I Hate December

Last updated

"I Hate December"
Ihatedecember.jpg
"I Hate December (Remix)" cover
Single by Ivy
from the EP Lately
ReleasedJanuary 12, 1996
Recorded1994
Studio
Genre
Length2:34
Label Scratchie
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Andy Chase
  • Adam Schlesinger
  • Peter Nashel
Ivy singles chronology
"Don't Believe a Word"
(1995)		"I Hate December"
(1996)		"The Best Thing"
(1997)

"I Hate December" (stylized as "i hate december") is a song by American band Ivy, released on January 12, 1996 by Scratchie Records. The track came from the band's first extended play, Lately (1994). It was written and produced by Andy Chase and Adam Schlesinger, while Dominique Durand also contributed to the lyrics and Peter Nashel handled additional production. While the version that appeared on Lately was not released as a commercial single, a remix was created and distributed as a CD single instead.

Contents

I Hate December has a darker theme compared to most holiday songs, with Durand singing about her dreams and fears of death. MTV host Matt Pinfield even compared to the 1982 Fear single "Fuck Christmas". "I Hate December" received praise for its songwriting and uniqueness. A music video directed and produced by Doug Werby was filmed and released in 1995. The video, which shows Ivy performing in a restaurant, received regular rotation on MTV2's music program 120 Minutes in 1996.

Background and composition

"I Hate December" was initially included on Ivy's debut extended play, Lately (1994), which was released by Seed Records. The composition was written by Dominique Durand, Andy Chase, and Adam Schlesinger, with the latter two and Peter Nashel tackling its production. [1] The single was recorded in 1994 during sessions at The Place in New York City and Studio I'Hôpital Éphémère in Paris. Ted Jensen handled the mastering of "I Hate December" (and the rest of the material on Lately) at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City. [2]

After Ivy ended their partnership with Seed and signed with Scratchie Records in late 1995, a remix of the single was created and released as a CD single on January 12, 1996. [3] [4] The physical single contained the remix, an extended remix and the album version of "I Hate December"; it was issued in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and in the latter country, it was simultaneously released by Mercury Records in a limited edition jewel box set. [5]

In general, "I Hate December" has a darker theme that is rarely heard in Christmas music. Durand talks about her fears of death, singing: "All I know is what I dream / But lately dreams have been such scary things / Of suicide and frozen ice over my pale body". [6] Trouser Press editor Ira A. Robbins joked that with Lately, Ivy was attempting to bring French pop music back into the American music industry. [7] In his book The Trouser Press Guide to '90s Rock, Robbins and Vickie Gilmer summarized it as an "original [...] wah-wahing" song recorded in the "City of Lights". [8] On an episode of the MTV2 music program 120 Minutes , Schlesinger described the message behind "I Hate December" as "anti-Christian". In response, host Matt Pinfield compared the lyrics and inspiration behind "I Hate December" to "that Fear single [released] years ago" (referring to that band's 1982 single "Fuck Christmas"). [9]

Critical reception

Nitsuh Abebe from AllMusic positively reviewed the track (and Lately), claiming that "I Hate December" and the four other tracks allow "their dreamier elements [to] come straight from the group's songwriting"; he also liked the production, describing it as "delicate" and "gentle". [10] Indi from Canadian Atheist remarked that the single is "lovely" and applauded Ivy for disobeying the rules of a traditional holiday song. [6] Longtime friend and collaborator D'arcy Wretzky labeled the track as her "favorite Ivy song". [9]

Music video

The official music video for "I Hate December" was directed and produced by Doug Werby sometime in 1995. [11] The black and white video opens with Ivy performing live at a restaurant, continuing until the bridge of the song, when blurry close-ups of the band members are shown. On the November 17, 1996 episode of 120 Minutes, the official music video for "I Hate December" was played for promotional purposes, in addition to the music videos for Catherine's 1997 single "Four Leaf Clover" and Fountains of Wayne's 1996 single "Radiation Vibe". [9]

Track listing

CD single [4]
No.TitleLength
1."I Hate December" (remix)2:40
2."I Hate December" (extended remix)4:39
3."I Hate December" (original version)2:34

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of the "I Hate December" CD single. [4]

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
United States [4] January 12, 1996CDScratchie
United Kingdom [5] Mercury

Related Research Articles

<i>Apartment Life</i> 1997 studio album by Ivy

Apartment Life is the second studio album by American band Ivy, released by Atlantic Records on October 6, 1997. After being dropped from Seed Records following the release of Realistic in 1995, the group signed to Atlantic due to connections that Adam Schlesinger had with the record label. In addition to band members Andy Chase and Schlesinger, the album was produced by Lloyd Cole and Peter Nashel. In contrast to their previous releases, such as Lately (1994) and Realistic, Apartment Life is a pop album with varying forms of production consisting of keyboards, brass, and string instruments. Some of the compositions featured on the record were compared to the works of My Bloody Valentine, Pixies, and the Smiths. To promote the album, Ivy embarked on a series of promotional tours across the United States.

<i>In the Clear</i> 2005 studio album by Ivy

In the Clear is the fifth studio album by American band Ivy. It was released on March 1, 2005 in the United States by Nettwerk. Considered the "follow-up" to Ivy's third studio album Long Distance (2000), it continues the intimate and refined approach of modern indie pop and indie rock music. Band members Andy Chase and Adam Schlesinger produced the album, while musician Steve Osborne co-produced one of the album's tracks.

<i>Long Distance</i> (Ivy album) 2000 studio album by Ivy

Long Distance is the third studio album by the American band Ivy. It was released on November 8, 2000, in Japan, while the US version was released on July 10, 2001, by Nettwerk. A departure from Ivy's previous studio albums Realistic (1995) and Apartment Life (1997), Long Distance was influenced by new wave, but maintained Ivy's signature blend of indie pop and indie rock music. Ivy collaborated with long-time producer Peter Nashel for two of the album's tracks, while the rest were written and produced entirely by members Andy Chase and Adam Schlesinger.

<i>All Hours</i> 2011 studio album by Ivy

All Hours is the sixth and final studio album by American band Ivy, released by Nettwerk on September 20, 2011. Following 2005's In the Clear, the members took a hiatus from music, allowing Andy Chase and Adam Schlesinger to work on side projects and Dominique Durand and Chase to begin raising a family. After reuniting in 2008, they started work on a project exploring a new sound following concerns that their songs would become obsolete and unimaginative due to their break. All Hours features 11 songs written and produced by Chase and Schlesinger; they take influence from electropop, indie pop and synth-pop music. Unlike their previous albums, All Hours experiments more with electronic music and contains tracks reminiscent of the music from the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edge of the Ocean</span> 2001 single by Ivy

"Edge of the Ocean" is a song by the American band Ivy for their third studio album, Long Distance (2000). Lead singer Dominique Durand wrote the song with band members Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, who both produced it. It was released as the album's lead single in the United States in June 2001, through Nettwerk. Various physical singles were distributed throughout the following year, in addition to an adult alternative airplay release in the US. The song is an electronic-inspired trip hop pop ballad with minimal and simplistic lyrics. Durand's vocals were described as childlike and compared to those of Karen Carpenter. American musician Michael Hampton, a member of Durand and Chase's other band Paco, contributes to the track's instrumentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucy Doesn't Love You</span> 2000 single by Ivy

"Lucy Doesn't Love You" is a song by American band Ivy for their third studio album, Long Distance (2000). Lead singer Dominique Durand wrote the song with band members Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, who both produced it. In 2000, it was chosen as the album's lead single in Japan and distributed via Chase's Unfiltered Records label. Musically, the song was described as a melodic, horn-led trip hop and synth-pop track. Its lyrics find a woman confronting a lovestruck man who desires a different woman, named Lucy, who is not in love with him. American musician Eric Matthews performs trumpet on "Lucy Doesn't Love You", alongside Paco member Michael Hampton, who contributes to the song's instrumentation.

"Disappointed" is a song by American indie rock band Ivy. It was released as the second single from their third studio album, Long Distance (2000). It was released exclusively in the United States on July 10, 2001 by Nettwerk. The release was simultaneous with the release of '"Edge of the Ocean". The track was written by Dominique Durand, Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, while production was handled by the latter two and Peter Nashel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Is the Day (Ivy song)</span> 1998 single by Ivy

"This Is the Day" is a song by American band Ivy, included on their second studio album, Apartment Life (1997). It was released as the record's third single in the United States on October 19, 1998 by 550 Music following its inclusion in the 1998 American comedy film There's Something About Mary. The group had just been dropped by Atlantic Records but eventually signed to 550 Music after they reissued the parent album. The track was written by Dominique Durand, Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, with the latter two producing it. It is a pop and alternative pop song that features the use of horns and was compared to the works of the Smiths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I've Got a Feeling (Ivy song)</span> 1997 single by Ivy

"I've Got a Feeling" is a song by American band Ivy, recorded for their second studio album, Apartment Life (1997). It was released as the record's second single in the United States and Australia on October 7, 1997 and 1998 by Atlantic Records, respectively. The track was written by Dominique Durand, Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, with the latter two plus Lloyd Cole and Peter Nashel handling its production. It is a pop song accompanied by light vocals and a horn section, with Durand gently singing about falling in love, over several layers of guitars and relaxed harmonies.

<i>Guestroom</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Ivy

Guestroom is the fourth studio album by the band Ivy. It was released on September 10, 2002 by Minty Fresh and Unfiltered Records. Unlike the group's previous albums, the album consisted entirely of cover songs, without any new material. Some of the songs featured on the album were previously released as B-sides to the band's singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Don't Know Anything</span> 1999 single by Ivy

"You Don't Know Anything" is a song by American indie rock band Ivy. It was released by Atlantic Records on April 29, 1999 as the fourth and final single from their second studio album, Apartment Life (1997). The single was made available exclusively in Europe and featured the same two B-sides as previous single, "This Is the Day", which had been released by 550 Music in Austria. The track was written by Dominique Durand, Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase while production was handled by the latter two and Peter Nashel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Enough (Ivy song)</span> 1994 single by Ivy

"Get Enough" is the debut single by American band Ivy, released in 1994 by Seed Records. It was included as the opening track for their first studio album, Realistic (1995). It was composed by band members Dominique Durand, Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, and produced by the latter two and Kurt Ralske. The song was conceived while the band was creating material for their first extended play, Lately (1994), a project that Durand was initially reluctant to work on. Its production, along with the rest of Realistic, was inspired by French musicians and exhibits a folk rock and pop sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beautiful (Ivy song)</span> 1995 promotional single by Ivy

"Beautiful" is a song by American band Ivy from their debut studio album Realistic (1995). A remixed version of the song was issued as a promotional single and distributed as a CD single in 1995 by Seed Records. It features an acoustic version of the trio's single "Don't Believe a Word" as a bonus track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Best Thing (Ivy song)</span> 1997 single by Ivy

"The Best Thing" is a song by American band Ivy on their second studio album, Apartment Life (1997). Released on September 12, 1997 by Atlantic Records, it was the band's major-label debut single and served as the parent album's lead single. The track was written by Dominique Durand, Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, and was produced by the latter two. A pop song, "The Best Thing" is accompanied by several guitars and a keyboard.

<i>Lately</i> (EP) 1994 EP by Ivy

Lately is the first extended play recorded by American band Ivy, released in May 1994 by Seed Records. Developed in the same year as the formation of the group, Lately is a French pop album with acoustic and general pop influences. Originally conceived by members Dominique Durand and Andy Chase, the pair recruited Adam Schlesinger for additional production and lyrics. Sessions took place in New York City and Paris, where they recorded four original tracks and a cover of Orange Juice's 1984 song "I Guess I'm Just a Little Too Sensitive".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Distant Lights (song)</span> 2011 single by Ivy

"Distant Lights" is a song by American indie rock band Ivy. It was released as the lead single from their sixth studio album, All Hours (2011). It was issued in the United States on June 7, 2011 as a digital download by Nettwerk. The single was written and produced by Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fascinated (Ivy song)</span> 2011 single by Ivy

"Fascinated" is a song by American band Ivy. It was released as the second single from their sixth studio album, All Hours (2011), and made available for digital download on July 26, 2011 by Nettwerk in the United States. The song was written and produced by both Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase. An electronica song, "Fascinated" uses keyboards and a repetitive, simple chorus throughout its duration; Ivy's take on the production was called "European" by one critic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digging Your Scene</span> 1986 song performed by The Blow Monkeys

"Digging Your Scene" is a song recorded by English band the Blow Monkeys for their second studio album, Animal Magic (1986). The single was released in February 1986 as the second one from the parent record. It was written by lead singer Dr. Robert, while Howard, Peter Wilson, and Adam Moesley produced it. Musically a pop, soul, and jazz song, "Digging Your Scene" discusses the hatred and disgust that is associated with individuals who have HIV and AIDS. Several media professionals felt the song's subject matter would be the subject of criticism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ivy discography</span>

American band Ivy has released six studio albums, one extended play (EP), fifteen singles, one promotional single, and eight music videos. After signing to Seed Records, Ivy released their debut EP, Lately, in May 1994. Their debut studio album Realistic was released in February 1995 and produced the singles "Get Enough" and "Don't Believe a Word", along with "Beautiful", which was issued as a promotional single. In 1995, a music video for "I Hate December", a song from Lately, was filmed and released. The song was then distributed as a single in January 1996. Ivy eventually left Seed and signed to Atlantic Records to record their second album Apartment Life, released in October 1997. To promote the album, "The Best Thing", "I've Got a Feeling", "This Is the Day", and "You Don't Know Anything" were made available as singles. Their third album Long Distance was released in Japan in 2000, and the next year in the United States. Three singles were promoted, including "Edge of the Ocean" which peaked at number 160 on the UK Singles Chart, marking their only appearance on that chart.

References

  1. ↑ Lately (Liner notes). Ivy. Seed. 1994. 0 7567-95913-2 6.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ↑ Lately (Reissued edition) (liner notes). Ivy. Unfiltered. 2003. 8 29917 40032 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ↑ Reed, Lou (2000). "Ivy". Schwann Spectrum . 9 (2). Stereophile, Incorporated: 128. ISBN   9781575980782 . Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "I Hate December" (Liner notes/ CD booklet). Ivy. Scratchie. 1996. 601658-7007-26.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. 1 2 "Ivy: Discog". The Band Ivy. Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  6. 1 2 Indi (December 5, 2016). "Indi's alternative holiday playlist – 2016". Canadian Atheist. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  7. ↑ Robbins & Sprague 1997 , p. 367
  8. ↑ Gilmer, Vickie; Robbins, Ira. "Ivy / Brookville". Trouser Press . Archived from the original on March 17, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 Host: Matt Pinfield (November 17, 1996). "James Iha, D'arcy, Adam Schlesinger, & Chris Collingwood". 120 Minutes . Season 11. MTV.
  10. ↑ Abebe, Nitsuh. "Ivy – Lately". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Ivy, Ivy, Ivy – I Hate December". CMT. October 31, 2008. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.

Works cited

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.