I don't know about you guys but
I had an incredibly long weekend that was full of more work then it should
have been. I did have one highlight this weekend though and it was
listening to something that was brought to my attention through a Myspace
message last week. I know about so many great artists but sometimes I
am convinced that the list of great artists that I don't know about is even
longer. This is especially evident when something like Ivy League,
which is the work of longtime friends Alex Suarez and Ryland Blackinton,
just suddenly falls in my lap one day and proceeds to become of my favorite
releases of the year. You guys are going to adore Ivy League and their
lovely style of indie pop, this is definitely what you need to help get the
week off to a good start. Enjoy.
:Ivy League - London Bridges:
To the untrained ear this will immediately sound like something Belle and
Sebastian did when you weren't looking. Luckily your ears are trained
and this song does not disappoint in filling them with some of the most
lovely indie pop ever constructed. London Bridges is incredibly
catchy and I am absolutely in love with every part of Ivy League. The
vocals are as sweet as can be, the lyrics are witty, and the mix of electric
and acoustic guitars makes for an interesting listen. This comes
highly recommended.
:Ivy
League - Crown Of Love (Arcade Fire Cover) Removed
at Artist's Request: There is something about the original version of this song that is so
beautiful and sad, especially with lines like "if you still want me,
please forgive me." Now given that statement I have to say that I have
never for an instance imagined this song being performed by anyone outside
of The Arcade Fire. In fact I listened to Ivy League's version three
times in a row in a state of bewilderment that anyone would even try to
cover this thing. Regardless of that I will tell all of you with the
utmost confidence that I think this version is fantastic. I love how
they didn't try to duplicate the original and instead shortened the song
about two minutes while stamping their brand of indie pop all over it.
This is one of my favorite cover songs this year.
Ivy League's debut EP, London Bridges, is available now on
TwentySeven Records and make sure to take a
moment to become their friends on
Myspace.
-
John Laird -
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