Velocity Girl: The Journey and Reunion of Indie Rock Legends
Imagine the indie rock scene of the early ’90s — grunge dominates, but amidst the noise, a shimmering gem emerges. The Washington D.C. band Velocity Girl, with their dream-pop sound and infectious melodies, captured the hearts of fans and critics alike with their captivating blend of dreamy melodies and sweet vocals. Now, after years of silence, they have reunited! Dive into the story of Sarah Shannon and Jim Spellman as we explore their journey from indie darlings to their much-anticipated comeback. This isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a revival indie rock kids of a certain age won’t want to miss. Join us as we delve into their discography, their impact on the era’s music landscape, and explore their lasting legacy.
Who are Velocity Girl? Meet the Band
Taking their name from a Primal Scream track, Velocity Girl was an American alternative rock band formed in 1989 in Washington, D.C. The band consisted of Sarah Shannon on vocals, Archie Moore on guitar, Brian Nelson on bass, and Jim Spellman on drums. One of the key bands associated with the 1990s indie rock and shoegaze scenes, Velocity Girl’s music is characterized by catchy melodies, dreamy guitar textures, and Sarah Shannon’s sweet and distinctive vocals. They gained recognition with their debut album, Copacetic (1993), which received critical acclaim for its blend of pop hooks and shoegaze-inspired guitar work. Their follow-up album Simpatico! (1994) further solidified their place in the alternative rock scene, featuring tracks like “Sorry Again” and “What You Left Behind.” During their short but meaningful career, Velocity Girl was signed with the indie heavyweight Sub Pop and Merge record labels, and they toured extensively, gaining a loyal fanbase that is still recalled fondly. However, the band disbanded in 1996 after releasing their final album, Gilded Stars and Zealous Hearts.
Velocity Girl’s impact on the 1990s alternative rock and shoegaze scenes continues to be recognized, and their music remains a beloved chapter of indie rock history. Their melodic and dreamy sound has left a lasting impression on fans and musicians alike, and they are often remembered as one of the influential bands of the era.
Who influenced the Velocity Girl sound?
The Velocity Girl sound is influenced by the melodic noise pop of The Jesus and Mary Chain and the ethereal and layered shoegazing guitars of My Bloody Valentine. In fact, music writer Gareth Grundy once said that Copacetic sounds like rejected demos for My Bloody Valentine’s Isn’t Anything. Their riffs jangle like R.E.M., and their textures are as sonic as Sonic Youth. Minimalist yet emotional like Galaxie 500, and atmospheric and dreamy as Cocteau Twins, Velocity Girl is absolutely totally RIYL (recommended if you like) the aforementioned bands.
Essential records of the Velocity Girl discography
The debut Velocity Girl album Copacetic was released on Sub Pop in March 1993, and the label also released their follow-up Simpatico! in June 1994. In March 1996, Sub Pop released their third and final record Gilded Stars and Zealous Hearts. In the meantime, Sub Pop released two EPs: the self-titled Velocity Girl (1993) and Sorry Again (1994). The label also released a 7” split with Tsunami in 1992. In 1997, Shute Records released a 7” split with Chisel. But you may be aware of Velocity Girl from the hit Clueless soundtrack, which features the track “My Forgotten Favorite.”
Click on the image to buy the Clueless soundtrack!
Record labels where Velocity Girl found their sound
The seminal independent rock-n-roll record label Sub Pop has released all three (3) full-length albums by Velocity Girl, as well as both their EPs. Additionally, iconic indie labels Slumberland Records, Simple Machines, and Merge Records have all put out singles, splits, and/or compilation albums featuring Velocity Girl songs.
Click on the image to buy Copacetic by Velocity Girl!
What is the best Velocity Girl song?
Popular Velocity Girl tracks like “My Forgotten Favorite” (from the Clueless soundtrack) and “Crazy Town” showcase their knack for catchy hooks and emotional depth while capturing that ’90s indie rock DIY spirit. “Audrey’s Eyes” and “Sorry Again” are two other fan favorites, and of course the title track from their debut album Copacetic. The Content Bash favorite, though, is “Drug Girls,” which epitomizes the mid-90s indie rock aesthetic. Much like Huey Lewis and the News revolutionized the mainstream rock scene with their blend of pop sensibilities and rock ethos, Velocity Girl captured the essence of the alternative rock movement. The song features jangly guitars, a driving rhythm, and lyrics that explore themes of youth and disillusionment. Its infectious hooks and raw emotional energy make it a standout track that highlights the band’s ability to merge dreamy pop melodies with a rock-n-roll edge.
Who is Sarah Shannon of Velocity Girl?
After Velocity Girl disbanded in 1996, Sarah Shannon began a solo career that also included the short-lived band Starry Eyes. In 2002, Sarah Shannon released her self-titled solo album that was produced and co-written by former Pedro the Lion drummer Blake Wescott, which she followed up with 2007’s City Morning Song on Minty Fresh Records. Currently, Sarah Shannon is very active as a member of The Not-Its!, a band that creates a brand of rock-n-roll music for children they call “kindie rock.” The Not-Its! also include Harvey Danger drummer Michael Welke, and have been cranking out records at a breakneck pace for the last decade.
Who is Jim Spellman of Velocity Girl and CNN and CGTN?
Jim Spellman was the drummer for early 1990s American rock-n-roll band Velocity Girl before going onto quite the established career as a journalist for major American news outlets. He has also played with Julie Ocean, and was in High Back Chairs with ex-Minor Threat member Jeff Nelson. Spellman spent more than a decade at CNN cover some of the biggest events of the 21st century, and the dude was even part of a team that won a Peabody Award in 2005. Since 2013, Jim Spellman has been a correspondent at CGTN America. Jim Spellman is normcore enough to have a bland LinkedIn profile, and yet hardcore enough to voluntarily get Tasered by Taser technology for a 2008 CNN segment. Jim Spellman is kinda punk af.
Did Velocity Girl reunite?
Yes! Velocity Girl reunited to perform at the 30th anniversary of Black Cat, the popular rock-n-roll venue in Washington D.C. in September 2023. It was their first live show since 2002 — more than 20 years! The seminal band also played another reunion show at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City that same month. As for future show dates, check out their Bandcamp page or their Instagram for the most up-to-date information. If you missed any of those reunion shows and are curious about how Velocity Girl sound these days, here is them playing a crowd-pleasing rendition of “Sorry Again.”
Is there new Velocity Girl material?
In August 2024, Velocity Girl re-released Copacetic as a double LP with fresh new artwork and fully remixed by Archie Moore tunes that includes 7″ material and their B sides, as well as the five-song John Peel Session that originally broadcasted in 1992. According to their press release from Sub Pop Records, this version of remixed and expanded Copacetic is “the record the band should have made” back in 1992. If you love Velocity Girl, then the reissue of Copacetic with alternate takes and previously unreleased material should be an excellent experience.
Click on the image to buy Ultracopacetic by Velocity Girl!
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Image Credit: via Wikimedia Commons
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