Jenny Lewis: Rabbit Fur Coat

Jenny Lewis is no stranger to the music world. Although this is her first release sporting her by name, she has been well-known to the indie rock world as the front-woman of indie darlings Rilo Kiley. Rabbit Fur Coat, however, is quite the departure for Jenny. From the down-beat indie rock of Rilo Kiley to the alt-country sounds of Rabbit Fur Coat, Jenny proves her versatility in this refreshing offering of melodies. Switching effortlessly from country to gospel to folk, Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins cover a wide range of styles while somehow still managing to make this album feel solid and unified. Every track on this album feels necessary, and none of the tracks come across as filler. From the opening moments of the first track, you are sure you are in for a special treat; the following tracks certainly deliver. Jenny comes across as charming and sweet but also strong and confident; as the album unfolds she proves her vocal strength again and again. Although only the background vocalists, the Watson Twins with their powerful gospel sound make sure you know they aren't taking a back-seat on this record. They not only perfectly compliment Jenny's smooth voice but add a dimension to the songs that bring the whole record to another level. It's not that Jenny can't stand on her own, but with the aid of the Watson Twins, this record becomes a force to be reckoned with. Lyrically Jenny paints autobiographical stories; she sings of growing up poor, love, and struggling with faith and hypocrisy. This album has the old south feel of the film Oh Brother Where Art Thou peppered with the cool stylings of modern pop. On songs like "You Are What You Love" and her Traveling Wilbury's cover of "Handle with Care", Jenny proves she can play more driving songs, but even this she pulls off so eloquently you'd swear she's been doing this her whole life. Stand-out tracks on this album include the single, “Rise Up with Fists”, “Big Guns” and the title-track “Rabbit Fur Coat.” Strong, solid and fresh, “Rabbit Fur Coat" may very well be one of the most exciting albums of 2006.

Rating out of 4 Stars: * * * *