Ivy is Dominique Durand, Andy Chase, and Adam Schlesinger. Durand and Chase (who date each other) are in another band together called Paco. Chase also has a solo project called Brookside. Schlesinger is otherwise involved in one of the greatest power-pop bands the world has ever known: Fountains of Wayne (note: don't even think about arguing with me on this). Furthermore, he's a record exec when he finds the time, a sought-after producer, and has written a number of movie soundtrack gems, most notably the namesake of the film That Thing You Do.

For what basically amounts to a part-time band, Ivy have managed to accomplish remarkable things. The list of TV and movie soundtracks they've contributed to is a mile long, and the critical acclaim for their fantastic most recent release,

, is eye catching to say the least. Michael Mikesell at PopMatters acknowledges the possibility that a future release might blow the doors off, but says "Right here and right now, Ivy fans have the band's best album right in front of them." Pitchfork has gone so far as to call Ivy's "brand of jetset pop...so aerodynamic and mature, so sophisticated and airtight," which is probably a compliment (though you never really can tell with those guys).

The airy sensuality of Durand's voice elicits comparisons to Stereolab, Stars, Camera Obscura, and what the heck, The Cardigans. But the vocals aren't the only reason to check out this band. Schlesinger's bass parts are simple and elegant, and the guitars (whether from Chase or any of the numerous album guests) are inspired but not overpowering. This is great chill-out music. Saturday night walking home alone after the bars close music.

It's just too hard to pick 3 or 4 songs that you should hear, so start with these 5:
Thinking About You (

)
Keep Moving ()
Four In The Morning ()
Tess Don't Tell () -- Features James Iha on lead guitar. Yes, that James Iha.
I've Got You Memorized ()

Bonus: Ivy's 2001 album

is also available on Amie Street, featuring the absolutely phenomenal song Edge Of The Ocean (). You know it's good because it's been in like 4 different episodes of Veronica Mars. So you know...check that out too.