In the Milwaukee streets

I saw Rilo Kiley in an opening slot last year at Alpine Valley. I remember liking Jenny Lewis's shoes, but beyond that I was not too impressed. When I first heard Rabbit Fur Coat, however, I was most definitely impressed. When Jenny and the Watson Twins came around my neck of the woods, I was eager to give her another try. I was not disappointed.

Tuesday was another fine evening at the Pabst. Anya and I grabbed dinner across the street before the show (well, she ate dinner while I hid the sandwich I'd brought from our cafeteria, and then scarfed it down when we left. Poor planning.) We wound up right in front, sitting for the two openers and then moving to the pit for Jenny. Best of both worlds.

Michael Runion was first up. Just him and his guitar, and the little book that he kept consulting because for some reason he hadn't written out a setlist. Although he seemed a bit like a musical version of Jared Miller - going off on tangents, explaining inconsequential things in minute detail, asking random people offstage how much time he had left, taking off his coat because the buttons were tapping on the guitar - I think it was really just his schtick. His set was fine. Next came Vietnam. An extraordinarily hairy band playing long songs. I wasn't much of a Vietnam fan, I'm afraid.

And finally, Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. I loved their set. Seeing Jenny up close, I was struck by how tiny and adorable and awesome she is. The upbeat songs were great (there was even a costume change!), and I enjoyed all of the new songs they played. I may have liked "Fernando" best. My favorite song of the night, though, was "Born Secular". I like it on the album, but it was something ... more ... live. Jenny's singing was perfect, and the arrangement was perfect - the band members leaving the stage one after another, until only the drummer was left to complete his frenzied solo. I look forward to attending another Jenny Lewis show when she has even more material to showcase.

(Photos by CJ Foeckler. More are in the Pabst gallery.)