ferrick issued
Skinnier, Faster, Live at the B.P.C. in early 2001. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide