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JENNY LEWISAcid TongueRough Trade***
Jenny Lewis effectively punches the final nails into the coffin lid of her band, Rilo Kiley, with Acid Tongue, a reasonably sparkling follow-up to her debut solo record, Rabbit Fur Coat. Rilo Kiley's effortless bohemian indie-pop is missing, but in its place is a very good substitute: a cafe-creme swirl of subtle strings, smooth Americana and stories (with Lewis as the narrator rather than the central character) of backwoods America and its associated haul of misfits, creaky bar stools, harsh emotions and casual repression. All of the aforementioned is handled deftly via Lewis's natural ay with words and by musical arrangements that switch from thriftshop Dolly Parton to rhinestone Rilo Kiley. Gifted performer, cool record. www.jenny lewis.com TONY CLAYTON-LEA
Download tracks:Fernando, Black Sand, Jack Killed Mom