Happy times this week came in form of the advance of the highly anticipated follow-up to Rabbit Fur Coat. To be released September 23 with a North America tour to follow, Acid Tongue delves into different areas for the Rilo Kiley front woman.
While Rabbit was Dolly Parton, this is more Linda Ronstadt -- at least for the most part. Some of the songs are treading into Las Vegas/Elvis territory. Remember those wild silver outfits she changed into during her solo shows in 2006?
You can't peg this album into one genre. It's not a country album, but different influences that showcases her songwriting and her wide-ranging voice.
I was worried after hearing the first two songs, which are slow, plodding downers. I was thinking, "Where's the sparkle? Where's the 'Let's get this show on the road?'" Then at song 3, somebody turned on the awesome machine and it's just as exciting as you would hope from Lewis.
Here are some thoughts track by track:
1. Black Sand-- As I said, these first two song don't do much for me. I've listen to them five times, trying to see if I can pick out something I can enjoy. Black Sand is a spare song -- her voice, simple piano and drums. Then some sorrow-filled strings take over.
2. Pretty Bird-- This is as mellow and broken as we've ever heard Lewis. This does feel like a track off from the mid-70s, Linda Ronstadt, torch carrying soft rocker era. It works as a mood piece, but compared the rest of the album, it's tough to grab onto.
3. The Next Messiah-- Either this one or Jack Killed Mom is my favorite song on the album. The Next Messiah is a 8:45 epic in three parts. You can feel the energy of the song pulsating through every change. It starts as a blues, gospel and rockabilly story about a man who's done wrong. The next part is this groovy, sexy melody with snarling vocals. The backing guitar part is so sweet that it's going to kill live. Part 3 is a duet with a slightly faster drive. I'm not sure, but it does sound like she's trading parts with her squeeze Johnathan Rice. This last part of the song is a more traditional Texas-style country/western crowd pleaser.
4. Badman's World-- I prefer the torch song quality of this song, more than the first two songs. It features some wicked vocal effects, that makes it more other worldly sounding.
5. Acid Tongue-- This title track was also displayed on tour with the Watson Twins. It's here that I noticed how unpolished the album is, meaning that it feels like everybody was in the studio during the recording. Not to get into too much explanation, but I think what elevates this album is that sense of immediacy in songs like these. It just seems more genuine and from the heart if she willing to make it sound imperfect.
6. See Fernando-- This song got every body out of their seats during her previous solo tour. It's an old Vegas-styled, glammy, up-tempo, good times song. I loved it then and the finish song is just as good. I love all the show stopping breaks, where all the players get to riff. If this song doesn't make you happy, than don't bother going to the show.
7. Godspeed -- This is my favorite, down-tempo song, mostly for her lyrics. It's about trying to get her man some help.
8. Carpetbaggers-- Elvis Costello makes his mark on this track, and it's just a fantastic cameo from the legend. I think they might have gotten a time machine and gotten 1970s Elvis from This Year's Model.
9. Tryin' My Best -- This is the most soulful track on the album, where J.Lew digs deep to get her man back.
10. Jack Killed Mom -- This song (also from the last tour) is so good, it made me laugh. It just has all these wonderful elements, along with a playful attitude. It's a southern honky tonk song, with elements of gospel, especially towards the end. Watch out for that Johnny Cash-styled mid-section.
11. Sing A Song-- Nice ending to the album, a sweet ballad that sums up her feelings. I like the last part that goes "Da Da DAH"
So no worries gang, there's great stuff here. It's a true solo album, that's vastly different from the Rilo Kiley material.
The big suck for me is that I'll be away when she's on tour in the U.S ... but I see Radio City Music Hall in her future.
One of the perks of being a Music Director at KWLC is getting new music before any one else gets a chance to hear it. http://fashion.postedpost.com/2008/07/04/wearing-western-style-skirts-attraction-hot-summer-beautiful-tips/
Posted by: Western Style | August 22, 2008 at 08:58 AM