Disappointed (Ivy song) explained

Disappointed
Type:single
Artist:Ivy
Album:Long Distance
Released:July 10, 2001
Recorded:2000
Studio:
Genre:
Label:Nettwerk
Producer:
  • Adam Schlesinger
  • Andy Chase
  • Peter Nashel
Prev Title:Lucy Doesn't Love You
Prev Year:2000
Next Title:Edge of the Ocean
Next Year:2001

"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.

The single received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who found it "memorable" and admired Durand's vocals. Similar to Ivy's previous material, "Disappointed" is an indie pop and indie rock song. To promote the song, Ivy performed it live on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 2001.

Background and recording

It took several years for Ivy to finalize the material included on the album, due to the birth of lead singer Dominque Durand and musician Andy Chase's daughter, Justine, in 1999.[1] During the album's recording and writing process, Ivy experienced several unexpected events. Following their drop from Epic Records in 1999, the recording suffered further delays after their New York City studio burned down. After being without a record label, they considered signing to Japanese music group EastWest to strengthen their fan base. However, independent record label Nettwerk offered to fund the album; Ivy signed with both labels and began preparing it for a national release.

During recording sessions for the song, Adam Schlesinger and Chase played around with the idea of incorporating new genres into their music; in an interview with Billboard, Ivy stated, "The first songs [we] recorded were jangly and simple and straight-ahead. We started gravitating toward the groovier, slightly more melancholy stuff. It works well with Dominique's voice". With the exploration, Ivy began crafting "stronger" songs, that were less atmospheric than those on their previous studio album, Apartment Life (1997), but contained more "infectious melodies".[2]

Composition and promotion

"Disappointed" was written by Durand, Schlesinger and Chase, while production was handled by Schlesinger, Chase and Peter Nashel. The song is an indie pop and indie rock song, similar to Ivy's signature sound.[3] AllMusic claimed that the single's "taut rhythm and slinky guitars provide a sleekly sexy backdrop for Durand's wistful vocals". A reviewer from indie blogger Baby Sue called it a "strange and haunting composition with an unforgettable chorus."[4] The track was released as a digital download on July 10, 2001, alongside "Edge of the Ocean"; both singles were released to adult alternative radio on the same day.

To promote Long Distance, Ivy performed "Disappointed" live on a 2001 episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien. For the performance, the band members wore large, insulated coats and T-shirts. Chase and Schlesinger provided backup vocals for Durand, while Chase played the guitar and Schlesinger played the keyboards.[5]

Critical response

"Disappointed" received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics. Jonathan Cohen from Billboard praised the track and commented that "Durand's sensual vocals are beguiling as ever".[6] A reviewer from CMJ New Music Monthly enjoyed "the lazy float" of the track, further commenting that "Durand's near-catatonic delivery [is] not a bad idea".[7] AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine complimented the single's production and Durand's vocals,[8] while fellow AllMusic writer Heather Phares enjoyed the intimacy of the song.[9]

Credits and personnel

Credits and personnel adapted from Long Distance liner notes and Andy Chase's discography.[10] [11]

Recording
Personnel

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
United StatesJuly 10, 2001Digital downloadNettwerk
Adult alternative radio

Notes and References

  1. News: Viera. Lauren. The Slow Rise of Ivy. April 17, 2016. Hearsay. June 14, 2001. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20010713042626/http://www.hearsay.cc/features/articles/04-09-06-01/Ivy.html. July 13, 2001.
  2. News: Campbell. Chuck. Ivy's latest, Long Distance. April 17, 2016. The Daily News. August 20, 2001. 127.
  3. Padletta. Michael. Reviews and Previews. April 17, 2016. Billboard. July 21, 2001.
  4. Web site: Ivy – Long Distance (CD, Nettwerk, Pop). Baby Sue. April 17, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160319091458/http://www.babysue.com/LMNOP-Reviews-June-01.html#anchor831204. March 19, 2016.
  5. Web site: Ivy Fan Page. Ivy - Disappointed (Live On Conan O'Brien's Show, 2001). YouTube. April 17, 2016. September 4, 2010.
  6. News: Cohen. Jonathan. Despite Calamities, Nettwerk's Ivy Gets Lift from Far East. April 17, 2016. Billboard. July 7, 2001. 13, 20.
  7. News: CMJ New Music Monthly. August 2001. CMJ. April 17, 2016.
  8. Book: Vladimir Bogdanov. Chris Woodstra. Stephen Thomas Erlewine. Stephen Thomas Erlewine. All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul. 2002. Hal Leonard Corporation. 567. 9780879306533. April 17, 2016.
  9. Web site: Phares. Heather. Ivy – Long Distance. AllMusic. April 17, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160428202716/http://www.allmusic.com/album/long-distance-mw0000589695. April 28, 2016.
  10. . Long Distance . Liner notes . . 2000 . New York City, New York.
  11. Web site: Chase. Andy. Discography. Andy Chase. April 16, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150201114346/http://andychase.com/discography_iframe.html. February 1, 2015.