Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat
Well, I am finally getting around to doing a review of the RK players solo albums. Jenny's solo album with the Watson Twins is quite an adventure.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat: B+
I am turning into a big JL fan ... being so enamored by she and Blake's music in Rilo Kiley. The thing that is surprising about this effort is not its country/folky/gospelly roots both in style and verse ... but that such a different sounding album can sound so great and shake up the indie pop world. I'm gonna leave the comparisons to 1970s Linda R. or Cowboy Junkies albums to others, I just love listening to this album, it's just good music ... real good for the soul music, that just effortlessly floats, dances, and shines
The vox on this album ... WOW. I mean, the usual evocative vocals of Jenny, blended with the great vocal harmonies of the Watson Twins is a pretty otherworldly listening experience during certain songs. I know that usually I like to single out some tracks that I really enjoy. On this one, it's pretty difficult, not only because this album is a great listen ... but because I find different things about it that I like over various listens.
What I do love about JL's delivery, both here and with RK, is that her voice tells a mean story. The title track is a particular shining example of just JL and guitar ... and fantastic things happen. Ironically, the song that I am most familiar with ... the cover of the T.Wilbury's "Handle With Care", featuring the current Mt. Rushmore of indie male vox, is actually one of the weaker songs on the album. It stands as an oddity because the whole album is so powered by female vox, and this song takes a bit away from the identity of the album.
It is interesting to me, that there are not any real obvious hits on the album ... but the parts stick together like a great concept album. Who knew a great concept album could be country/folkish?
Definitely not what I expected, but a very good album nonetheless ... I see this one as a changeup album for me rather than a regular rotation one, but I know that when I do play it, I will enjoy the hell out of it
Well, Jenny and the Watsons are going to appear on MBE on March 10th, I believe, I'll be tuning in live that morning ...