The Late Movies: Rilo Kiley Have Broken Up

When news broke last week that Rilo Kiley, one of my favorite bands, had broken up, I knew it was my responsibility to introduce my fellow nerds to their music. Rilo Kiley is sort of a country/indie rock band, known for strong melodies and dark lyrics. Take a listen, and if you like this new-defunct band, pick up one of their records -- and wait for a reunion tour that might never come. Enjoy! (He said, shuffling sadly off into his hi-fi room.)

For those unfamiliar with the band, read up at Wikipedia. Lead singer Jenny Lewis may be best known to some readers as the female lead from The Wizard (yes, the Nintendo movie), and lead guitarist Blake Sennett was in both Salute Your Shorts and Boy Meets World. Note: several of the songs below use the f-word to great effect.

"Breakin' Up"

"It's not as if New York City burned down to the ground once you drove away."

"With Arms Outstretched"

"It's sixteen miles to the promised land, and I promise you I'm doin' the best I can. Now don't fool yourself in thinkin' you're more than a man, 'cause you'll probably end up dead."

"Portions for Foxes"

"There's blood in my mouth / Because I've been biting my tongue all week / I keep on talking trash but I never say anything."

"It's a Hit"

"Gotta write a hit / I think this is it / It's a hit."

"Spectacular Views"

"There are no bad words for the coast today, then you ask 'What's a palisade?' and if we're too late for happiness." Apparently this version is from 2002!

"Paint's Peeling"

Another from 2002. "Now that you’ve seen almost all of America, all you can say is, 'Where is all the water?'"

"The Execution of All Things"

"And if you’re well off, well then I’m happy some for you. But I’d rather not celebrate my defeat and humiliation here with you."

"Does He Love You?"

"Get a real job; keep the wind at your back and the sun on your face. All the immediate unknowns are better than knowin' this tired and lonely fate."

"More Adventurous"

"And it's only doubts that we're counting, on fingers broken long ago. I read with every broken heart we should become more adventurous."

"A Man/Me/Then Jim"

"It's my gradual descent into a life I never meant."

"Close Call"

"She was born on a brightened pier, to a gypsy mother and a bucket of tears."

"A Better Son/Daughter"

"And you'll be awake and you'll be alert / You'll be positive though it hurts / And you'll laugh and embrace all your friends / And you'll be a real good listener / You'll be honest, you'll be brave / You'll be handsome and you'll be beautiful / You'll be happy."