Jenny Lewis
By
User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1279123429)
Do you remember that TV show ''Life With Lucy''? The one from the 80s where Lucille Ball had lots of grandchildren? Considering the fact that the show was a complete flop you probably don't, but even if it doesn't seem significant to you (or many other people for that matter) for one of Lucille's fictional grandchildren, Jenny Lewis, it marked the first step towards a prosperous career. After the shows cancellation, Lewis appeared in a variety of films and television series, but once she became a familiar face in the industry she shifted her career focus to music and song writing, making quite a name for herself in the indie music genre. Both her solo career and her position as lead vocalist in the band Rilo Kiley have, and will continue to, showcase the talent of this fantastic singer and performer.
Rilo Kiley
Together with childhood friend Blake Sennet, Lewis led the creation of this popular indie band that is famous for blurring the lines between genres of music and for experimenting with different types of sounds. From the start, Lewis and Sennet were dedicated to maintaining the purity of their intention, to always write music they loved even if no one else did. Luckily for them, they didn't have to worry too much about popularity and success of that goal. So far their label released EPs, all very unique in style and tonal quality, have been incredibly well received by commercial and critical audiences alike. Although the indie country-rock sound of Rilo Kiley does highlight many of Lewis' talents, her work as a solo artist has drawn a little more attention to her pure and powerful voice than the music of the band.
Rilo Kiley's albums include
Rilo Kiley guide for more information about Lewis' role in the group.
Solo Career Albums
'''''Rabbit Fur Coat''''' - Released in 2006 and ranked the best of the year by NPR listeners, this album was Lewis' debut as a solo performer, and was an impressive one at that. Lewis collaborated with The Watson Twins to write each of the twelve songs in the collection, but it was Lewis who sang lead in every one. Upon its release, listeners couldn't help but notice the depth and range of Lewis' voice and her unusual take on the country and indie genres of music. Almost immediately, she had gained the respect and popularity necessary for a accomplished career. Overall, ''Rabbit Fur Coat ''was a major success, especially for a first try.
'''''Acid Tongue''''' - Lewis collaborated with a number of different artists on the writing of this CD which was inspired by the jam sessions Lewis had with her friends. Although most critics responded well to Lewis' vocals and lyrics, many felt that the numerous collaborations overwhelmed Lewis' style and made the album rather disjointed. Despite this however, the recording (which is more heavily influenced by country music than her first) did very well commercially and had a positive impact on Lewis' ever growing fan base.
'''''I'm Having Fun Now''''' - Perhaps in response to some of the criticism she received for ''Acid Tongue'', Lewis only collaborated her boyfriend Johnathan Rice on this EP, set to be released later in 2010. Though this is not technically part of her solo career (they are releasing the album under the name of Jenny and Johnny), Lewis personally wrote a few of the songs on the album and is singing solo in many of the others. One single, entitled "Scissor Hands," was released on Lewis' website and is far more grounded and concise than some of the music from ''Acid Tongue. ''Hopefully, the rest of the collection will follow in the footsteps of this single.
Quick Picks
Related Guides
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Indie Music
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Rilo Kiley
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Watson Twins
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Rock Music
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Music
