Rilo Kiley Album: “Take Offs & Landings”

Bands like Rilo Kiley depress me. I mean, here is a band that has so much going for them, yet you just have to wonder where their place is in a music scene dominated by 15-year-old debutants, corporatized gangsta rappers and second generation Pearl Jam ripoffs. I love this band more than I can convey in words and yet I gotta ask what is in it for them? A couple indie releases and then what?

Having said that, there is no reason why you shouldn't order this album immediately. This is one of the few CDs that has totally impressed me in ages. These guys are already at the top of their game, and seeing them live recently just reinforced my admiration for all they have accomplished. They are truly rock stars in their own right, and it is just a darn shame that they are selling out the Troubadour when they should be selling out the Hollywood Bowl.

How Jenny and Blake remain optimistic enough to produce such beautiful and unaffected music is a testament to their talent and intelligence. Let's hope they receive some encouragement with their next release, because music like this deserves to be celebrated.

Take-offs and Landings is the epitome of excellent. Carefully sculpted songs sung with fervor by Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennet. With simple lyrics that convey raw emotions and talented vocals this cd is perfect for any day or night. Highlights include the tracks "Science vs. Romance" and "Pictures of Success." They mix pop-folk, with indie-pop effortlessly. When Jenny sings "and sometimes planes they smash up in the sky and sometimes lonely hearts they just get lonelier" You believe her and you want to assure her. This is indie music at it's finest.

I'm not a big indie fan, or a big anything fan for that matter. I'll like a band or song here and there, but generally I shift through 'phases,' if you will, ranging from punk to rap to k-pop and opera. But I've absolutely adored Rilo Kiley since I first heard them about a year ago.

The vocals are amazing, with sort of an innocent sincerity, they're somehow absolutely profound. Coupled with relevant lyrics that either address new issues or put twists on cliche topics (lust, break ups, etc), the album's replay level is oddly high. I've whored it innumerable times and haven't even neared getting sick of it. Song structure also helps in making Rilo Kiley's sound distinguised and unique.

buy it! really!

If you're wanting to check out Rilo Kiley, this is a good album to start out with. In my opinion, it is the most accessible of their albums, and contains some of their best work.

Rilo Kiley has rejuvenated my interest in pop music by making beautiful songs that don't have a trace of irony. If you like Elliott Smith or Built to Spill this is right up that alley. It a collection of songs that have been so masterfully craffted that they sound like songs you've been listening to your whole life. You should buy this CD.