The Irises and their debut album Not Good In Bed would have made the top spot of my Best of 2004 list last year, if the Beastie Boys hadn’t also released To The 5 Boroughs as well. Actually, I would have liked to have listed both albums as best of last year, but wasn’t allowed to, so the edging out occurred. Still, I’d like to key you all in on to this fantastic group, especially those of ye who are into power pop or melodic pop of the three-minute variety. I’m still spinning this disc regularly, and that’s truly saying something after a whole year.
The band is fronted by lead singer Roxanne Heichert. She’s got one of those voices that you can get into instantly, which is great, because the music appeales instantly as well. My fave songs on the album are “Perfect Boyfriend,” “I’m That Fool,” and “Loneliness,” but all the songs here are top notch. The Irises understand the whole less-is-more ethic, too. Ten songs and thirty some-odd minutes. Just like the old days. Hopefully they’ll put a new album out soon that’s just as excellent as the debut, but until then you can check out their official homepage and listen to clips of the songs there. However, this is one of those grooves that definitely should be purchased as well. If you missed ’em, check ’em out now.
