My Playlist: Ivy (Releasing 1st Album in 6 Years)

When a cult band releases its first album in six years, you pay attention: The band in question is chill-pop purveyors Ivy, and the album in question is All Hours, out on Nettwerk this week.

Admittedly, the New York City-based trio has been a little busy with side projects since its 2005 release In the Clear — especially Adam Schlesinger, of Fountains of Wayne. And there was the album they recorded in its entirety before deciding it wasn't up to snuff and scrapping the whole project.

But the stars finally aligned, Schlesinger, Dominique Durand, and Andy Chase squirreled away in the studio to create new material (including buzzy first single “Distant Lights” below) and now they're fêting the occasion with a special hometown show at the Gramercy Theatre on Saturday.

The band cooked up a Playlist for us, brainstorming on a road trip back from a Northampton, Mass. gig.

Avi Buffalo, “What's In It For?” -- This guy's voice is so unique and intoxicating. He writes this song in a key almost out of his vocal range, which you can feel in the most wonderful way. There are really cool background vocals in the chorus too which we always love.

Hot Chip, “Boy From School” -- Just a great beat, married with a happy but melancholic feeling.

Kanye West, “Love Lockdown” -- Love this song. Very, VERY sexy and totally dreamy.

Tahiti 80, "Easy" -- These guys are one of the best French bands out there. And the vocal melody and keyboard hook in this song are both undeniably phenomenal.

The Clash, "Train in Vain" -- What can you say about these guys and this song? One of the greatest, most danceable songs, ever. This would make anyone want to start a band.

Metronomy, “She Wants" -- Our favorite band right now. Love their sound -- so fresh, original and super catchy.

Bermuda Star, "Tide Me Over” -- These guys make really cool lo-fi outerspace music. This song's totally addictive.

Prefab Sprout, “Wild Horses” -- One of our favorite all-time bands. This song's pretty weird but it's rooted in such clever lyrics and a masterful vocal delivery from one of the greatest lyricists out there.

The Postmarks, “Goodbye”
-- Sounds like a classic '60s song. This is the best band to ever come from Florida!

The Go-Betweens, “Streets Of Your Town” -- Perfect little pop song from one our top 10 favorite bands ever. Uplifting music against dark, edgy lyrics -- always a good combination. We did a cover of this song on our album Guestroom.

The Smiths, “How Soon Is Now?” -- Fantastic production on this song. The best guitar playing EVER.

House Of Love, “Shine On” -- One of our favorite lead singers. This song has such a great chorus and hooky guitar riff, always melts us to hear it.

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