1. Ivy - In the clear

*Reprinted from Cash’s “Top 5 of 2005″ list

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Ivy continues to outdo themselves with each subsequent album, and In the clear is the jewel in an already impressive crown.  Washes of hypnotic reverb bathe the emotive guitar work while subtle synthetics dance just beneath the surface.. The words here are a lyrical journey through the fading twilight of a relationship whose sun has almost set. As ITC progresses it becomes clear that sometimes, fires die but embers keep burning.

This album, and the emotional (and physical) collapse it evoked in me during their awe inspiring performance I attended in NYC will never be repeated, nor forgotten. 

A masterpiece.

Standouts:

  • Keep moving (Oh. My. Gawd.)
  • I’ve got you memorized
  • Thinking about you

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