Fun times

Jenny Lewis has been around in the music business a long time—first as part of the indie-rock band Rilo Kiley, then as a solo artist who has made two albums (one with the Watson Twins singing backup), and now as part of the duo Jenny and Johnny, with Johnathan Rice. Their debut album, I’m Having Fun Now, will be released on August 31. If the two singles they’ve put out so far are any indication, the album should be stellar.

The distinctive vocals as well as thought-provoking and honest lyrics that Lewis is known for shine through on “Big Wave.” The instrumentals of the song have the breezy, beachy feel suggested by the title, but the lyrics tell a different story: “Living your life in the gray / Is the new American Way / We’re spending what we haven’t made.” The duet “Scissor Runner” isn’t as strong, but the chorus of “No I won’t change another thing / I cracked the bell I tried to ring / A scissor runner stole my heart” is still plenty catchy. Listen to the songs from I’m Having Fun Now, and you’ll probably be having fun, too.