All right, September is here! Let the good times roll! I know that sounds awfully cheery given the end of Summer, but from an entertainment perspective, this time of year is exciting. For my must haves this month I chose a book that intrigues me, several albums coming out from some of my favorite artists, a bunch of TV shows that will be out on DVD, and one of the most anticipated movies of the year that's soon to be yours to own! Ready for Fall? Just hit "Start."
Photo courtesy of Fox
Here's some news to make you go "squee": Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis has started recording her second solo album. While there's no word on whether the Watson Twins will be back for another round with Lewis, many wonderful friends have already signed on, including Jonathan Rice, Elvis Costello, and — wait for it — M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. See? Squee!
Lewis' charming solo debut, Rabbit Fur Coat, was one of my top 20 albums of 2006, and I've been wondering since then how her next non-Rilo album might sound. As much as I liked Rabbit Fur Coat, I was even more enamored with several of the songs Lewis and her backing band performed together after the album's release, including the jubilant "Fernando" and the haunting "Acid Tongue." In fact, instead of listening to Rabbit Fur Coat itself, I often find myself playing this live recording, which has my favorites from Rabbit Fur Coat plus many of the newer tracks.
So, I'm curious to see if Lewis has continued in that post-Rabbit Fur direction, or if she'll come out with something entirely new. A source told Entertainment Weekly that "It all sounds super natural, nice, and simple. Like it doesn't belong in any decade. It's just timeless." Sounds promising. What are your hopes for Lewis' next solo outing?
Watching Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley on stage is to see someone completely aware of the spells she can cast on a crowd. A little shrug of the shoulders here, a cock of the eyebrow there, and in no time, the audience for Rilo Kiley's show at The Warfield last week was thoroughly held in thrall by Lewis' charm and blockbuster voice.
But Lewis' sly sexiness wasn't the only thing keeping eyes glued to the stage. Touring in support of Under the Blacklight, the group's first album since 2004, Rilo Kiley trotted out an almost flawless set of old favorites, new standouts, and even a cover tune of sorts. For me, it was one of those strange, rare concert experiences where the band plays virtually every song you'd hope to hear from their catalog and none of the ones you'd pray they skip. To hear more about what made the show a standout, read more
Well, as if I weren't already pumped to see Rilo Kiley live tonight, this music video for "Silver Lining" — easily my most-played song off the group's new album, Under the Blacklight — just made me even more excited for the show.
In the video, the ever-adorable Jenny Lewis plays a blushing bride in white who ends up leaving her groom-to-be at the altar during the song's climactic moments. Better yet, the ditched groom is Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennett, who was Lewis' real-life flame more than a decade ago. Who knew jilted love could be so darn cute? To watch the video, read more
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.
Is it just me, or does Jenny Lewis's voice get more amazing with every passing song? Her performance on "Silver Lining," as well as the just-released album art, are getting me very excited about the new Rilo Kiley album, Under the Blacklight, coming out on Aug. 21. You can listen to the new track now exclusively on Stereogum.
Though the heavy porn-music vibe of "The Moneymaker" is slowly growing on me, I'm really loving "Silver Lining," which is both sophisticated and pop-drenched. I love the gospel backing vocals and a fun, flitting guitar riff. Listen and tell me what you think.
