Disclaimer: I have high expectations for any new music put out by Jenny Lewis whether its solo or with Rilo Kiley. Forget these other female pop-stars (Lady Gaga, Katy Perry...) who always seem to put a desire to be in the spotlight ahead of the primal urge to make amazing music and write inspiring lyrics. Lewis is the real deal American Woman hero.
Disclaimer: I'm a married man, but for Jenny Lewis there is an unwritten contract between my wife and I that given the opportunity I'm allowed to make out with her. How did I stumble upon this luck? (I married the right woman...) Lewis is simply so talented at what she does and so confident that she can make both men and women swoon in awe of her talent. That's right, if given the opportunity I think my wife would also make out with Jenny Lewis. All of this is gratuitous and about as likely to happen as the Yankees becoming a non-profit organization with the lowest payroll in baseball. The new album "I'm Having Fun Now" (released Aug 31, 2010) by lovebirds Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice shows that their romantic chemistry is strong as can be. Frankly, I'm not bitter about their romance. If a healthy relationship between Jenny & Johnny brings more music like that found on this album, he can have her!
I recently listened to the album which is currently streaming until on NPR until the release date. The big song stuck in my head at the moment is "Big Wave" which has all of Jenny's signatures. A great pop hook over snarling melodic guitars and a canvas of backing vocals. This is the classic Jenny Lewis song that makes you want to play drums on the steering wheal as you drive, and make your hair swing around as you move your head (I'm bald, but in my fantasy there is hair, and I'm swinging it shamelessly).
Throughout the album Jenny & Johnny trade roles taking the lead vocals while the other provides backing harmony. These two have voices that really compliment each other well. There is a fearless chemistry between them. Give a listen to the short and sweet "While Men Are Dreaming" which places Jenny Lewis lead vocals (double tracked for texture) over re-verb heavy guitar and a-Capella style punctuated backing vocals by Johnathan Rice.
Prior to this album I was not familiar with Rice, but it has not taken him long to convert me to being a fan. On the opening track "Scissor Runner," Rice and Lewis trade vocals and douse each other in beautiful harmony. Rice has a smooth voice and delivery similar to that of Lewis. Both artists are masters of going from soulful to edgy on a moments notice, and they each have a fun pleasing way of playing with syllables and the delivery of particular vocals.
This album gets a big enthusiastic thumbs up. I imagine it will be a mainstay on the Deutsch family stereo for some time. More info available at jennyandjohnnymusic.com
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