all photos: Ethan Arpi.
People love to chastise Rilo Kiley for selling out. Many of us knew we had gone our separate ways when we started hearing “Portions for Foxes” advertising Lindsay Lohen’s latest tween flick. Flavorless bubblegum songs like “Moneymaker” and “Dejalo” have served as the latest reminders of how we have all grown apart. Meanwhile, BYT and Rilo Kiley have had a short and bumpy relationship.
That’s probably why I took it a bit personally when my press passes to Rilo Kiley’s show fell through after having been confirmed and triple-checked by our beloved BYT editrix herself. The ticket box girl’s Daria-esque apathy compounded my frustration as I madly pecked away at my cell phone trying to sort out my blunders. Meanwhile, a meddlesome, bleach-blonde fake baker in daisy dukes who reeked of Marlboros, flowery perfume and Hairnet hairspray took it upon herself to criticize my slow texting skills and hail the wonders of T9 as she flashed her tickets in my face. But I digress…
It was harder than pulling capped teeth, but a few phone calls and sluggish texts later, Rilo Kiley’s tour manager did what seemed like the huge favor of squeezing me in. By the time I entered, Thao with the Get Down Stay Down had nearly finished their set and Ethan, whose name made it on the press list, had been shooting away. Thao was refreshingly happy-go-lucky as she made a sweet shout-out to her brother in the audience, who brought spring rolls to share. The last song’s smooth vocals and Major chords inspired a sense of relief and optimism after what seemed like an Olympic hurdle race.
However, Ethan was quickly shooed away from stage and barred from taking any more photographs. Rilo Kiley’s tour manager and texting-fanatic replied, “No photos. Period.”
Meanwhile, a boy-girl duo had come on who wasn’t on the night’s schedule of bands. Before proceeding to jump into a fabulous set of old-school folk songs, they referred to themselves as friends of Rilo Kiley fresh off the plane from Nashville. Honey-glazed harmonies melted into the crannies of fractured guitar riffs. My vexation dissipated.
It’s hard to stay mad at Rilo Kiley. Though the first three songs were off the new album, they didn’t sound nearly as plasticized or overproduced. The band then retreated to some “oldies,” reminiscing the good ol’ days with a trumpet-laced “Does He Love You?” and a “With Arms Outstretched” sing-along. Jenny Lewis sparkled in a gold dress and bright pink glow-in-the-dark nails. The boys were dressed to impressed in silver suspenders and matching vests.
Blake Sennett allowed audience members to choose their own adventure. We chose “Better Son” over “Pictures of Success” without regrets. Gigantic silver-streamer filled balloons were bounced out during the band’s performance of “Silver Lining,” admittedly one of Rilo Kiley’s best new songs. The encore started with a birthday celebration for Pierre de Reader as the band wrapped the night up with a bow-of-a-song, Portions for Foxes.
For old-timer Rilo Kiley fans, 9:30 Club reunions have served as healthy form of group therapy. Friday’s show reminded us that, despite its wide-eyed, teenybopper following, Rilo Kiley is still the soulful, sparkling, and fun indie friend we love and remember.
rilo kiley is done. if they don’t put out another album within a year, i’ll bet they’ll be going their seperate ways for good.
June 11, 2008 at 7:35 amIt was Gillian Welch and David Rawlings in between Thao and Rilo. They are amazing and it was a real treat to have them pop up randomly at the show. Gillian is one of my favorite artists so my jaw was pretty much on the floor when they took the stage.
June 11, 2008 at 2:20 pmThanks for filling us in! They were the highlights of the night.
June 11, 2008 at 2:28 pmYou left out the part about the overwhelming shittiness of the audience. I could barely hear Gillian Welch over all the talking. If not for the other people there, the show would have been fabulous.
June 12, 2008 at 12:00 am
The new Rilo Kiley is waaay more scissor sisters than saddle creek. But Thao and TGDSD and the second band were fantastic (does anybody know who they were, we saw Thao at the bar and she said who they were but I was half in the bag). If they come around as a duo again I would definately go back to see them……..sans RK.
PS. Rilo Kiley should totaly make a video spoof of salute your shorts/boy meets world/troop beverly hills.
PPS. Chances are Shelly Long is free.
June 10, 2008 at 4:33 pm