Audio Mixer: Jason Lader.

Photographer: Autumn DeWilde.

After the surprising alt-country feel of Rilo Kiley lead singer Jenny Lewis's debut solo album, RABBIT FUR COAT, her band released their most eclectic and self-assured album, 2007's UNDER THE BLACKLIGHT. Lewis's second solo album, ACID TONGUE, neatly synthesizes the best aspects of both those albums with a newfound breeziness of spirit. The 11 songs swing easily from the rockabilly twang of "The Next Messiah" to the sensuous, swirling "Bad Man's World," with the soulful piano ballad, "Trying My Best To Love You," and the noisy rock and roll clatter of "Jack Killed Mom" particularly standing out. Elvis Costello appears on the title track and "Carpetbagger," returning the favor of Lewis's guest vocals on his 2008 album MOMOFUKU. In fact, that Costello album, recorded quickly and with a minimum of studio trickery, is as much of a touchstone for the loose, live-in-the-studio sound of ACID TONGUE as any of Lewis's other recent projects. Other guests include Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, and Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward of She and Him. ACID TONGUE is available as a digital download, as a standard CD, and as a special two-disc vinyl version.