ME LIKEY: This Is Ivy League

Friday, April 11, 2008 | 8:05 AM

About a week ago I was browsing my favorite online celebrity gossip blog, Oh No They Didn't, when I saw a post about This Is Ivy League. The article said they've been compared to Simon & Garfunkel, Belle & Sebastian, and Peter Bjorn & John--thus my interest was piqued. I went to check out some of their music and, lo and behold, I'd already heard them before but just didn't know it!

(left: This is a picture of This Is Ivy League)

This Is Ivy League is the band behind my current favorite song, "London Bridges." I've been hearing it all over the place but had no idea who sang it. If you haven't heard it, I suggest you listen to it as soon as possible because it's sure to put a smile on your face. It's the perfect breezy pop song to listen to on a nice, warm day. And, as it turns out, the rest of the album is just as good! Some songs are a little more jazzy and laid back a la Sondre Lerche, but most of the 11 tracks on the album are upbeat, sunny songs. I think it's safe to say I've found my soundtrack for the summer.

What amazes me most is that these guys are from Brooklyn. A lot of the music coming from that borough is beardy, weirdy, and heavily rock-infused. These guys have decided to do their own thing, which couldn't have been a better decision. I guess if there can be A Sunny Day in Glasgow then there can be a mellow, cozy pop band from Brooklyn.

The band has two New York dates coming up:

4/14 New York, NY @ Knitting Factory with The Mood, New Jerk Times (Record release party)

4/17 Brooklyn, NY @ Sound Fix with Freddie Stevenson

Their debut, self-titled album is out now and available for purchase from their label, Twenty Seven Records.