FREE: Congratulations...I'm Sorry (CD, 1996)

Album Notes
Gin Blossoms: Robin Wilson (vocals, acoustic guitar); Jesse Valenzuela (guitar, vocals); Scott Johnson (guitar, background vocals); Bill Leen (bass, background vocals); Phillip Rhodes (drums, percussion, background vocals).
Additional personnel: Rick Purcell (acoustic guitar); Robbie Turner (pedal steel guitar); Rick Steff (accordion); Art Neville (Hammond B-3 organ).
Recorded at Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee and Vintage Recorders, Phoenix, Arizona.
"As Long As It Matters" was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.
CONGRATULATIONS I'M SORRY continues the Gin Blossoms' power pop ways--all jangly guitars, striking hooks, and unshakable choruses. There is a bit more polish here than on 1992's NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE, which made 'em stars, and the even, well-rounded production allows each member an opportunity to shine, resulting in a strong, harmonious sound. Frontman Robin Wilson sings with sincerity and is unafraid to express real emotion, never falling back on a detatched, rock star-type facade.
After a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, and the sense of anticipation intensified by the absence of guitarist and songwriter Doug Hopkins (who left the band in 1992 and committed suicide the following year), CONGRATULATIONS is a gratifying payoff. Lyrically, the Gin Blossoms may sound somewhat less bittersweet, but on the strength of sheer pop content, they continue to satisfy.
Personnel: Jesse Valenzuela (vocals, guitar); Robin Wilson (vocals, acoustic guitar); Scott A. Johnson (guitar, background vocals); Rick Purcell (acoustic guitar); Rick Steff (accordion); Art Neville (organ); Phillip Rhodes (drums, percussion, background vocals); Bill Leen (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: John Hampton.