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Rating: * * * *
Jenny Lewis is the former child actress turned American indie-rock pin-up gal who, here, is striking out alone again from her day job as the frontwoman of Rilo Kiley. This one follows her impressive solo debut Rabbit Fur Coat from 2006 and Rilo Kiley's fourth Under the Blacklight from last year.
And while her solo effort might imply more lonely singer-songwriterisms, Lewis doesn't lack for company with a choir stall full of guest singers - including Elvis Costello in his second duet of the month after turning up on the new Lucinda Williams album - and a backing band which extends to boyfriend-guitarist Johnathan Rice, various members of the Lewis clan, A Perfect Circle, Costello's Imposters and a Black Crowe.
But while all that backing allows for some ambitious moments - The Next Messiah heads out to almost nine minutes long with its White Stripe-folk-gospel stomp - it still makes for an album hinging neatly on Lewis' bitter songs and sweet voice.
That stretches from the airy chamber pop of opener Black Sand through to the southern country-gothic of Pretty Birds and the title track, a beautiful ballad recalling everyone from Bobbie Gentry to Aimee Mann, as does the lush Trying My Best to Love You. The Bo Diddley-beat rockabilly of See Fernando, the Costello-accompanied Carpetbaggers, and another decidedly White Stripes number, Jack Killed Mom, gives this a visceral kick just when Acid Tongue is in danger of becoming an acquired taste.
Russell Baillie
