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Standard Fare - The Noyelle Beat (LP)

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Album Review

Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins Rabbit Fur Coat
Rough Trade

Article written by Matt P
Jan 17, 2006.

There are precious few great vocalists in mainstream music at the moment. We're flooded with mediocre singer-songwriters, many churned out by television 'talent' shows; but people whose voices can grab the attention, shape moods, and portray emotions are notably absent. It is for this reason that Jenny Lewis' solo album has been long anticipated. Rabbit Fur Coat sees her break away from the colourful indie heroine she has become, and establish herself as a serious and mature solo artist.

The album is consciously different from her work with Rilo Kiley and the Postal Service, and draws on huge chunks of country and gospel for inspiration. Listen to the lyrics on most of the tracks and you'll find a telling social commentary on some of society's ills. The Big Guns is a stomping start to the album, calling for an end to war: "let's pretend that everybody here wants peace." Rise Up With Fists calls on us to be thankful for what we have, and attacks a society obsessed with the superficial: "you can wake up younger under the knife."

Backing vocals are provided throughout the album by the impressive Watson twins, and they feature prominently on the best track: the heartfelt Melt Your Heart. Lewis purrs her way throught it, and the sombre acoustic backing gives it real emotional depth. Lewis ropes in some of her indie pals (Ben Gibbard, Conor Oberst, M.Ward) on Handle Me With Care, a cover of the Travelling Wilburys track. The last couple of songs fail to reach the standard set earlier, however.

This is Jenny Lewis minimalism: unobtrusive instrumentals and complementary backing vocals which leave the focus entirely on her voice. And she'll melt your heart, one way or another.

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