It’s been 4 years since Rilo Kiley released their last album, the gloriously grimey Under the Blacklight, but fans of front woman Jenny Lewis have fortunately not had to spend that time without her.
The irresistible singer released her first solo-billed album, Acid Tongue, in 2008 (her other “solo” album, 2006’s classic Rabbit Fur Coat, was released as a collaboration with the Watson Twins). Then, last year, Lewis unveiled her latest project: Jenny & Johnny. Continue reading…
Is there no limit to Jenny Lewis’ charm?
As front woman of indie-rock stalwarts Rilo Kiley, Lewis has infused each album with her distinctive persona, and in 2006 she and the Watson Twins released Rabbit Fur Coat, a terrific collection of songs that favored Americana-tinged fairy tales over the takeoffs and landings of her usual rock and roll. Now, we finally have Acid Tongue, the first officially solo album from Ms. Lewis, and it’s one of her greatest achievements to date.
It’s no surprise that Rilo Kiley‘s Jenny Lewis can sing. And it’s not much of a surprise that Blake Sennett can play guitar. But what is a surprise is that both of them sound just as good live as they do in the studio, and that the rest of the band’s musicianship is of such a high caliber. Lewis, talented and sexy as ever, nailed every note while transitioning through the group’s wide array of styles and switching from keys to guitar to bass and back all night long. Sennett’s guitar playing was spot-on. And when he stepped up to the mic for songs such as “Ripchord” and “Dreamworld,” he only further proved his abilities.
