Long Distance

2000年11月にリリースされた3枚目のスタジオ・アルバムが2枚組LPで再発です。彼らのブレイクスルー・アルバムとして多くの人に評価されたアルバムで、インディー・ポップとロックの融合を保ちながら、トリップ・ホップやニュー・ウェイヴの影響を強く受けています。1996年のアルバムのレコーディング中に作られた楽曲やリミックスと"Edge of the Ocean"のオリジナル・デモなどを収録。

"Long distance" doesnt only mean annoying calls from MCI, Sprint, and AT&T marketers mangling your name. In the case of this sinewy New York trio, its a tribute to perseverance. Riding high in 1998 with a wonderful sophomore LP, Apartment Life, and two fine songs in the hit film Theres 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 wouldnt 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 Durands gorgeous cooing, theyve doubled the textural foundation while also amping up the groove and swing. Not really a dance-music band, theres still an undeniable foot-shaking root to Ivys smooth, limber rhythms, while the guitars shimmer and the bass undulates with deep bottom low end. These are the perfect beds for Durands French-accented vocals to lie in, as she alternates from dry and wet vocals that accentuate her blithe sensuality. Her performance needs to be this sweet, as the lyrics are unremarkable, encroaching on cliche; as weve seen so often, great singing transforms nothing-special lines such as "And for a moment Im back again/Remembering what you once meant" (the standout "Blame it on Yourself") into tiny daggers of honest emotion. But aside from Durands star qualities, its her hubby Andy Chase and Fountains pal Adam Schlesingers writing and production that are the keys. Whether the wonderful neo-deampop gauze of the opening gem, "Undertow," the lax trip-hop of "I Think of You," or the acoustic-amiable "Lets Stay Inside" (with Herb Albert-like trumpet from the great Eric Matthews, who really needs to make another LP!!!), or the bossa nova-breezy flavors elsewhere, these folks understand lithe and pleasant, smile-producing pop. Perhaps the group could come out of their sugar-rush friendliness on occasion, as Apartment Lifes more powerful, denser "You Dont Know Anything" did so well. But the absorbing production and inventive instrumentation/arrangements enliven. No, in fact, Long Distance is often subtly honeyed and luscious, leading you into its graceful moodiness like a nice day beckons you outdoors. May their next trip be less taxing. ~ Jack Rabid