On Rilo Kiley

Rilo Kiley released a new album, Under the Blacklight, a couple of weeks ago. On opening it, I was excited. The jewel case is tinted purple, and I suspect that it actually glows under a blacklight. The booklet contains no text and is full of pictures of the band seemingly exploring the backstreets of L.A. nightclub scene, with Jenny Lewis looking beautiful as usual and Blake Sennet sort of staring off into the distance. Also among the photographs are transvestites and an old woman dressed as if going to a funeral, carrying a brain inside of a jar.

The album itself, though was a little disappointing. All but three of the songs are written entirely by Jenny Lewis, with one collaboration between her and Blake Sennet, one her and her boyfriend Jonathan Rice, and another written by Blake Sennet and Morgan Nagler. Personally I wish Blake had a little bit more to do with the production; I really enjoyed the albums released by The Elected, but not so much Jenny Lewis’ project with the Watson Twins. Most of the songs seem like there was not much thought put into the lyrics and are full of over-repeated phrases. The song “Moneymaker” is said to be the “big hit” from this album, and I suspect it will get radio play because it’s more “mainstream” if mainstream means songs about nothing that mindless teenagers can sing along to.

My oppinion, at first listen, of the best songs from the album are “Breakin Up” (Lewis/Sennet), “Dreamworld” (Sennet/Nagler), and “15″ (Lewis).

Overall, I just don’t think Jenny Lewis is very good without Blake Sennet by her side..