W W W . E X O D U S T E R . C O M

Rilo Kiley, Feist, The Brunettes
@ Gothic Theatre, Engelwood, CO
6/13/05

So there were two opening bands - the Brunettes and Feist. And while I can still count on one hand shows I've seen in Colorado, I've seen both acts before. The Brunettes were as enjoyable as when I saw them open for the Shins. Again, it was great to see someone rockin' out the clarinet. Considering the negatives, I wish they would have featured either of the two songs that have made it on my iPod playlist - "Loopy Loopy Love" and "These Things Take Time." Interestingly, the blond saxophone player (who resembles Paris from the Gilmore Girls) appeared to be absent from this show, and I must wonder whether her exit was forced by her over-light hair color.

Feist was up next, after an overlong intermission. This is where I went back to the bar to get a drink. In all, underwhelming. I saw Feist open for the Kings of Convenience, a show where the audience was repeatedly called upon to fill in for absent instruments through hums, snaps, and hand claps. I'm not a big fan of this kind of audience participation schtick, but it more or less worked for KoC. At this show, however, it was a flop. As the middle aged guys near me muttered, "Get a band." I agree, but I also find her voice a bit whiny so perhaps having proper backing might not have elevated the experience so much.

Then after another ridiculously long set change break, Rilo Kiley was up. The show was basically what I expected. A little loud, a bit of a slow start, but then some excellent songs and a pretty good audience vibe. The standout song for me was "With Arms Outstretched." One new song, "Pull Me in Tighter," was quite enjoyable. Clearly, Jenny Lewis outshines the male vocalist (and fellow child actor), Blake Sennett. she has the better voice, more of the Idol-esque "X" factor, and also avoids Blake's earnestness, black vests, and Nick Carter bangs. The tragic part of the show was that the late start meant I had to miss the last part of the show in order to get back in time to get some sleep before another early morning of grading. But in all, a show worth the $20.