Record #371: Jenny & Johnny’s ‘I’m Having Fun Now’
Gave this one a spin and wrote it up for next week’s paper. Hate to prematurely leak stuff I composed specifically for the ole day job, so note the carefully placed ellipses. Wanna know what I redacted? Pick up the paper or check the site in a few days. Since I’m sure you’re dying to know.
… the pet project of Jenny Lewis … and her Scottish-American singer-songwriter boyfriend Johnathan Rice … I was prepared for a precious, cloying experience. I anticipated solipsism and a heavy dose of wince-worthy cutesy-poo — like a mildly more legit She & Him. … full of sweet duets and a touch of starry-eyed schmaltz, but these two are compelling songwriters and well-suited collaborators … Rice and Lewis both contributed heavily to Elvis Costello’s 2008 release, Momofuku … their appreciation for the bopping, new wave-tinged rock ’n’ roll of The Imposter is clear on tunes like “Scissor Runner” and “Big Wave.” … sturdy, catchy, sunny, upbeat indie pop … occasional organic, folky flourishes … likely Lewis’ best output in a few years.
