2007 has been defined by much-hyped bands making the leap over to major labels, with varying degrees of success. The Shins managed to turn their lo-fi pop into radio-ready songs with a few knob twists and added faders, all the while keeping their brand of Morrissey-esque pop and hooks intact. Interpol’s Our Love to Admire flopped for the same reason; cleaner songs couldn’t make up for the copy-paste song writing. Now indie sweethearts Rilo Kiley are making the big plunge, releasing their homage to sex and the Studio 54 era, Under the Blacklight.
Changes are obvious just from the CD cover. Cover artwork has been forgone for a shot of the whole band, all sporting outfits that could have been ripped straight from the Blondie-era (with, to be fair, infinitely less makeup). Under the Blacklight is chock full of hooks, most of which greet you in the first second of songs. Singer Jenny Lewis’ voice is no longer the higher pitched, girl-next-door voice that she often has on previous Rilo Kiley efforts, instead using her fuller, and, during some unfortunate moments, wailing, voice found on her 2005 solo outing Rabbit Fur Coat.
That said, Under the Blacklight, taken as what it is, is perfectly enjoyable. The album is thematically sexy, tackling issues such as pornography, prostitution, and underage sex. Luckily, Jenny Lewis can pull it off effortlessly, and no other album in her discography has shown off her vocal range so effectively. Standouts include Close Call, riding a brilliant, almost Coldplay (in a good way) hook, and Silver Lining, which sounds like it’d be a shoo in for Jenny Lewis’s next solo album. Even when grooving to the infectious hooks found throughout, it’s hard to associate this with the rest of Rilo Kiley’s LPs. The funky hook found throughout their first single, Moneymaker, shares more in common with the Bee Gees than Rilo Kiley’s normal folk-pop anthems. Without overthinking the album, it’s easy to give the songs the thumbs up. It may not be what Rilo Kiley fans expected, but the music is sonically familiar to all, recalling the greats of 70s and 80s pop. It’s no Album of the Year candidate, but damn if it isn’t catchy.
Please, dance responsibly.
I gotta admit, the first day I read the draft, and heard the MP3 - I was hooked to Rilo Kiley.
From Will Cudahy on August 31st
Awesome article <3 Jamal.
From Michael Forian on August 31st
Nice article Jamal, very impressive!
From Jim Gildea on August 31st
You will transform the hyperworld of rock criticism one band at a time.
From Rob Sid on September 1st
Erm…thanks Dad.
From Jamal Stone on September 1st
Aww, don’t you just fancy that when that happens, especially with your dad and all!
You must be very proud of your son
From Michael Forian on September 1st