Even though I’m not totally nuts about the new solo project — I love Jenny Lewis enough that we (by which I mean I) decided to go see her play the Opera House last week. Boy was it worth it.

As Zoilus recently pointed out that she can’t really sing country, which is probably part of the problem. But live, the songs worked a lot better. Tracks I hadn’t particularly liked on the record were impressive, “Melt Your Heart” almost made me cry. Her voice was so much stronger and more beautiful and the songs just sounded so much better being played by an actual live band that new what it was doing. “Rabbit Fur Coat” was still cutesy and unmelodic though.

The opener, Whispertown 2000 was really confusing. I learned that they were formerly known as Vagtown 2000, which is awesome. And also, about 60% of their set was really enjoyable. The issue was the lead singer’s voice — which for the first few songs sounded like a Mirah impersonation, but without the goodness — she did these weird twee things where she was like, clearly trying to sound bad on purpose. But in the end I forgave them because a) they had been held up at the border and literally came onstage with their coats on from outside, so they had no time to warm up (literally or with the vocal chords); b) the last bit of the set was awesome and had a Gillian Welch cover; and c) …Vagtown 2000! Sweet!

Then there was the usual “teenagers don’t understand personal space” gripe. At least Annie is going to be 19+. I. hate. all-ages shows. Seriously guy, we were on the balcony. There was no one behind you. If you’re stepping on the heel of my shoe YOU ARE TOO CLOSE.

I need new stuff to listen to and watch and read. And maybe I should clean my bathroom.

Happy spring!