Everyone’s Talking 'Bout Jenny

And you know I want to too. Because even though the leaks were all over the internet and even though the CD is now out, the fact remains, you may still not own this CD. And well, pardon my forwardness, but you should. Jenny Lewis, of Rilo Kiley, is like to me, the ultimate rock chick. I could tell you its her brain or her voice or her legs or even her weird foray into childhood acting, but STOP. The best thing about her, the very best thing is her story telling and I simply don't care if she's telling stories about herself that are true or otherwise or about someone else entirely. I don’t even care if she's telling someone else's story. She's a ravenous, take-no-prisoners gut-punching storyteller and when those words ride out on a candy stream (and at times gritty as it needs to be) well then it’s time to grab a drink and kick back and let her just go at ya. The new "solo" CD (well with Watson Twins and various friends along for the ride, and wouldn't you want to jump on that hay truck?) is lover-ly. It's full of more sad tales of reflection and missed opportunities and bad choices and some good ones and it's as wondrous as it should be. One more reason I like her so: she has that devil/angel thing down pat and the bold dichotomy comes through with every whisper, every note. So to honor last week's release, a few odd tracks with Jenny. Oh and Elvis Costello said of "Does He Love You?" that it was one of the best songs, ever. I agree. So here is that too, just because we should listen to it every day.

Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins, "Paradise" (from a 7”s split single)
Jenny Lewis, "You Are What You Love" live
Rilo Kiley, "Does He Love You?"

And as a bonus, my favorite Elected song in a live version,

The Elected, "Greetings in Braille"

Now buy Jenny's CD, Rabbit Fur Coat. Oh, and I promise to write about music that isn't everywhere next week. But not tomorrow, because I'm going to see Jeff Tweedy and I'm gonna talk about him for awhile… starting tomorrow.