Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight (WB) // rilokiley.com
Rilo Kiley’s fourth full length record is a step in a different direction. Gone are any real lone elements of rock, when they do appear they are mixed with dance, disco and country (the latter being a constant element on their previous outing More Adventurous). Sexy and sassy frontgirl Jenny Lewis’ lyrics are always raw and funny, especially on last year’s solo debut. But this time we get back to her storytelling skills (hopefully) on tracks like “15” (about a young girl and a much older lover) and the funky disco kicker “Dejalo”. The band once again pushes in new directions while still maintaining their staple sound (mostly Lewis’ vocals and Blake Sennett’s skilled fingers on the six string). Lewis felt most at home performing southern fried country tunes on her solo disc and on the third RK record, so it’s an odd choice to become so obsessed with Bee Gee’s-esque pop rock. It’s not a bad thing, just an odd thing. Though, upon viewing the video for the first single “Moneymaker”, it makes perfect sense to include three real-life porn stars (though the sexiest part of the video is Jenny Lewis playing bass).
Junior Senior – Hey Hey My My Yo Yo (Rykodisc) // juniorsenior.com
You cannot be sad while listening to this duo. Just listen to them. They are the danciest, funkiest and coolest kids from Denmark that you will ever meet. But they aren’t kids. And you probably won’t meet them. So just get this record, as well as their debut D-D-Don’t Stop The Beat.
New Pornographers – Challengers (Matador) // thenewpornographers.com
I’m mad at the New Pornographers for cancelling their Winnipeg show. First Wilco last week and now this. At least Wilco had the chicken pox. The record is great, as are all their records. Carl Newman’s long lost niece (and Immaculate Machine frontgirl) Kathryn Calder finally finds her way onto this record, and that is the only noticeable change. The best stuff is still from Dan Bejar and Neko Case, and they usually don’t tour so just check out the record.
Minus the Bear – Planet of Ice (Suicide Squeeze) // minusthebear.com
Minus the Bear follows up their critically adored 2005 release Menos El Oso with the slightly more organic and exploratory Planet of Ice. The key word here although, is “slightly.” While I feel it is an artistic improvement of Menos, I think Minus played it a little to safe on this one. However, this album should in no way to be overlooked, it is still showcases Minus’ original and groovy indie vibes throughout all of the CD’s 10 tracks spanning nearly 50 minutes. Even though Minus the Bear may not have reinvented their sound, Planet of Ice is still an excellent addition to the band’s catalogue.
