Passing Notes with Amber

About a year ago I graduated from college and got my first real job. I’d have to say my number one fear at the time (aside from finally having to become a real grown up, of course) was that I wouldn’t make any friends at work. Luckily this fear was shattered within hours of my first day when I was introduced to Amber. Sure, we were probably only introduced because we were close in age and fashion sense, but the second music was mentioned we bonded instantly. The first time we went to lunch together, The Spill Canvas, one of my absolute favorite bands, was playing in her car. That was pretty much the moment I knew we would be work “musical soulmates”. Ever since then, we are always exchanging our latest musical discoveries and recommendations with each other. Recently she gave me a Jenny Lewis CD to listen to, which I fell in love with, so I asked Amber to write a guest post about her. Here’s what she had to say below:

 

Jenny Lewis

From country roots blossomed an amazing indie rock sensation that mixes folk, country, rock, and soul into a unique and refreshing sound known as Jenny Lewis. On her way to being a household name, Lewis is definitely a recognized name in the indie rock world. Once a 80s child star from Las Vegas, NV, Lewis made her music career start in 1998 when her and friends started the band Rilo Kiley. Their most popular record “Under the Blacklight” was released in 2007, and is simply terrific. If you don’t have the album already, I suggest you pick it up. Well worth the money! You may also recognize her amazing voice from The Postal Service, where she guests on many songs of their 2003 ‘Give Up’ album. Lewis performed in the video for the single “We Will Become Silhouettes”, and toured with the band in 2003. Lewis contributed vocals to several tracks on the 2004 Cursive album ‘The Ugly Organ’. These guest spots are what first got me noticing Jenny Lewis’ unique and powerful voice, and encouraged me to check out her solo projects. 

Lewis didn’t embark on her solo career until 2006, then known as Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. Along with 2 EPs, the full-length album ‘Rabbit Fur Coat’ was well received by critics. But it was Lewis’ newest solo album Acid Tongue, released in 2008, that propelled her into indie rock stardom. The album is amazing all around. Listening to tracks “The Next Messiah” and “Jack Killed Mom” throws the listener back into the acid trip 1960s. While tracks like “Trying My Best to Love You” (listen for Zooey Deschanel singing backup) and “Pretty Bird” shows off Lewis’ powerful range and beautiful tone of voice. Among high energy soul-infused tracks like “See Fernando” and “Carpet Baggers” (featuring legend Elvis Costello), title track “Acid Tongue” and “Black Sand” are great for early mornings or other mellow times of your day. As you can see, every track on this album is equally impressive and provides an exploding range of emotions and moods that doesn’t get old. Not convinced after the first listen? Listen again. It only gets better.

Jenny Lewis recently played the Coachella Festival in Indio, CA, and is currently on a U.S. tour. She plays The Fillmore in San Francisco this Thursday and Friday, May 28 and 29.  See you there!

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