Indie Singer's Solo CD Gentle On The Ears
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Published: October 9, 2008
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It's tempting to put Jenny Lewis' name in quotes, so strong is the persona she has created for herself in song.
She's the girl who has been around the block, the one with a penchant for flawed and/or dangerous men and an appetite for thrills - bottled, chemical or otherwise.
She's the updated, female version of all those ramblers and rovers in songs such as "Gentle on My Mind," but with more focus on the miles and the marks they leave behind. Small wonder, then, that Lewis' music so often invokes late '60s Vegas, country-tinged R&B with a side of desperation.
"Acid Tongue," the Rilo Kiley singer's second solo album, begins with "Black Sand," in which her lover threatens to put her underground. In the title track, LSD helps her avoid God rather than find him. "See Fernando" tells where you go when the bright lights aren't providing the kick you need.
"See Fernando," which Lewis performed on tour supporting her first solo album, "Rabbit Fur Coat," could have used some of the Vegas zip it had live. Still, it's a killer, as are most of the cuts here.
The multisectioned "Next Messiah" is basically three variations on stomping blues rock. The title track features a vocal trio including Black Crowe Chris Robinson, adding gospel gravity to Lewis' vocal. "Godspeed" is a thing of true beauty, with a genuinely arresting chorus.
The disc falters a bit toward the end. Elvis Costello strains near the top of his vocal range on "Carpetbaggers," while "Jack Killed Mom" is a muddled Oedipal tale that wraps up before making much of a point.
"Sing a Song for Them," though, is a strong closer along the lines of "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'" from The Velvet Underground's "Loaded."
Download this: "Acid Tongue"
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