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The Elected

Sun, Sun, Sun

Sub Pop | 2006 | Album

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Is it coincidence that the two shining members of the indie rock darlings Rilo Kiley are releasing solo albums on the same day. I think not. Well maybe, but who knows. Blake Sennett with The Elected will release Sun, Sun, Sun on the same day that Jenny Lewis will release her solo debut Rabbit Fur Coat. Maybe there is some sort of sibling rivalry brewing here.

Sun, Sun, Sun is the follow up to 2004's Me First, and Sennett is only getting better with time. Me First sounded like label mates Postal Service mixed with twinges of country, whereas Sun, Sun, Sun finds Sennett coming into his own. The record is full of soul, pop, and rootsy classics that show Sennett is becoming a prolific singer/songwriter.

Sennett shows a keen admiration for soulful pop music. "Would You Come With Me" with Sennett's soft whispery voice coupled with backing harmonies is topped off with Mike Bloom's breezy lap steel making it a perfect soul ballad. "Fireflies In a Steel Mill" is reminiscent of 70s California pop to the likes of Fleetwood Mac or the Mamas and the Papas.

Sennett gets personal on "Not Going Home". The record's high point is Sennett remarking "No, I'm not going home/No I'm already there", a feeling that we have all felt at one point. The organ driven "Did Me Good" shows a different side of Sennett. A more bluesy side shines through not ever heard from an Elected song.

On "The Band and Trust" Sennett fully realizes his pop sense-ability. The song a mix of soul, country, pop, blues and Sennett's story like lyrics. Sun, Sun, Sun reaches its peak with "Biggest Star". An epic with horn solos , and a crunching guitar solo that makes you realize that these are extraordinary musicians. Bennett belts out with all his soul "No honey, honey I, I can't lose/ I can't lose", and you believe him because by that time he has sucked you in with the everything he had to give.

Mike Pea