CD of the Week: I'm Having Fun Now

Jenny Lewis' partnership with Johnathan Rice dates back to her 2006 solo debut Rabbit Fur Coat. The Rilo Kiley frontwoman later invited Rice to join her touring band and work on her captivating 2008 follow-up Acid Tongue.

Lewis and Rice take a step away from the alt-country elements of those solo albums in pursuit of power pop perfection. The resulting Jenny and Johnny debut, I'm Having Fun Now, harkens back to alternative new wave of the 1980's, and features a compelling blend of the duo's vocals.

Jenny and Johnny perform at Rams Head Live on Monday, October 25.

Altered Freebies: Cut Copy; Ra Ra Riot; !!!; Jenny and Johnny; Somebody Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

What's better than music? Free music. Producer Nick Jackson has scoured the Interwebs to bring you the best free downloads featured on this week's Altered Fridays, 4-7 p.m.

Cut Copy, "Where I'm Going"

The first single from the Australian dance rock band's fourth album channels New Order and The Beach Boys in equal measure.

Ra Ra Riot, "Boy"

Ra Ra Riot's first album was made shortly after the death of their original drummer, John Ryan Pyke. The band's mournful mood has lifted on "Boy," coming from their sophomore release, The Orchard.

!!!, "AM/FM"

!!! get in touch with the spirit of '80s radio culture with this danceable number from their new album, Strange Weather, Isn't It?

Jenny and Johnny, "Scissor Runner"

Is it the British Invasion? No, it's Jenny Lewis and her boytoy Jonathan Rice making adorable music together.

Somebody Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, "Sink/Let It Sway"

They apparently still love you early '70s power pop. Dig those handclaps!
(via Stereogum)

Watching the Spectacle

Elvis Costello is not one to sit on his hands. This year he released "Momofuku" on vinyl and digitally and has dueted with both Lucinda Williams and Jenny Lewis for their 2008 albums. Now he's ready to debut his latest project "Spectacle." The 13 episode show has him talking with Lou Reed & James Taylor, Jenny Lewis & former President Bill Clinton. The shows also feature live music between Costello and his guests.
The first episode airs Wednesday at 8pm on The Sundance Channel. The first "Spectacle" guest is Elton John and here's an idea of what's to come on the new show...