rilo kiley – more adventurous – 4 stars

[preview the first three tracks by streaming them here.]

i feel special because i got the whole album at their record release show and get to write a review two weeks before you can even go out and buy it. as a fan, that’s sort of what you get into a music scene for. that special excited feeling of being ahead on great music. that, and a bit of gloating.

the show itself was great. the open-air theatre made it feel summery and relaxed. the little carnival touches made it seem light-hearted and fun. it was like a special occasion, a party we were all lucky to be invited to. and then they played, which was beautiful and powerful and moving — everyone stood up as soon as they took the stage and didn’t sit down until it was time to go home. i had such a great time seeing the live music, that of course the day after the show the cd reminded me of that experience, and so by association i loved it without having to ask. this week i’ve listened to it dozens more times through and had a bit more time to let it sink in and be realistic. essentially, the verdict is: still great.

the new songs are, like most of the rest of their work, primarily about sadness and loss, but with nostalgia and hope for the good times as well. jenny’s voice is getting more practiced and i think she’s learning how to play to her strengths more and more. the band as a whole seems more polished than ever, which some may be excited about — some more practice on guitar and the well-arranged string additions make for a lot higher production level. and there are a few tracks that are terrific hit single material. see specifically more adventurous, the title track, for a fantastic combination of longing and twang with a sweet and dreamy voice. love that harmonica. this is good stuff.

my only complaint on the cd is that it lacks a little bit of the variety of the last album, that let guitar player/second singer blake have a little more face time, and seemed a little more willing to try new things in song style and structure. the new album lacks that and for me, that’s a shame, but for them maybe it’s a chance to tighten up and focus on a solid album, which they definitely delivered. august 17th, you know what to do.

[now hearing this: that new pay day song. really, don’t miss it.]