Album of the Week: Ida Maria’s solid Fortress

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but I really believe we’re in a golden age of debut records: fully formed, near-classic first albums (Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Santogold, Lykke Li, Passion Pit) are becoming the norm, not the exception. Blame blog hype, blame DIY technology, blame whatever, but it’s getting so I expect an A+ album from every unknown singer from Sweden or newly formed Brooklyn frat band. But the rookie CD from Norwegian rocker Ida Maria is a reminder that some artists still need time to grow. Not that the rockabilly-tinged Fortress ’Round My Heart is a bad record — far from it. Tracks like “Queen of the World,” “Louie,” and possible best song of the decade “Oh My God,” are smile-inducing foot-stompers. But Fortress’s bar-band-friendly set of songs lacks the depth and maturity (albeit surprising) that those other first-timers have shown. Apologies Ida, but the bar has been raised. B

Ida Maria: I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked (from MTV.com)
from Fortress ’Round My Heart
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