Album Review: Jenny Lewis - Acid Tounge

Acid Tongue is actor/musician Jenny Lewis's second solo album. Lewis, member of the successful Rilo Kiley, has an extensive music resume. In addition to be being the main voice of Rilo Kiley she also contributed to the legendary collaborative effort of Ben Gibbard and Dntel known as The Postal Service. She also sang on indie band Cursive's 2004 release The Ugly Organ, and on her first solo album Rabbit Fur Coat, released in 2006, she worked with Conor Oberst, M. Ward, James Valentine (of Maroon 5), and once again Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie. If this wasn't enough in her youth Lewis also had a decent acting career and appeared in several TV series.

Lewis returned to Rilo Kiley's country roots when recording Rabbit Fur Coat. While definitely indie rock, the chord progressions and slide guitars give the album a heavy dose of western flavor. It is an intimate and incredible journey. I recommend it to anyone that is a fan of Rilo Kiley or edgy indie folk music (did I just create a genre?) with great lyrics.

Acid Tongue employs more of an indie pop feel. Her overall sound is roughed up throughout the album. Dirty is the word that comes to mind when comparing solo albums. Rabbit Fur Coat was a very balanced approach, while Acid Tongue is more gritty.

Overall, I enjoyed this album. I did not feel the same intimate connection I had with Rabbit Fur Coat. The feeling of sitting on the front porch with Lewis telling stories just doesn't exist like it did on her previous release.

But Lewis has a way to brighten songs (and your day) with her voice, and for that this album is worth checking out.