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Hmm. It has been maybe three years, maybe less, since I saw Ike perform up in Philly. They were having their CD release party at Grape Street Pub (which by the way used to be a totally awesome venue.)

Their hit at the time was "Into Philadelphia" which, I am sure you can imagine, was a smashing success at Grape Street. Even those who didn't know Ike and who didn't know that track we're still singing along and jumping around like music loving fools by the time it was over. "Into Philadelphia" (which was really a rock lullaby written for Faye's newborn son) is one of the most infectious songs I have ever heard. Definitely repeat worthy. Though it is not a lullaby, my son loves it and sings along while we're jamming in the car.

Not long after the release of The Real Life in 2005, things took a bad turn for the band. And then there were two...guitarist Cliff Hillis and drummer Dave Anthony left the band. Guitarist Cliff Hillis, tragically lost both his parents within months of each other in early '06 began to reassess his personal and musical goals. "I don't blame Cliff at all for his decision; if ever a there was a time for him to take stock, that was it," says Faye, "but there was a long time when we weren't the best communicators with each other and no one knew what anyone was thinking. He would never want to be the one to let us down, so I think he stayed a lot longer than maybe he should have at that point."

Many feared for the end of Ike and for a bit of time perhaps so did they. But as mending took place, lead vocalist John Faye and bassist Joann Schmidt added two new musicians to their roster. Guitarist Brett Talley and drummer Tom Kristich were chosen to jump in and become band mates with two talents who were doing everything possible to rise above some rough times.

So it is not a surprise that their recent release is titled Where To Begin.

If you were a fan of Ike in 2005 when their release was peppy, upbeat and exuberant with fantastic energy then this new album will probably kick you down a notch. The two albums rely on polar opposite materials. But, and this is very important, do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT dismiss Where To Begin. The music in this album is amazing. The lyric content is 100% real and though you may feel forlorn or wander down a best forgotten memory lane, you'll get hooked on every track. (If you're looking for any sort of "old Ike" in the album check the track "Say Luvva.")

Listen:
Ike - "Better Off Alone" (mp3)

BUY ALL OF THEIR MUSIC!!!

Labels: Ike