Two Words, One Answer.
Jenny Lewis
 Under the Blacklight $13.99 I'm always astonished when I discover a new band and go read the reviews of their various albums. Almost invariably, there's a subset of rabid fans who seem disappointed by every new effort from the group. And so it is with this album, it seems. In this case, I was a blank slate: I'd never heard any Rilo Kiley before. In short order, I obtained Under the Blacklight, Take Offs and Landings, and More Adventurous, in that order. My takeaway is that Under the Blacklight is an outstanding work, and although the other two albums are pleasant enough, they are simply not on the level of the band's latest effort. There's no RK song I've heard on those other albums that is comparable to "Silver Lining" or "The Angels Hung Around." I can't get Blacklight in general out of my head or off my CD player. Great disc.  Rabbit Fur Coat $15.98 This record could have been recorded by Loretta Lynn or Patsy Cline, if either were LA spirited former child stars! this record aches of the shallow nature of hollywood, while it is totally in touch with Americana roots... ---> this is but-kickin' girl country with a hint of detroit. the album is a real, a full album per say. start to finish every song ties together, it tells a sort of story- it works. and unlike most records out there, every song is really killer. seriously. the songwriting is excellent. the production is strong where it needs to be, but she flows in a bit of a low-fi that is true to her indie rock roots. the Watson Twins add an element of fullness to the album. this record spans age gaps and musical tastes, it is just good.  More Adventurous $13.98 In my opinion, this album is Rilo Kiley's strongest offering to date. Hearing bootleg versions of a few of these tracks is why I went to see them in concert in Austin a few years (and it was a great show). It's one of those albums where I can listen to it at any time of the day on any day and it still makes me feel good. It's ironic how an album with often depressing overtones can make you feel good, but that's just from the music itself. You have everything from "Does He Love You", a wonderfully melo tune with great lyrics, to "Portions for Foxes", an powerfully, upbeat song and probably their best one yet, and everything in between. It's never too over-the-top and there are a few great tracks with great acoustic guitar in them. I don't know what else to say about this album other than to get it. I'd usually rate each track, but since every track would get a 8, 9, or 10, I don't see the point for this album. If you like Rilo Kiley at all, this album is basically a must-have.  RABBIT FUR COAT $13.98 This record could have been recorded by Loretta Lynn or Patsy Cline, if either were LA spirited former child stars! this record aches of the shallow nature of hollywood, while it is totally in touch with Americana roots... ---> this is but-kickin' girl country with a hint of detroit. the album is a real, a full album per say. start to finish every song ties together, it tells a sort of story- it works. and unlike most records out there, every song is really killer. seriously. the songwriting is excellent. the production is strong where it needs to be, but she flows in a bit of a low-fi that is true to her indie rock roots. the Watson Twins add an element of fullness to the album. this record spans age gaps and musical tastes, it is just good. |
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