If there was ever an alter persona to Sheena Beaston, I'm 99% sure it would come packaged in the shape of Norwegian rock goddess, Ida Maria. With a "no holds barred" type of attitude, it's easy to fall in love with both the musician and her brand of punk rock.


While her album, Fortress 'Round My Heart, didn't come out in the US until late March of this year, both the album and singles had been floating around the iNet for quite some time since mid last year. In turn, that time lapse had given us plenty of time to become acquanited with the music, and that album has probably been one of my top 3 most played albums within the past year.

With songs like Oh My God, Stella, and I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked, it's apparent that Ida is not one to bite her tongue. The song that immediately had me hooked was Queen of the World, in which the lass begs for a drink and laments how she bumps into things. Basically, it's a vivid introspective of my life that I can relate to like no other.

And now, Ida Maria is coming back to NYC for 2 shows. The first finds her at Hiro Ballroom on June 12. Then she's off to Brooklyn on June 14 to make her voice heard at Bell House. We'll be there...will you?

mp3: Ida Maria - I Like You So Much Better When Youre Naked (Digital Dog radio edit)
mp3: Ida Maria - I Like You So Much Better When Youre Naked (Digital Dog club edit)