by Stephen Thomas ErlewineSinger/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.\r