Rilo Kiley to reissue self-titled debut album on vinyl and digital for first time

Rilo Kiley, also known as The Initial Friend EP, was originally released in 1999.

As Rolling Stone notes, comedian Dave Foley attended their first-ever live show at LA's Spaceland in 1998, and went on to fund the sessions for Rilo Kiley. Foley says of the show, "They were good, so good that I stopped fighting for the attention of the bartender and turned to see who it was. After the set, I introduced myself and learned that this was their first public performance. I was astonished."

He adds, "They invited me back to their rehearsal space for Thai food and to hear some songs they didn’t have room for in the set. Dreamily, I filled my belly with noodles and my head with one great song after another. I was in a full on, pop music fan swoon. Having decided to force myself into their lives, I suggested (insisted) that I should fund a demo recording. They relented. I also tried to talk them into changing the band’s name. They were unrelenting. A lot of years have passed. I remain proud to know Rilo Kiley and grateful that I had the opportunity and ability to be of some help."

Consequence of Sound reports that Rilo Kiley were able to record their self-titled album thanks to Dave Foley's funding, and make handmade CD copies to sell at shows. Those handmade copies were never reissued, but this year fans will be able to buy the album on vinyl, or stream it digitally for the first time.

The band's last album was 2013's Rkives compilation. Last year, Jenny Lewis revealed she would be open to a Rilo Kiley reunion.