So, after a hefty day at work and a quick break to remind myself how much I suck at Street Fighter IV, I guess it's time for another foray into bands which, due to the theory of hipster diminishing returns, are far less cooler now more people are interested in them. Up this go round is one probably most of you lot will have heard of, but I love them anyway, so here we go - Rilo Kiley.
Hailing from that big ol' mythical place over the ocean called the United States, Rilo Kiley are yet another indie rock band, though their sound would probably be closest called alt-country-indie-rock-pop-stuff. Their 2004 offering, 'More Adventurous' leant heavily the way of country, with one in particular ('I Never') almost sounding like something Dolly Parton would put out if she was feeling sorry for herself. But let that not put you off them, dear reader! The rest of the album shines with some truely wonderful tracks, ranging from quiet reflective tunes ('The Absence of God') to upbeat single-ready material ('Portions for Foxes'). Rilo Kiley are another of these bands that seem to swerve wildly around whatever song style happens to take thier fancy, but they are all linked by a wonderfully dark sense of humour in the songs. From a bitter take on the Bush administration (since this album came out during the period when it was cool to hate Bush) to a graveside rememberence of old loves to a random pondering of what would happen if your legs revolted against your brain.
This wonderful lyrical sense continued into their follow-up - 'Under The Blacklight', though they added another musical genre to their repertoire - disco. Again, please refrain from closing the browser now and hiding under the bed - it's not that bad! Many of the tracks have this wonderful laid-back groove to them - either that or they start sounding like a soundtrack for a porno - but a very relaxing porno! Add in some lovely gospel backing vocals, and you've got a good time!
right, i'm running out of words, so let's have some tunes. sadly, Rilo Kiley have been part of the great Youtube culling, so I've had to shop around for these ones - the quality isn't the best, so apologies...
Silver Lining
The Moneymaker (one of my favourite songs)
Portions for Foxes
One of the things you've probably noticed, especially of the last two, is the overtly sexual nature of the lyrics (and of lead singer Jenny Lewis). It's something a lot of commentators have picked up on, and even tried to turn into a bad thing. In my opinion, if you're going to go after anyone for overly sexual lyrics - go after glam rock bands! That particular herd could be thinned out one hell of a lot! Just stay away from Z.Z.Top, and I won't mind.
J
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