Rilo Kiley at SOMA
Oh SOMA. Our love-hate relationship plays out yet again. But there was no way I was gonna miss Rilo Kiley, especially with Grand Ole Party opening, so I dragged myself to SOMA and was glad I did.
I guessed (correctly) that Bird and the Bee would play first since this is GOP’s home town. So I actually got there late..maybe 8.45? Just in time to catch “Red Rum Heart”, a couple more (wasn’t taking notes) and the set ending “Look Out Young Son”. There is something to be said for how great a band sounds near the end of a tour. Especially when aforementioned band is making a triumphant return to the town they call home. They got a good round of applause when they left the stage, which is nice.
So, Rilo Kiley. Their new album has been maligned (wrongly I would say) by Indie Blogger Nation, but I have read more than one show review saying that they are warming up to the album after seeing the material live. Well, I liked the album from the get-go (except for the stinker Dejalo) and seeing the songs mixed in with some old favorites just reinforced my original opinion. Without further ado, the set list:
Rilo Kiley
SOMA San Diego
10/12/07
It’s A Hit
Close Call
Portion for Foxes
Paint’s Peeling
Breakin’ Up
Dreamworld
Moneymaker
Wires and Waves
Ripchord
With Arms Outstretched
Silver Lining
I Never
Give A Little Love
15
Rise Up With Fists
Spectacular Views
Encore:
Does He Love You?
A good long set with lots of new songs and a bunch of old faves. I was a little worried when two of the first three songs were “It’s A Hit” and “Portion for Foxes” which are easily their most recognizable songs. But Jenny was talkative and her banter with Blake just makes it easy for the most casual fan to get sucked in. When I saw Jenny Lewis live as a solo act, she even talked about Blake, so there is definitely an importance to their interaction on stage. Blake’s presence makes Jenny a better performer for sure. I thought the three song sequence of new material ("Breakin’ Up”, “Dreamworld”, and “Moneymaker") was especially strong. Jenny led a sing along for “With Arms Outstreched” - we sounded good. A little bit of cheeseball came out during “Silver Living” when these huge balloons with silver confetti were floated into the crowd. When they popped, it really looked like rain coming out of clouds. Nice touch. And I thought it was funny that Blake introduced “Rise Up With Fists” as a cover. Okay, technically, it is. The encore of “Does He Love You” was a little of a bummer, but who says we all shouldn’t suffer a bit for our love of our favorite indie-band-makes-it-big. I’m just saying.....
Oh, BTW, Kristen did a great job with backup vocals and percussion (and even some choreographed swaying.)
