Shake Your Moneymaker

Ah, indie bands with girl singers. Sleeper. Catatonia. Sneaker Pimps. They are every 14 year old boy's greatest Smash Hits fantasy. One group who seem to have avoided being lumped in with all the rest are Rilo Kiley. They have all the right ingredients - stunningly attractive female lead; three generic-looking guys behind her playing the instruments; and some decent indie pop tunes.

However, something seems to have changed with their new album, 'Under The Blacklight'. They've gone all funky! It's always dangerous when indie bands start to think they're James Brown. Manic Street Preachers tried it to limited success on 'Miss Europa Disco Dancer' from 'Know Your Enemy'. Pulp tried their hand at sultry, seedy funk on 'This Is Hardcore'.

Here, though, it seems as if Rilo Kiley have pulled it off. They've bought a slap bass, a couple of synthesisers and they're bringing back the funk. This is not a massive departure for them - Lewis' voice is still instantly recognisable, the clangy guitars and steady beats are still there, but it sounds like the band have been through a car wash and come out all new and shiny like. They have experimented, like all good bands should, and evolved, like all great bands do.

All together now - "Funkeee..."

Rilo Kiley: The Moneymaker

and specially for Megan, who before today was a Rilo Kiley virgin, here's an old song:

Rilo Kiley: A Better Son/Daughter

Further evidence to support the argument that there is nothing hotter than
a) a female singer
b) a female singer saying 'fuck'