Sometimes I wonder why a certain nice band can't release more albums. They should be able to gather ten or twelve songs at least once a year. But I suppose it isn't that simple. First you have to write a large number of new songs, then they have to be recorded. Next you'll have to design a album cover, make promo photographs and videos and who knows what else. Some bands have to discuss all these steps. A lot of indie bands often also have to look for a label to release their products and this means a lot of negotiations. I mean: you haven't got an album with just a few songs.
When you read the biografy of New York band Ida, you can imagine how much 'fighting' is needed for every record. The band has been around since 1992 and has seen a lot of members come and go. At the moment Ida consists of founders Daniel Littleton and Elizabeth Mitchell with Jean Cook, Ruth Keating and Karla Schickele. They debuted in 1993 with the tape "Songs from the Ranch" and this one was followed by several singles, EPs and seven albums. These records were released by various record companies, including one major label. All these albums can be bought at their current label Polyvinyl Records. That's also the label which will release their new album "Lovers Prayers" next week.
The music of Ida has evolved over the years from folk-rock to beautiful, often soft and calm popsongs with beautiful harmonies. The band contains a lot of talent with three songswriters and three vocalists and that's obvious when you listen to the songs.
>mp3: Lovers Prayers
>mp3: Late Blues (from "Heart Like a River")