quote:

Originally posted by Peewee:
That's the one to get, IMO. Yes, it is more produced and poppier, but neither of those things in and of itself says anything good or bad about its quality. To me, it is more consistent, with stronger songs. It's worth it for "It's a Hit" alone.

Peewee said it better than me. It's poppier (which is a plus for me) and has great songs. Along with "It's A Hit" you also have to give credit to them for "Portions for Foxes" and "Does He Love You?"

Honestly, the people who were kvetching about More Adventurous (mostly people I know and a few letter writers to music mags) seemed to not like the songs, which is weird, because they're much better than some of the sketches of songs that appear on the Barsuk and Saddle Creek records.

Yeah, Rilo Kiley. I have the 2 most recent records, and I like them, but they're definitely up and down. For all I know I'm lining myself up to be shot here, but I much prefer Jenny Lewis's solo record to either of them. I got it as soon as it came out, and loved it...
I saw her in concert fairly recently with the full band, and she was superb. Played a few great new songs too.

I really like More Adventurous.

Between Rilo Kiley and New Pornographers, I would rank albums like this:

Mass Romantic
The two Rilo Kiley albums I have
The other two New Pornographers albums

In the way of front-to-back quality, it's going to be hard for Rilo Kiley to beat "Takeoffs and Landings." Track for track, that is one amazing lo-fi indie-pop record. Of course, with "Execution of All Things," RK expanded their sound, like every band should, with synths and slightly offbeat production. Their songwriting suffered a little bit due to this, but some strong songs remained. At this point, Blake Sennett and Jenny Lewis start developing seperate styles.

"More Adventurous" saw RK coming out the other side of that experiment and into major label hands and a pile of Warner Brothers' money. Rilo Kiley then went out of their way to make what is, essentially, an Elvis Costello, Cars, Go-Gos new wave/rock 'n' roll record. It seems like the record they always wanted to make, with enough money, resources and time for both Lewis and Sennett to not only indulge in side projects before and after "More Adventurous," but do their own seperate songs on said record.

In my opinion, the greatest Rilo Kiley song of all time is "Portions for Foxes." I get chills just THINKING about that song. I could post an entire musicological essay on this song alone, much less Rilo Kiley and the uber-adorable Jenny Lewis.

P.S.: Comparing Rilo Kiley to the New Pornographers is a little silly. The New Pornos haven't been a band for nearly 10 years like RK has, and that's because (no matter if Carl Newman says otherwise) they ARE a supergroup.

quote:

Originally posted by Frank Valeron Esq.:
Yeah, Rilo Kiley. I have the 2 most recent records, and I like them, but they're definitely up and down. For all I know I'm lining myself up to be shot here, but I much prefer Jenny Lewis's solo record to either of them. I got it as soon as it came out, and loved it...

I sort of agree with you, but I think that's because Jenny made her solo record so damn SHORT and to the point, which is great. It left little to no room for filler. No disrespect to Blake, but Jenny is obviously where the majority of talent, not to mention image and appeal, in that band lies.

Can I start off with saying that I am in love with this forum. the new pornos and rilo are two of my favorite bands of all time, they saved me in high school.

secondly, has anyone really listened to twin cinema?? i saw them in concert in boston this year, hearing it live made me love it and now i can't get enough.

i do not like more adventurous at all. no specific reason besides it just doesnt appeal to me the way takeoffs and landings or the execution of all things.

Hooray for thread resurrection!

Overall, I'd have to say their strongest album is the 2002 "Execution of All Things". They've reached heights there they've yet to surpass. "More Adventurous" and "Takeoffs and Landings" are pretty rad as well. These guys were one of the groups that really got me into indie rock, so I am a big fan. Hopefully their 2007 album will rock my socks.