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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wit Fails Me for Take Offs and Landings, March 19, 2005
Before I actually review this item let me say something; I may have a slight bias towards Rilo Kiley, as they were my first endeavor into indie music, however, I have no emotion bias towards this album among all the albums they've produced. Now, onto the actual review.
Rilo Kiley is on of the recent big things to hit the indie scene, but this was from their early days, this particular CD being released on Rilo Records originally (They only ever released one other thing on this label-- their EP which underwent several changes in title and was released three times, all with slight variances). Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service, All-Time Quarterback) somehow managed to get a hold of this and, impressed, somehow got Rilo Kiley signed to Barsuk (The label to which Death Cab for Cutie is signed to), which brings us up to this record, featuring Rilo as the four-piece outfit of Jenny Lewis (Keyboardist, Guitarist, and Vocalist), Blake Sennet (Guitarist and Vocalist), Dave Rock (Drummer, later replaced by Jason Boesel after an apparent falling-out with the other members) and Pierre de Reeder (Bassist).
This album is a romp through a variety of musical genres, ranging from slow ballad-ish songs such as Small Figures in a Vast Expanse, a song about changing and often failing at it, to almost upbeat songs such as the carry-over song (it's a very modified version of an EP song) Always, a song about nogoodnic boys who always lie. Between the two there is a sprawling land of stylistic variance, with one underlying concept genre. Some of the standout songs on this particular album are Plane Crash in C, Science Vs. Romance, and Pictures of Success, though I couldn't say I didn't enjoy every song for some reason. Below is just a bit of information on the songs I mentioned above.
Plane Crash in C: A song that's actually rather catchy and lovely despite it's sort of slow-pace. A rather interesting trumpet line, too.
Science Vs. Romance: This is, without a doubt, some of the finest work Rilo Kiley has ever done. Though not ridiculous in it's pacing, this offering has a very popish feel to it, with Jenny singing on giving up beliefs in some of her finest pre-The Execution of All Things work.
Pictures of Success: The song that many, including this author, consider to be the crowning achievement on Take Off's and Landings. It's fairly slow for a tiny bit, but then picking up the pace, which only digresses back down to the pace it began at. One of the loveliest songs on this album, and quite possibly of their career (though their new stuff sounds pleasing as well), it contains geniuses lyrics, quite often leaving the listener lost amongst them.
This said, I feel that you should, however, make your own decision and not just rely on one reviewer in the end.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
still killing..., February 24, 2004
I'm not a big indie fan, or a big anything fan for that matter. I'll like a band or song here and there, but generally I shift through 'phases,' if you will, ranging from punk to rap to k-pop and opera. But I've absolutely adored Rilo Kiley since I first heard them about a year ago. The vocals are amazing, with sort of an innocent sincerity, they're somehow absolutely profound. Coupled with relevant lyrics that either address new issues or put twists on cliche topics (lust, break ups, etc), the album's replay level is oddly high. I've whored it innumerable times and haven't even neared getting sick of it. Song structure also helps in making Rilo Kiley's sound distinguised and unique. buy it! really!
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56 of 73 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Which One's Rilo?, May 27, 2002
Bands like Rilo Kiley depress me. I mean, here is a band that has so much going for them, yet you just have to wonder where their place is in a music scene dominated by 15-year-old debutants, corporatized gangsta rappers and second generation Pearl Jam ripoffs. I love this band more than I can convey in words and yet I gotta ask what is in it for them? A couple indie releases and then what? Having said that, there is no reason why you shouldn't order this album immediately. This is one of the few CDs that has totally impressed me in ages. These guys are already at the top of their game, and seeing them live recently just reinforced my admiration for all they have accomplished. They are truly rock stars in their own right, and it is just a darn shame that they are selling out the Troubadour when they should be selling out the Hollywood Bowl. How Jenny and Blake remain optimistic enough to produce such beautiful and unaffected music is a testament to their talent and intelligence. Let's hope they receive some encouragement with their next release, because music like this deserves to be celebrated.
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by Rilo Kiley 
