Nettwerk Records
2001
Ivy
Long Distance
About This Album
"Long distance" doesn't only mean annoying calls from MCI, Sprint, and AT&T marketers mangling your name. In the case of this sinewy New York trio, it's a tribute to perseverance. Riding high in 1998 with a wonderful sophomore LP, Apartment Life, and two fine songs in the hit film There's Something About Mary, the group suddenly found its momentum dashed. Dropped by not one, but two major labels, Ivy further suffered the near-crippling loss of its recording studio, as fireman hacked it to pieces fighting a bagel-shop blaze. Then two of its members became parents together, while the other found himself a critical smash with his other band, Fountains of Wayne. Had they a permanent drummer, doubtless he would have spontaneously combusted. And had Ivy surrendered, well, in words their Paris-born singer would understand, se la guerre.

But Ivy refused to go "down in flames," and Long Distance is a charming product of belief that wouldn't be deterred (hell, even when we first heard this LP last fall, it was only a Japanese import!). While retaining their streamlined, catchy pop and Dominique Durand's gorgeous cooing, they've doubled the textural foundation while also amping up the groove and swing.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9)

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