Under The Blacklight : Rilo Kiley : Review : Rolling Stone

Because Rilo Kiley's More Adventurous was a triumph of the well-made narrative song, its markedly terser and beatier follow-up, which is also the band's true major-label debut, will be accused of sellout. Instead, it's yet more adventurous, a prosperous band's challenge to its comfortable cult. Always too cute for serious indie cred, Jenny Lewis slips four songs about dangerous sex in which she herself might be indulging -- right now, in her pretty prosperity -- into music that's defined rather than just decorated by its stylistic flirtations. Repetitive if not wordless refrains pop up everywhere, one in Spanish with a Latin beat; here a soul horn section, there a Fleetwood Mac homage, there a synth outro and almost nowhere much guitar-band alt-rock. The emotions aren't as detailed as in the past, but they're no less intense. And why is it no one else has written a breakup song that incorporates how we describe a failing cell-phone connection?

ROBERT CHRISTGAU

(Posted: Aug 23, 2007)

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Give us your review of Under The Blacklight

Review 1 of 9

4of 5 Stars

This band wears its musical influences on its sleeve, but yet somehow manages to sound unabashedly modern nonetheless. There's an obvious wink toward nostalgia, even in the title, which references 'blacklight', that 70's mainstay with which to view all your cool posters. This genre-hopping album handles each area well, and remains coherent despite the various wanderings. I think this is the sound of a group well-schooled in their musical history, and able to confidently channel it into enjoyable modern songs.

Jan 3, 2008 10:23:35

Review 2 of 9

5of 5 Stars

I admit that on first listen, I wasn't thrilled with this album.
However, upon further listening, I really enjoy it. Sure, it isn't
sad indie storytelling like some of their previous music (which
I also enjoy) but it has merit of its own. The songs are catchy
and kinda fun...and there is a wide variety of tunes for every
taste. Sure, I find "Moneymaker" kind of annoying, too, but I
don't think that's enough to write the whole album off. Just
because this album is different, doesn't mean it is bad. I'm
not a musician, but I assume that artists don't want to do the
same thing over and over...they need to experiment. Give this
album a few more listens and I think you may find that this
experiment is a success.

Oct 16, 2007 00:20:58

Review 3 of 9

1of 5 Stars

this was the worst rilo kiley cd i've listened to. i'm so unhappy with the direction of this cd it's not even funny. there's like 2 decent songs and i'm disappointed it's the same thing over and over again. i was looking forward to listening to it but now i can't see myself listening to those same 2 decent songs over and over. good job rilo

Sep 11, 2007 13:18:48

Review 4 of 9

4of 5 Stars

This album would be a complete sell-out if it was recorded the 1970's. Instead of complimenting their songs with an alt. country sound, Rilo Kiley dive head first into disco, funk, and Southern California country-rock. The result is a retro sounding album with edgy lyrics. The highlight being "15". The song has a "Son Of A Preacher Man" vibe to it. Yet, the song is about sex with a minor. Other favorites include "The Moneymaker" and "Dreamworld". I've just listened to it a couple of times. So, I haven't fully appreciated all the lyrics. Musically, it's the perfect end-of-summer album. Upbeat with a tinge of dread. I don't think long time fans should write Rilo Kiley off with this album. Also, the post-"Grey Anatomy's" fans should appreciate what Rilo Kiley has pulled off with this album.

Sep 5, 2007 12:04:44

Review 5 of 9

Not Rated

No sellout- it's a refinement, and it bowled me over so much I'm
exploring the older material, especially Jenny and The Watson
Twins album- another treat entirely.

Aug 25, 2007 23:23:08

Review 6 of 9

1of 5 Stars

I saw the video for "shake your moneymaker" and i almost thought it was a silly joke. then i went on to find that no in fact no that was not a silly joke but a really bad marketing move. needless to say there is always the ELECTED in which I hope will come out with a new CD soon. I can see Jenny Lewis making this album though. It was inevitable.

Aug 22, 2007 18:45:31

Review 7 of 9

2of 5 Stars

As a huge fan of Rilo Kiley, this album is dissappointing. It's
not that I feel like they are sell outs, etc etc. It's just bad. The
album should have been released as a strictly instrumental
offering - the lyrics are shallow and at times repetitive. I GET
IT ALREADY! I AM THE MONEY MAKER!!!

I think the biggest problem is that this isn't so much an
evolution of an already great sound, it's a flat out belly flop
into the deep end. Though the company in the pool isn't your
usual faire - Death Cab for Cutie or Bright eyes. You'll find
yourself swimming uncomfortably with Hillary Duff, Lindsay
Lohan, and Britney Spears.

I'm going to go ahead and spend the rest of the day, with the
old Rilo Kiley catalog on repeat to expell the bad taste from
my palette.

Aug 21, 2007 11:53:39

Review 8 of 9

2of 5 Stars

And also, Glassjaw's "When One Eight Becomes Two Zeros" covers the cell phone breakup pun. The lack of lyrics and emotion on this album are enough to seriously disappoint any Jenny Lewis/ Rilo Kiley fan. I am the last person that I thought would have accused them of selling out but- this album is soul-less. At least Jenny can hint at that herself in some of the "lyrics" so we know she's not totally delusional.

Aug 20, 2007 23:04:38

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