Pierre de Reeder – The Way That It Was (2008)

The past few weeks I’ve been listening to co-founding member of Rilo Kiley, Pierre de Reeder’s, solo album, The Way That It Was. It’s got some really solid songs on it, and if you are looking for new easy listening summer/fall music, it’s definitely worth your time to check out.

“Not How I Believe,” is by far my favorite song on the album.  I’ve got a soft spot for choirs in songs like this, and it’s the exact same reason I love the Rilo Kiley song “With Arms Outstretched” so much. “Not How I Believe” also has a flute–it’s awesome!

It’s clear that The Way That It Was is a very personal album for de Reeder, and it ranges from songs about growing up, to a song for his daughter, “Sophia’s song,” which brought to mind Ben Folds’ song “Gracie.”

I’m a really big fan of solo albums like this, not only because of the music, but what it represents. Pierre de Reeder is very talented, and does a great job performing his role in Rilo Kiley. However,  it’s impossible for a collaboration to be as personal as a solo album. Pierre decided to release an album because he has something to say that’s meaningful to him, and though the lyrics can be a bit soft at times and some of the songs fall a little flat, there is no questioning that it is extremely honest.

Pierre de Reeder lives in Los Angeles and is the bassist for Rilo Kiley. He’s been working on and off on The Way That It Was for the past five years, and plays most of the instruments, although Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett and Jason Boese did offer a hand.

The Way That It Was (2008):

Pierre de Reeder -  Not How I Believe

Pierre de Reeder- I’ll Be Around

Bonus:

Rilo Kiley – With Arms Outstretched

Read de Reeder’s essay on why Obama should be President.

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