"I never felt so wicked, as when I willed our love to die.."

You have to wonder what 3 years on hiatus will do to your favorite band. When members decide to pursue side projects there is instant concern that they may not come back together. Neither of these things have happened to Rilo Kiley. Despite the long time between album releases, and the abundance of side projects that they dabbled in, their new album, "Under the Blacklight" shines, and it shines very brightly.

I am a relative newcomer to the goodness that is a Rilo Kiley album, having only really known them since 2004. I was a huge fan of Jenny Lewis as a kid, even perhaps having one of those 80's teen idol crushes on her, and when I heard that she was in a band I was intrigued. I bought 2004s More Adventurous, and fell in love. When I finally purchased their back catalog, I wasn't surprised to find that I really enjoyed everything they put out.

Lewis's solo effort, "Rabbit Fur Coat" was critically warmed up to, and quickly called one of the best albums of 2006. At the same time, another band member, Blake Sennett was releasing a second album with his other band, "The Elected". Both side albums were very good, and very well received. When the finally reunited, I did wonder how long it would be until I had another Rilo Kiley album to keep my CD Player and iPod busy. I couldn't tell you how worn out my copy of "Rabbit Fur Coat" is at this point, and I was anxious to get more Jenny Lewis.

I finally looked at their Myspace not to long ago, and saw that there was a new song, and new album news. Turns out I wasn't going to have to wait long. When I first heard, "The Moneymaker" I was kind of put off. It sounded dirty, cheap, and not like the warm, alt country, chanteuse that I had come to love. The song is in obvious reference to the sex industry, and has this guitar riff that you are NOT able to get out of your head. It's catchy and polished, and Lewis has something raw in her voice this time around, something that even at first is angry and unabashed, but after a couple listens, you find yourself trying to mimic her.

A couple of other tracks leaked before the album was released. "Silver Lining" was a staple on my Myspace page for about two weeks. The song is the Rilo Kiley that we used to know...it hark ens back to the country twinge of More Adventurous. The song has a little neo-soul (that seems to be so popular these days) and you can tell that Rilo Kiley is back, and even though it may be polished, and a little different.

I bought the album yesterday, (even though I had heard most of it since they streamed it on their Myspace page) and it was a brand new sonic experience. While this is their first major label debut, you wouldn't be able to tell from listening. They sound like seasoned veterans of the recording industry. Together they are cohesive, and despite Lewis receiving most of the songwriting credit, this album feels like a band, and not like Lewis and her backup singers. The band graces the cover of the new 'Spin' magazine, with a large quote on front saying..."are they the new Fleetwood Mac?". At first I laughed, because Fleetwood Mac is Fleetwood Mac, and that's classic, and is this little band that I love so much really being compared to Fleetwood Mac? I didn't understand that comparison when I first read it, then I heard "Dreamworld". Its a breezy, 70's inspired, rock song (and the only one that Sennett sings lead on). It sounds very much like the 'F' word I mentioned earlier.

This album is not the huge departure that everyone keeps writing about. The band hasn't really angled themselves towards a new sound, they haven't abandoned everything about their previous music. This album is a conscious step forward. It sounds far more polished than their first two releases, however..."Under the Blacklight" and "More Adventurous" both are well produced, slick albums. Plus, they are having some fun on this album. With songs like, "Dejalo", "Smoke Detector", and "15" they sound like they are winking and nudging us a little.

"Dejalo" was co-written with Johnathan Rice (Lewis's current love interest), and while the subject matter isn't funny, the beat is addictive, the chorus gets stuck with you, and Lewis trips her way through a narrative about the debauchery in an open relationship. "15" sounds like it belonged on the radio 30 years ago. If it wasn't for the pedophilia undertones the song could have been on the charts in the 70's. With some soul and a killer horn section the song grooves, and makes you feel a little dirty for liking the song so much. "Smoke Detector" is going to become the newest dance craze, I swear it. If Rilo Kiley will lead the legions of loyal indies, I am sure we can get it going!

My favorite band is back, and going strong. They have really put out another great album to add to the Rilo Kiley catalog. This album could turn off a few loyal fans, but I think if it gets a wider release it may attract some brand new ones. Released at a perfect time, this album will become a staple of my fall music collection, and if I were you I would make it part of yours as well.

Mandy Moore- Wild Hope

And Now I'm Ready, To Be, Extraordinary.

Everyone has those albums. The ones we keep around to play whenever we are in a good mood, the ones that remind us solely of the good times, or sometimes the bad. The albums that would make it feel like summer anytime you put it on. I recently found one of those albums, and the moment I heard it all I wanted to share it with everyone. Mandy Moore has crafted an album that is surprising and so good that I don't really have any complaints. That is rare, simply because I can usually find fault with most things.

Moore has continued to surprise me, mostly in her film choices as of late. She has made herself into one of the most bankable actresses of her generation. She is a good, solid actress with very little drama surrounding her life. This is rare for anyone in Hollywood, but Moore has managed to keep herself out of the tabloids, and has had very little controversy swirling around her. We all know how she started musically, and while it sold well, I have a strong feeling it wasn't the direction she wanted to go. This album feels like the closest thing to the true Mandy Moore.

The reason "Wild Hope" feels so true, is because Moore was involved in every aspect of the writing, recording, and producing. Keeping a low profile, and escaping to remote locations to write and record this album must have helped, because this album feels widely accessible, but very intimate at the same time. I feel like I am Moores best friend, and I am either reading her secret diaries or she is confiding something private to me.

On her last album, "Coverage", Moore reworked songs by Joni Mitchell, Elton John, and Cat Stevens. Those are pretty big shoes to fill, and she is definitely trying to make her mark. The lyrics never feel juvenile, or pandering. They feel like her personal thoughts and fears, and Moore makes herself vulnerable on this album, she lets the listener in to something we may have not known before. Her voice (which has been called weak before) is strong here, and she hits every up and down perfectly.

Moore really collaborated on this album, bringing in the likes of indie faves like Rachel Yamagata, and Lori McKenna to help co-write and sing. Normally when an artist works with more than one other artist on an album it can feel all over the place, however this album is centered and focused. My only complaint about this album is that it is a little one note, the songs to do kind of all sound the same, but that is almost a testament to her producers for keep things so closely knit.

Everything is here, you have the bitter break up song (Nothing That You Are), the beautiful ballad (Gardenia), the empowerment song (Extraordinary), and the plea for love (Most of Me). Those are some of the standout tracks, although I feel bad saying that simply because everything on this album is amazing. If you have ever wanted to hear what I a labor of love sounds like I hope you get this album. Moore's heart and soul are poured into every note on this album, and we are lucky to get to hear it. Everything feels like it has purpose, and the songs while beautiful also function and serve the overall attitude of the album. Even the artwork helps, Moore looks light, breezy, and playful and all of those attitudes come across in this album.

Mandy Moore has come very long way. You see a grown up young woman who is embracing her future, but never forgetting where she came from. This album feels like the first step for Moore, the first step to an amazing career as an entertainer. Let her into your CD Player/Ipod/Stereo, and I can almost promise that you will be blown away by this album, a heartfelt, wonderful reminder of the good times in our lives.



(Wild Hope is released on June 19th)

Georgia Rule

Exploring a New Genre. The Child Rape Comedy?


Friday night I ventured to the movie theatre to show my love and support for Miss Lindsay Lohan. Despite all of the recent things that have happened to her, and despite the fact that she can't keep her name out of the tabloids, I still have affection for her as an artist. When I heard she was doing Georgia Rule, and that it was directed by Garry Marshall, I expected something much different than what I got. Here is what I expected:

Expected:
typical romantic comedy
stellar acting from the adult cast
another predictable script
hot guy/hot girl have sex=find love
to leave the theatre feeling good

What I got is another story entirely. Certain directors sometimes can be predictable. I am not saying that I know EXACTLY what to expect from a Garry Marshall film, but I when I think in general terms I am usually prepared when I go to the theatre. However, I think he has combined two separate ideas into one film, and tried to make it both "funny" and "serious" at the same time. That would've been great had it worked. I will say that I expected more from the adult cast, but was VERY impressed with Lohan. She is one of very few child actors that has made a transition to more adult roles and is doing well.

Unless you have read about the movie before, you may not know what it is about. It's not really a part of any kind of advertising campaign, and most movie goers are simply attracted to names, and not plot. This is a film you might want to check out online before you go see it. The film is not unpredictable, but the subject matter and the way its dealt with might be jarring to some people who expected to see the next, "Pretty Woman" or "Princess Diaries". I will fully admit that even I was taken aback by some of the things that come out of "Rachel"/Lohans mouth. From what I knew of the movie, I would say that even I was unprepared.

The movie definitely has its flaws, flaws that should have probably been worked out before a potential release date. I will say this for the film, it did what I believe it was intended to do. To bewilder the audience into believing and then not believing this girls story, and to ultimately root for everyone to end up on the same page. There was an atypical amount of vacillating in Rachel's story. One minute you believe her, one minute you don't. Her boozy, could care less mother (Felicity Huffman) doesn't help us pinpoint who we should believe, because she always doubts what Rachel is saying. Georgia (Jane Fonda) as the hard ass grandmother shows no sympathy to Rachel until she hears what might have happened.

There are definite moments of clarity in this movie though. A very funny moment where Rachel confronts a gaggle of local girls who have been taunting her about her "loose" ways. That is a moment, in my opinion, that should be notated in film history, if not because it was the first time that Lohan uses the F-Word on screen, but just for the simple hilarity in all of it. Also, while it's flaws have been enumerated above, it is not to say that I didn't like this movie. As one of my friends said afterwards, "that was intense." He was right, it was, this film really does touch on a subject, though while uncomfortable, that I am glad that someone is at least trying to make more people aware about.

Overall I enjoyed the film, and I was happy to lay down my $8.50. I was not prepared for what I was about to see, but I am glad that I did, and I am happy it was made. If not only for the fact that someone who is being abused will see this film and will say something, to anyone. I commend Lohan for her first real adult role (playing a teenager, mind you) but she does a excellent job, and as by far pushed herself ahead of many young actresses in her generation. See this movie. I guarantee you will get something out of it you didn't expect.

American Doll Posse- Tori Amos

The Minister(s) Daughter Returns With a Vengance


Tori Amos is back, and she has brought a gang with her. Not a dangerous gang (as far as we know), but a posse of women, all different, but who have one striking thing in common, Tori! American Doll Posse is a definite change for Mrs. Amos, and after the oddly mellow 2005 disc, "The Beekeeper", it's nice to see Tori back with a somewhat new outlook, but most of all a return to some of the classic Tori we all know and love.

American Doll Posse opens up with a quiet snarl. Dedicated to our commander in chief, "Yo George" is a short but sweet political statement that sets the stage for one of the most political albums she has done to date! Her first single, "Big Wheel" has caused it's fair share of controversy with radio stations for the use of a familiar phrase among we Americans, "M.I.L.F". The album is already off to a great rocking start when "Big Wheel" finishs up.

On paper this album seems daunting, and frustrating for some fans. People are asking, "Another concept album?" "Twenty three tracks are you kidding?" Even a new phrase has emerged just to describe her, Tori Amos- "quirk-stress". All these things add up to a potential disaster. However, yet again she has managed to pull out a fantastic album that echoes the Tori of old. The five character, Grecian myth, song cycle is at first confusing, but once you look at them song by song, some real amazing things happen.

These are pop songs, some of them are catchy, some of them are jarring, but in the true sense Amos has really crafted something stunning here. Standouts include the glam rock anthem, "Teenage Hustling", sung with such intensity by the overly sexual, and emotionally raw Pip. Pip seems to cover the harder, more rock songs, adding a sense of venom into the mix. Her counterpart is the introspective Clyde, whose, "Girl Disappearing" is one of Amo's best ballads in many years. Isabel takes on the political side of this posse, singing "Yo George" and "Dark Side of the Sun". Both songs are critical of Bush and our policies overseas.

If Amos soley wanted to have fun, she would definetly employ Santa. The upbeat, catchiest songs belong to her. The amazing "Secret Spell" seems to be a letter to current pop stars and media hounds about getting their act together before they fall apart. Her duet with Pip on, "Body and Soul" proves to be my favorite track on the album. Tori rounds the group out with a version of herself. Softer, obviously affected by motherhood, and introspective.

This album is far from the safe step some thought Tori might take. Though it could have used some trimming, this was most definetly a step in the right direction. While she may alienate some fans with this new sound, she will more than likely gain many more new ones. (And once again proving people wrong, Tori has yet another Top Ten album this week) She should be applauded in all her "quirky" glory for being one of the few artists today who is willing to take a risk!




Enjoy "Teenage Hustling"
http://www.sendspace.com/file/fio7tw