There's something magical about Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins. From their graceful introduction, a slow and calculated procession onto the stage, to the omnipresent connection and mutual admiration shared by each member of the band, last night's show at Irving Plaza was truly a "performance" in all senses of the word. Seeing Jenny in her "Tinkerbell-esque" dress, flanked by the fully-gowned pristine Watson Twins and boyfriend/brilliant songwriter Johnathan Rice, my expectations were lofty from the outset. If I had cut this post right here, the only thing I would say is that I stood in the middle of the Irving Plaza floor for a full ten minutes after the lights came on.Luckily, this is my site, so I have a little control over my word limit. For those who have been fortunate enough to listen to Rabbit Fur Coat, the highly acclaimed solo debut, you're familiar with the autobiographical journey that floats from charming and playful, to lonely and dark, and back again. However, as live performances should be (but seldom are), Jenny and the Watson Twins, backed by a polished yet eager Rice, completed the emotional connection that began on the studio record. Jenny has soul. She has style. Jenny has joy. She has pain. Jenny has it all, and the most wonderful part is that she lets you in. Despite how complicated and unusual her life has been, she so naturally made the audience feel like we were all friends at her apartment, and she was telling us the most exciting and captivating story. Throughout the show, the crowd was lifted to exaltation (complete with fists pumping as Jenny belted out "and I will rise up with fists!"), and then brought to its kness as she so delicately sang the lyrics of "Rabbit Fur Coat," the album's captivating title track and most obviously autobiographical. The most thrilling moment of the show was the performance of a new song titled "Jack Killed Mom," a raging hand-clapping and boot-stomping tune that evoked thoughts of summer Sundays in a Southern gospel church. Do yourself a favor, and make every effort possible to see this tour when it comes to your town. You'll come away feeling enchanted, impressed, and amazed at your new friend Jenny.
Thanks to her label, Team Love, you can download the entire Rabbit Fur Coat album HERE.
