The old man and woman who run my favorite local deli by work noticed that I got a haircut. If thats not love, really, what is? I have never been let down by any sandwich from them, and my day is always just a bit happier after leaving. The guy calls me “Jersey City”, and frequently tells everyone he has the biggest balls in town. (meatballs…) They just don’t make people like that any more.
I heard the new Rilo Kiley album. I’m confused, let me tell you why. The Ri-Ki (thats what they like to be called, I know these things) have been on an interesting path since I became more than a casual listener. I had been acquainted with them for several years, but never beyond hearing them in my friend Monica’s car. Then they came out with that Portions For Foxes song, produced by the Eric Tarn Approved Mark Trombino, and I was in. Now, that is not indicative of the rest of their catalog, or even that album, but a good jam nonetheless. That “More Adventurous” album was filled with gems. There are only about 2 songs I do not love. That was my soundtrack to my time in LA, and it occupied the #1 spot in my old car’s CD player for over 2 years, I kid you not. It was never removed until I got rid of the car. So then, they take some time off, and Jenny Lewis makes a wonderful little gospel record. All signs point to a kick ass, eclectic, rock fest of bliss. (maybe indie-fest? no one should ever say that)
But….not so much. While I have only heard it once, first impressions are important. Now don’t get me wrong, Jenny Lewis is still the only Jewish girl I would ever marry, and god willing, it’s gonna happen. But Jenny, darling, you’re already a great songwriter- even Elvis Costello approves. You’re a goddess to everyone even remotely connected to indie music. Do you really need to make some polished, radio ready, single driven album? I hate to be the “well on the last album…..” But, on the last one, you immediately got some feeling out of the songs. Even that one where Blake sounds like he’s slowly dying while singing. That did not hit me right away with this one. Maybe its Mike Elizando behind the glass instead of the genius Mike Mogus, or even the Trombin-er himself. But you know what, I’ll wait until the Webster Hall show in September, and then if you just play those little Pop Diva Jams, I’m gonna have to call off the engagement.