Showing posts with label Rilo Kiley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rilo Kiley. Show all posts

January 16, 2014

Stream New Jenny Lewis Song, “Completely Not Me,” From Upcoming Second Volume of 'Girls' Soundtrack


Jenny Lewis is back with a new solo recording, the tribal and trippy-sounding “Completely Not Me,” which features on the upcoming, second-volume soundtrack to the Lena Dunham HBO hit series, Girls.


The former Rilo Kiley frontwoman has kept busy in recent years touring with the Postal Service (the reunited indie outfit featuring Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello) as well as having recorded an album with longtime love Johnathan Rice (2010’s I’m Having Fun Now) in the suitably named duo Jenny and Johnny. Lewis’ last solo album, Acid Tongue, was released in 2008.


“Completely Not Me” is currently available as a free download with all pre-orders of Girls Volume 2: All Adventurous Women Do…, which is slated for release February 11 on Atlantic Records.






December 31, 2008

Jenny Lewis Serves Up '08 Album of the Year

Whether fronting Rilo Kiley or stepping out on her own, Jenny Lewis seemsat least on the surface—wholesome and enchanting, yet her maiden, girlish charm is but the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. On her sophomore solo effort, Acid Tongue, the indie siren sweetens twisted tales of kink and squalor, serving up one intoxicating tonic and, to this writer's taste, the album of the year.

Having her way with a kaleidoscope of rich melodies, Lewis hardwires these songs with lucid imagery—lyrics conjuring the sinful and soulful, the sacred and profane—further distinguishing herself as an eclectic and versatile songwriter.

From the misty-eyed vibe that pierces through “Black Sand” and “Godspeed” to the rabble-rousing thrust of “See Fernando” and “Carpetbaggers” (spiked with a shot of Elvis Costello), from the salacious bent of “Jack Killed Mom” to the redemption bestowed within the title track, Acid Tongue is sated with mischievous bite. Jenny Lewis, by virtue of her talent and magnetism, just makes it easier to swallow.


October 04, 2007

Feels Good To Be Free: Rilo Kiley, Live In Orlando

Snowball digs Jenny Lewis.

Lead guitarist, Blake Sennett, introduced his blond-haired brother from out of town, who he curiously called Snowball, adding that the band would perform his favorite Rilo Kiley song in honor of his attendance. "Try to hear this through Snowball's ears," Sennett added before the band launched into "Rise Up With Fists!!!" which, technically, isn't even a Rilo Kiley song. It's a Jenny Lewis song, from her solo side project last year.

Despite the discrepancy, this was neither the first nor the last time that Jenny Lewis would become the focus of Rilo Kiley's concert on Tuesday night 
(10/2) at the House of Blues. In an 80-minute set, the coquettish front woman entertained an enthusiastic crowd with flirtation and finesse, performing songs about promiscuity, adultery, and pornography, among other sordid versions of love.

Dressed in matching black hot pants and bustier, all five feet of Lewis looked ever so diminutive with an electric guitar slung on her shoulder for "Close Call." "Funny thing about money for sex," Lewis snarled, "You might get rich, but you die by it."

On "Breakin' Up," she abandoned the axe to strut the stage, spiritedly banging on a cowbell, drawing howls and screams every time she postured or pouted. "The Moneymaker," a strip-club anthem if ever there was one, turned the packed concert hall into a hotbed, for those so inclined, to slip into a sweltering groove.

If these songs lacked substance or if this band fell short on talent, such a performance would seem gratuitous. Fortunately, though, these are some well-written pop songs and this is one seriously proficient group of musicians.

On top of the polished pop songs, country-styled tracks like "I Never," which notably featured Lewis on keyboards, and "A Man/Me/Then Jim," further illustrated the breadth of influence and ability among the band members. The rhythm section of bassist Pierre de Reeder and drummer Jason Boesel laid the perfect foundation for tracks especially like these to flourish.

All eyes and attention fell back upon Lewis, nonetheless, as she girlishly ambled back to the keyboard to begin the encore. After a subtle swig of beer, she and the rest of Rilo Kiley played "Give A Little Love," which preceded a thrilling rendition of "Does He Love You?" that sent the already excited crowd into increased and deafening cries of joy. Near the stage, one young man leaped in the air, trying to reach Lewis as she sang the song's final words and waved goodbye.

Clearly, Snowball is not alone in digging Jenny Lewis.