The Best Thing (Ivy song)

Last updated
"The Best Thing"
Ivy "The Best Thing".jpg
Single by Ivy
from the album Apartment Life
B-side "A Nanny in Manhattan"
ReleasedSeptember 12, 1997 (1997-09-12)
Recorded1997
Studio The Place, Duotone Studios, Compositions
(New York City)
Genre Pop
Length3:43
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Adam Schlesinger
  • Andy Chase
Ivy singles chronology
"I Hate December"
(1996)		"The Best Thing"
(1997)		"I've Got a Feeling"
(1997)

"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.

Contents

It was distributed to radio stations for airplay in September 1997, coinciding with the release of two CD singles. Rumors of a music video for the single circulated during the same month, although one was ultimately never released. "The Best Thing" was also pressed as a 7" jukebox single in Italy, where it was paired with the B-side track "A Nanny in Manhattan", performed by the American band Lilys. music critics praised "The Best Thing", with several calling it one of the catchiest tracks on Apartment Life.

Background and release

"The Best Thing" was taken from Ivy's second studio album, Apartment Life , which was released on October 7, 1997 by Atlantic Records. [1] It was recorded in 1997 in New York City at three different recording studios. [2] The single was released in three formats; the commercial CD single includes the album version of "The Best Thing" while a promotional Italy 7" jukebox single, released by East West Records, used Ivy's song as the A-side and Lilys ' "A Nanny in Manhattan" as the B-side. [3] [4] Another promotional CD single was also created containing the "Video Remix" of the track. [5]

According to the liner notes of the promotional release, Atlantic Records billed "The Best Thing" as Ivy's official debut single. [6] Following its distribution as a physical single, "The Best Thing" was serviced to modern rock and modern adult contemporary radio stations beginning September 12, 1997. [7] The record label had hoped that Ivy would receive considerable radio airplay, in light of musical trends during the same time period when Apartment Life was scheduled to be released. Michael Krumper, the vice president of product development for Atlantic Records, predicted this, given that "there are a number of records that have a similar feel to Ivy". [7]

Prior to the scheduled release date for Apartment Life, Ivy was scheduled for a promotional radio tour in September 1997. Around this same time, Billboard announced that a music video for "The Best Thing" would complete filming and production by the end of the same month; [7] however, an official video was never released for the single, despite another Billboard article describing preparations for filming in November of that same year. [8] [9]

Composition and production

"The Best Thing" was written by Dominique Durand, Adam Schlesinger and Andy Chase, with the latter two also serving as producers. Paul Q. Kolderie and Sean Slade contributed as the mixers, with Matthew Ellard serving as an assistant mixer; Bob Ludwig finalized the mastering and James Iha contributed backing vocals to the track. [2] It was recorded in New York City in 1997 at three recording studios: The Place, Duotone Studios, and Compositions. [5] A pop song, [10] it features "rippling atmospherics" and a "punk-ish guitar", with a user from Sputnikmusic commenting that it may have been influenced by the American band Pixies. [11] Its production consists of a "briskly strummed" acoustic guitar and a triplet-playing keyboard. [12] Durand "stretch[es] out each syllable" while singing in a style that is reminiscent of the German musician Nico during the lyrics: "She's driving fast / She took the family car / She's getting high / She's never slipped so far". As the chorus begins, she repeats "It's the best thing / She's ever had" regularly alongside several guitars. [12]

Critical reception

"The Best Thing" was praised by music critics. AllMusic's Jack Rabid was extremely positive, calling it a "true single with a chorus that is to swoon and croon for". [1] Vickie Gilmer and Ira Robbins from Trouser Press described the song as an "engaging opener" and lauded it and album track "I've Got a Feeling" for being catchy. [13] Frank Tortorici from MTV News agreed, and predicted that it would likely "succeed at radio if given a chance". [10] Calling it "sensuous", Stephen Thompson from The A.V. Club claimed that the rest of Apartment Life does not match the quality of "The Best Thing", but also stated that the entire album "never slips too far" because the end product includes "impeccably tasteful performances". [14]

Track listings and formats

Credits and personnel

Management
Personnel

Credits and personnel adapted from Apartment Life. [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Believe in a Thing Called Love</span> 2003 single by the Darkness

"I Believe in a Thing Called Love" is a song by English rock band the Darkness, released as the third single from their debut studio album, Permission to Land. When released as a single in September 2003, it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song also charted worldwide, becoming a top-10 hit in Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden, as well as on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">True (Ryan Cabrera song)</span> 2004 single by Ryan Cabrera

"True" a song by American musician Ryan Cabrera, released as the second single from his second studio album, Take It All Away (2004), on October 11, 2004. The song peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number eight on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 in January 2005.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Would You Be Happier?</span> 2001 single by the Corrs

"Would You Be Happier?" is a single by Irish band the Corrs, taken from their greatest hits album Best of The Corrs (2001). The song was first released in Australia on 1 October 2001 and was issued in Europe later the same month. The single reached number 10 in New Zealand and number 14 in the United Kingdom, becoming a top-40 hit in several other countries as well. In the United States, a live version of the track was released in March 2002 and charted within the Billboard Adult Contemporary top 40.

<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.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Hate December</span> Single by American band Ivy

"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.

<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.

<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">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. 1 2 Rabid, Jack. "Ivy – Apartment Life". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 20, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 Apartment Life (Liner notes). Ivy. Atlantic. 1997. 83042-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. 1 2 "The Best Thing" (Liner notes / CD single). Ivy. Atlantic. 1997. PRCD 8556-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. 1 2 "The Best Thing" / "A Nanny in Manhattan" (Liner notes / 7" single). Ivy, Lilys (Promotional ed.). East West. 1997. 060000825-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. 1 2 3 "The Best Thing" (Liner notes / CD single). Ivy. Atlantic. 1997. PRCD 8369.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ "Discog". The Band Ivy. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  7. 1 2 3 Rosen, Craig (September 6, 1997). "Atlantic Sees Green in Ivy". Billboard . Vol. 109, no. 36. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 26. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  8. ↑ Reece, Doug (November 22, 1997). "Popular Uprisings". Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 47. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 23. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Video". The Band Ivy. Archived from the original on June 26, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  10. 1 2 Tortorici, Frank (October 23, 1998). "Archive: New Album From Ivy". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  11. ↑ EndSerenading (July 13, 2010). "Ivy: Apartment Life". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  12. 1 2 "Ivy, "Apartment Life"". Haunted Jukebox. December 11, 2016. Archived from the original on December 30, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  13. ↑ Gilmer, Vickie; Robbins, Ira. "Ivy / Brookville". Trouser Press . Archived from the original on March 17, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  14. ↑ Thompson, Stephen (March 29, 2002). "Ivy: Apartment Life". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2017.

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.