Search - Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins :: Rabbit Fur Coat

William B.
Reviewed on 1/12/2007...

This is an amazing CD, the best of 2006 in my opinion. My only regret is that I didn't hear it until the very beginning of 2007. Jenny has a beautiful voice and lyrics that aren't the norm. CDs where you sing along with every song are rare, but this is one of them. Doesn't fit any genre well but fits best in an alt-country (think old 97's?).

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Effortlessly enjoyable

W. Davidson | Melbourne, Australia | 02/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jenny Lewis from the Los Angeles quartet Rilo Kiley has stepped out on her own with a collection of country-folk enchantment that is sure to win her a legion of fans. Accompanying her on this journey are the enigmatic Watson Twins (Chandra & Leigh) who embellish Lewis's clear-as-crystal vocals with their gorgeous harmonies that are best described as `other-worldly'. Lewis also draws on a stable of indie stars from Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard and Maroon 5's James Valentine.



Rabbit Fur Coat sports a magnificent sleeve photograph that serves as a perfect visual insight to the classy affair within. Modelled on `white soul classics', in particular the stunning Laura Nyro/Labelle collaboration Gonna Take A Miracle (1972) this lofty goal is skilfully achieved with tracks such as the luminous Rise Up With Fists!!, The Changing Sky and Melt Your Heart.



The pace is smooth, the songs sound spectacular, dare I say magical, and the album is only briefly brought down by the somewhat stilted title track mid-way through. Much has been made of the cover of The Travelling Wilbury's Handle With Care, but this for me this is one of the weak points on the album. Although a good choice of song the unnecessary introduction of male vocalists somehow taints the otherwise pure female vision of this album. The disappointment is short-lived though as more aces reside in Lewis's scalloped sleeve with the majestic Born Secular that again takes this record into orbit.



Sporting all the requisite country musical touches - steel and acoustic guitars, wire drums and electric piano, Lewis's collection of country/folk/gospel songs make this an effortlessly enjoyable record, although a small leaning to country music is probably necessary. Whether the charms of Rabbit Fur Coat will last over time or if this is just a giddy summer fling only time will tell, but my inner Criswell thinks this one has legs. Either way ladies and gentlemen, welcome to your first favourite album of 2006.



"

Put on the Coat

R. M. Ettinger | Cleveland Heights, OH USA | 04/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I admit I'm probably not young and/or hip enough to know Rilo Kiley - so this is my first exposure to Jenny Lewis, let alone the Watson Twins.



Going from that statement - this review will make almost no sense. It won't be logical, just based on pure gut. My first thoughts were that Lewis comes across as a non-twangy Loretta Lynn. It is music on her terms. She is a non-traditional songwriter - almost a deconstruction take on the process. Her performances take on the same form. It's not country. It's not folk. It's just......Lewis.



One of my initial thoughts was that this was like the first time I heard k.d. lang or Dwight Yoakam initial releases. I am *not* saying Jenny Lewis is like either in style or sound. She's just one of those performers where the mold either doesn't fit or has been broken. Either way - it's a *good* thing.



I won't review songs per se - but "Rise Up With Fists!!!" and "You Are What You Are" are stand-out cuts. A cover of the Traveling Wilbury's "Handle w/Care" is ok, but nothing more than that.



The Watson Twins really do add some nice backing vocals - and video-wise, they are extremely intriguing. I know - that latter part isn't enough to make a good CD, but for the curious - it's a worthy purchase.

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