finetune artist: Ivy

Comprising Dominique Durand (b. Paris, France), her husband Andy Chase (multi instrumentalist) and Adam Schlesinger (multi instrumentalist), this offbeat US pop band's profile rose in the 90s as a consequence of Schlesinger's other musical project, Fountains Of Wayne. Schlesinger is also the joint founder of Scratchie Records with James Iha and D'Arcy Wretzky of Smashing Pumpkins. Ivy's sound proved to be slightly divorced from the lo-fi pop of Fountains Of Wayne; Durand's breathy vocals, in particular, added a touch of grandiloquence to a musical backing compared to artists including Stereolab and the Cardigans. The band's debut album, released prior to the success of Schlesinger's extracurricular activities, received strong reviews but disappointing sales. Their second effort, Apartment Life, was completed in a piecemeal fashion due to his increased workload and touring commitments with Fountains Of Wayne. The better songs on Apartment Life included "This Is The Day" and "Baker", both featuring a prominent horn section. Chris Collingwood and Jody Porter of Fountains Of Wayne also contributed to the album, as did drummer Stanley Demeski (ex-Luna). The producers were Kolderie And Slade. Durand also returned the compliment by singing backing vocals on Fountains Of Wayne's debut set. For touring purposes, Ivy were joined in late 1997 by Brian Young, also of the Posies and, inevitably, Fountains Of Wayne. The following year they contributed "This Is The Day' to the soundtrack of the Farrelly brothers" movie There's Something About Mary. An excellent third studio set was released after a long gap in 2001, which was quickly followed by the all-covers album Guestroom. Chase also records under the Brookville moniker.

Listen to Ivy at Finetune.

(2007) Guestroom
(2005) In The Clear
(2003) Be About It
(1997) Apartment Life
(1995) Realistic

I've Got a Feeling
The Best Thing
Thinking About You
L'Anamour
Feel So Free