Review: Rilo Kiley w/ Grand Ole Party, Jonathan Rice @ The Phoenix 9/18/07

Rilo Kiley's show last night at The Phoenix in Toronto was an extremely well put together show. From their opening number, "It's a Hit", to their closing number "Does He Love You", Rilo Kiley rocked the crowd. The band played a good mix of songs from all four releases, as well as a reworking of lead singer Jenny Lewis' "Rise Up With Fists" that was even better than the original. Rilo Kiley's live act is impeccable, and even made me fall in love with the songs from the new album that I can't stand ("15", "Smoke Detector"). If the band comes near your town, spend the $20 to see them, it's well worth it.

Grand Ole Party opened the concert, and dare I say, almost stole the show from Rilo Kiley. The three piece act from San Diego, California was upbeat, engaging, and I dug every single song they played. Drummer and front woman Kristin can sing, and reminds me a bit of a saner Karen O. Their debut album, Humanimals, was produced by Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennet. The album is currently only available on Itunes and at shows, but I highly recommend picking it up when it hits stores.

I have nothing good to say about Jonathan Rice, who almost killed my concert buzz going on between G.O.P. and Rilo. His songs were trite, his voice awful, his band looked like he had picked them off the street, and his stoner bantering between songs were soul-crushing. Two big thumbs down to Jonathan Rice.

For your ears -
Grand Ole Pary: Bad Bad Man
Grand Ole Party: Insane
from the album Humanimals (buy it)

For your eyes -
Grand Ole Party performing "Roll On Down" at The Casbah in San Diego 1/5/07

Grand Ole Party's MySpace