Pierre de Reeder

The Way That It Was (Little Record Company)

By Lindsay Trapnell
Published: August 25th, 2008 | 9:00am

Pierre de Reeder joins in the footsteps of his fellow Rilo Kiley band members Blake Sennett and Jenny Lewis with the release of his solo album, The Way That It Was. Rilo Kiley may be getting bigger in both audience and sound, but de Reeder goes in a decidedly different direction — he keeps it simple and low-key for his first independent foray, relying heavily on acoustic guitar and subtle instrumentation. The album has a classic, timeless feel, but doesn’t make a particularly strong impression.

The songs are mellow and unhurried, which may also describe de Reeder’s style, considering the album was written over the span of five years. De Reeder shares production duties with Dave Trumfio (Wilco, Built to Spill), and displays his versatile musical chops by playing a majority of the instruments on the album. The title track is a sweetly sung rumination on the carefree days of youth, with bright horns marking a steady, head-bobbing beat. De Reeder possesses a soothing croon that works well on plaintive numbers such as “Where I’m Coming From,” while “Never Thought” is twangy, loose, and one of the few songs that features a full backing band.

“Not How I Believe” fittingly closes out the album with a chorus of family and friends (who happen to comprise an indie all-star cast, including fellow Rilo members, Johnathan Rice, Morgan Nagler of Whispertown2000, and Jake Bellows of Neva Dinova) singing a creed we could all live by: “Everyday, have a little bit of modesty / And a little more honesty.” Based on the album’s content and de Reeder’s affable, reliable persona in Rilo, the musician takes his own advice to heart.

The Way That It Was is a warm, nostalgic look back through the years, but it lacks the emotional and musical peaks and valleys equivalent of a life well lived. Rather, it strikes a steady, even note. It’s a pleasant enough note — melodic and gentle — but perhaps de Reeder should have taken his own band’s advice to be “more adventurous.”

—