Child Actors turn to music as adults in “Rilo Kiley”

The band Rilo Kiley is a collaboration of two child actors-Blake Sennet (who was the skinny rat-like sidekick of the obese bully on “Boy Meets World”) and Jenny Lewis (who was the girl from the terrible movie “The Wizard” starring the venerable Fred Savage). However, any reservations one might have over enjoying a band of such dubious origins will come around after actually listening to their music. Rilo Kiley is a four-piece band that has a quirky Indie-Rock sound that sometimes shows a hint of country influence, and lyrically, is one of the best bands I’ve ever heard. Rilo Kiley formed in 1998 in Los Angeles and self-recorded their first record, Take Offs and Landing. The band signed with Saddle Creek records after the quasi-folk attitude and catchy hooks of the first album caught the attention of many reputable labels. Their sophomore effort, The Execution of All Things, which debuted on Oct. 1, sounds more sophisticated and experimental than their first release, hedging much closer to rock and roll, and further from their original folk and country feel. Jenny Lewis again writes beautifully and sings in a style that is very much her own. There are, however, points in which heartfelt lyrics transcend into the land of the trite and the cheesy. Cases in point are the songs “A Better Son/Daughter” and “With Arms Outstretched,” which sound like big happy sing-alongs, even on the CD. Despite its minor flaws, this CD is more than worth your time to check out. If for no other reason than to pay homage to one of the fine actors who delighted us all in the epic pre-adolescent drama “Boy Meets World.” On a scale of one to five stars, I am going to give this record three and a half. And for those who enjoy the live music scene, Rilo Kiley will be playing with Rainer Maria at Go! Studios in Chapel Hill on Nov. 7. Don’t pass up a once in a lifetime chance to see these childhood idols live and in person!