Jenny Lewis Makes Successful Solo Flight

Some lazy sociocultural anthropologist might have seen Thursday night's Opera House audience as bored, rarely even mustering up the standard hipster "sway" or "head bob" in reaction to Jenny Lewis' solo debut in our fair city.

But look a little closer (o hypothetical scientist) and you'll notice that everyone is rapt with attention, as if the Rilo Kiley frontwoman and newly bona fide country/soul throwback is telling a particularly riveting tale.

Seriously, when Lewis' bandmates abandoned the stage midway through the show, so that she could take on the sad waltz title track of her new record, Rabbit Fur Coat, alone and acoustic, you could hear a pin drop (or, more literally, you could hear a bartender choosing the absolute worst time to bag empty bottles at the back of the room).

Think about that: a six-minute song played with nary a peep from any drunk assholes, no bored chatter, all eyes on our host. Some of this may be attributed to the indie kids (it was an all-ages show) who eagerly crowded the stage well before the opening act took it and warmly greeted them when they did. Still, there really were all ages present for once, with several (gasp!) 40-something couples in my vicinity, gettin' all wistful.

Chalk it up to the LP, which has enough lyrical smarts and musical charm to retain Lewis' young Rilo disciples, while adding some adult-contempo appeal with its sincere love for '60s gospel-twang. The singer made her way through almost the entire album, with her four-piece band and back-up vocalists The Watson Twins proving this music was destined to be heard live.

Officially on vacation from her Rilo Kiley material, Lewis pulled out several surprises to fill out the remainder of the set: album-worthy B-side "Paradise," two new songs (the rowdy "Jack Killed Mom" and one as yet untitled, "so if you have any ideas, you can pass me up a note"), hymn "Cold Jordan" and an awesome a cappella/hand-clapped/finger-snapped version of The Shirelles' "I Met Him On A Sunday."

Lewis is still a little shy in the spotlight, but seemed more comfortable onstage than she has in the past, clearly having a lot of fun within her musical timewarp. With a voice that could kick any Idol to the curb, some of the best songwriting this decade and a band pulling out all the stops, it's no wonder everyone just stood and stared.