Rilo Kiley: Under the Blacklight can go live under a rock

Rilo Kiley officially broke my heart this weekend. I have listened to Under the Blacklight repeatedly, in various states of being, and I just can't get into it. One of my favorite bands tried to make a indie dance pop album, and I just can't follow them. I had hope when "Silver Lining" leaked, as it was a solid track and made me incredibly bouncy. The rest of Under The Blacklight falls horribly short. Jenny Lewis does not have what I would call an incredible voice, but she has pretty vocals. On this album, she sounds strained and tinny for the most part. There's not even great lyrics to make up for how this album sounds ("Smoke Detector" made me cry out in anger with its triteness). I've heard comparisons to Fleetwood Mac on this album. I call bullshit, because at least most Fleetwood Mac is listenable. After having to wait so long for a new album amidst all their solo projects, Rilo Kiley should have stayed under a rock a bit longer and made an album that was worth a three year wait. I am hoping their show at the Phoenix on September 18th is more older material than this dribble. If this had been their debut album, I would have never become a fan.

For your ears -
Rilo Kiley: Dejalo
Rilo Kiley: Give A Little Love
Rilo Kiley: Close Call
from the album Under The Blacklight (Buy It)

For your eyes -
RK performing "Close Call" at the MySpace secret show 8/10/07 in Eagle Rock, CA


Rilo Kiley's Website, MySpace