Jenny Lewis’ solo debut is a soulful country record that leaves all indie trappings (save some guest star wattage) behind. Restrained sometimes to a fault, JL & TWT have given us a peek at an imaginary “Dusty in L.A.”, with the Watson Twins adding a Julee Cruise-ish hillbilly gothic spin to what’s basically a wonderful, straight ahead singer-songwriter record. Highlights include the cautionary tale “Rise Up With Fists”, the galloping country honk of “The Charging Sky”, the fly-on-the-wall tell all title track and the gospel hoedown “The Big Guns”. And don’t dismiss the seemingly needless cover of The Travelling Wilburys’ “Handle With Care” – it fits perfectly with the damaged but tough story she’s telling and it’s a blast hearing oh-so-serious Conor Oberst, Ben Gibbard and M Ward cut loose a little.
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