(no subject)
“Moneymaker”, the first single off of “Under the Blacklight” left many fans wary of the direction the band was going in with their new record- the video featured porn stars and had Jenny Lewis erotically moaning and singing about her moneymaker over a simple guitar riff. It raised questions of whether RK sold out and lost their indie cred. With the last record, “More Adventurous”, it seemed that Jenny Lewis & Co. were heading off into the alt rock direction but they did a complete u- turn and created a homage to 70s music. With Mike Elizondo at the helm, the record is infused with elements of disco, country, blues, and funk. Lewis, after creating her solo country influenced record brings a lot of the same vocal styles to this record.
Songs like Silver Lining and Close Call may sound more familiar to RK fans than the rest of the record (which is probably why they were the first two tracks on the record). “Breakin’ up” has an electro intro that sounds like a Postal Service track. The back up soul singers are an unnecessary addition to the track. The title track, “Under the Black Light” is a beautiful and melodically rich ballad that lets Lewis’ vocals really shine. “Dreamworld” features Blake’s best vocal work to date (I normally skip the songs he sang on from the last records). I guess a duet is a nice change in pace. “Dejalo” is a perfect example of the disco and funk influences. “15” sound sounds like a Dolly Parton song. “Give a little love” reminds me a lot of the Steely Dan track “Peg”.
For Rilo Kiley fans of the old, they will probably hate this record. Many of the tracks sound too polished, overproduced, or forced. Unlike the past records, there is less diversity in the tracks and therefore difficult to get into. Many times, it seems like Lewis is trying to be lyrically vague and the byproduct are songs that feel insincere. But, give it a few more listens and you will warm up to it. It helps if you think of it as a new band with a new record as opposed to “new” Rilo Kiley. I mean the band deserves some credit- breaking out of the indie mold and coming out with a disco record? Don’t write them off just yet….
You should listen to:
- Moneymaker
- Close call
- under the blacklight
- give a little love