Note: Jenny Lewis is the frontwoman of the band Rilo Kiley and this is her first solo album.
Sound: Acoustic, folky rock with an old time country flavor
Vocals: The twang and clarity of her vocals are poppier than most of her alt country contemporaries, but are oddly balanced by her dark, candid and cynical lyrics. Then, adding a bonus layer, Chandra and Leigh Watson provide sweet, rich harmonies.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Rise Up With Fists!“; “Rabbit Fur Coat“; “The Charging Sky”
Medium Rotation track: “You Are What You Love”
Look For: Her fun cover of The Traveling Wilburys’ classic “Handle With Care” which features vocals from Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst, Death Cab for Cutie/Postal Service’s Ben Gibbard and M. Ward. The who’s who lineup of current indie rock stars is certainly fitting considering the original was performed by a who’s who of rock legends.
Recommended: This rootsier sound (with The Watson Twins’ voices as the secret weapon) is actually a better showcase for Jenny’s critical and insightful songwriting than Rilo KIley. Hopefully she’s got more of this stripped down style in her in the future.
Grade: B

(As posted 3/13/06 on davepowersmusic.com)
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