Rabbit Fur Coat

by

Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins

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Jenny Lewis from the Los Angeles quartet Rilo Kiley has stepped out on her own with a collection of country-folk enchantment that is sure to win her a legion of fans. Accompanying her on this journey are the enigmatic Watson Twins (Chandra & Leigh) who embellish Lewis's clear-as-crystal vocals with their gorgeous harmonies that are best described as `other-worldly'. Lewis also draws on a stable of indie stars from Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard and Maroon 5's James Valentine.

Rabbit Fur Coat sports a magnificent sleeve photograph that serves as a perfect visual insight to the classy affair within. Modelled on `white soul classics', in particular the stunning Laura Nyro/Labelle collaboration Gonna Take A Miracle (1972) this lofty goal is skilfully achieved with tracks such as the luminous Rise Up With Fists!!, The Changing Sky and Melt Your Heart.

The pace is smooth, the songs sound spectacular, dare I say magical, and the album is only briefly brought down by the somewhat stilted title track mid-way through. Much has been made of the cover of The Travelling Wilbury's Handle With Care, but this for me this is one of the weak points on the album. Although a good choice of song the unnecessary introduction of male vocalists somehow taints the otherwise pure female vision of this album. The disappointment is short-lived though as more aces reside in Lewis's scalloped sleeve with the majestic Born Secular that again takes this record into orbit.

Sporting all the requisite country musical touches - steel and acoustic guitars, wire drums and electric piano, Lewis's collection of country/folk/gospel songs make this an effortlessly enjoyable record, although a small leaning to country music is probably necessary. Whether the charms of Rabbit Fur Coat will last over time or if this is just a giddy summer fling only time will tell, but my inner Criswell thinks this one has legs. Either way ladies and gentlemen, welcome to your first favourite album of 2006.

I adore Jenny Lewis. I have been a fan of Rilo Kiley for upwards of four years now. I was ecstatic when she announced this solo record. I downloaded the live shows feauting the songs, etc. I think the album is satisfactory. I know Jenny has a lot of talent, and vocally the album is great. Supposedly it was recorded with first takes only, but the album sounds a bit too polished. Lyrically, hmm...maybe Blake Sennet helps Jenny out a bit too much. The lyrics are contrived and expected. Nothing really jumps out at you as "Wow, that's meaningful. That's a lyric I'll take with me for the rest of my life." As a big Travelling Wilbury's fan, I was happy with the cover, minus Jenny. I just wasn't feeling her voice. If you like that song, do yourself a huge favor and buy M.Ward's albums. Awesome!!

I am happy that I was exposed to the Watson Twins. Their first EP, Southern Manners, is available for purchase via their website. Buy it! Jenny even makes a guest appearance on the last track...Looking forward to the next Rilo Kiley record ;)

Good luck Jenny!