Album Stream: Rilo Kiley's Under the Blacklight

August 18, 2007

Yes, the new Rilo Kiley album comes out on Tuesday, so I could just wait until then to listen to it. But why should I spend my weekend in Jenny Lewis deprivation if I can stream Under the Blacklight right now? (It is, after all, one of my most-anticipated releases for August.) Thanks to Stereogum, I just discovered that you can now listen to the whole album on the band's MySpace page.

Of course, I was already loving "Silver Lining", and after just a few listens, I'm pretty giddy about the rest of the album too. It's incredibly energetic and eclectic, especially compared with past Rilo Kiley releases. I recommend the soulful '70s vibe of "Breakin' Up," as well as the title track. The only complaint I have so far is the lack of a good, moody ballad, but I need a few more listens to really make a judgment.

13 Comments

alexep 5 years

I was disappointed. It is a very commercial album and doesn't have the same power as "More Adventurous". That being said, I enjoy listening to the album. I just hoped for more soulful song writing.

mallomar 5 years

Yeah I had the same concerns LaLaLaurie, but then I went and listened to it on Myspace for myself and I like it. It IS definitely a departure in that it is way more funky and soulful and even dare I say disco-y at times, so it takes a couple listens. But in the end I like it. Not as much as Execution of All Things, which I thought was brilliant, but I like it for what it is. Its fun; its lighthearted. Still has Jenny Lewis's unique voice, although lyrically I dont think its as interesting as some of the previous work (both her solo and RK collectively). Definitely give it a listen and decide for yourself before being turned off by all the review out there. :)

LaLaLaurie06 5 years

Unfortunately, everything I've read about this album is NEGATIVE. I'm surprised. I mean, the Moneymaker song or whatever kind of goes against the Rilo Kiley grain but seriously, everyone who reviewed the whole album HATED it. :/ I don't know what to think since I don't have the CD yet, but I'm not exactly excited to rush out and get it...anybody have good reviews?