She & Him - Volume One
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Free Music Notes for Volume One
Free Music Review: Almost earned that 5th start with it's charm
Hit: 4 Stars
While I'll admit to being a Zooey fan previous to this release, I resigned myself to having very low expectations for this album (if any expectations at all). It wasn't until I heard "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" a few months ago that I felt the glimmer of hope.
The album is not perfect musically, lyrically or performance wise - but I think this ends up working for the better in the end. As mentioned in the title of this review, the thing just drips with charm. The overall vibe is retro in a very mid 1950s to early 1960s girl band way - equal and opposite to that of Amy Winehouse. Where Winehouse's songs were dark tales about co-dependency and drug abuse, Zooey's songs are lite songs about loving a boy, hurting a boy or being hurt by a boy.
Simple and straight forward.
I gave the disc 4 stars because (as we've already witnessed) it won't appeal to everyone - and it really shouldn't. It's pop-nostalgia at its most blatant, and I would argue at its best.
This listener is looking forward to a possible volume 2.
Shine On.
Free Music Review: Slight, Charming, Pleasant, and Smile-Inducing -- Just like Zooey!
Hit: 4 Stars
I agree with the reviewer who said this record requires a few listens before its charms open up -- it's a subtle record, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface.
Zooey is quite clearly a talented singer and songwriter. Anyone who heard her sing "Baby It's Cold Outside" from Elf, or the songs she sang for the soundtrack to "Winter Passing," knows she has the voice.
On this record, she cuts a number of absolutely charming, quirky tunes, but ones that require some active listening to appreciate. M. Ward provides deft, responsive backup and arrangements.
My primary gripe here is with the production -- for some reason the producers put Zooey's voice a bit too far back in the mix, and it on occasion can sound a bit thin -- this is in contrast to the full-bodied voice we heard on Elf.
Next time, get a production who can add some fullness to the production all-around, but for a first record this one is a winner.
Zooey, you have my "Sentimental Heart" without question.
Free Music Review: Understated folk-pop with a rich sense of tradition
Hit: 4 Stars
"Volume 1" is a lovely first offering from the pairing of M(att) Ward and Zooey Deschanel. The duo came about in an unsurprising way : M Ward saw "Elf" and (like the rest of us) was surprised to find Zooey didn't have an off-film musical career.
She & Him know their strengths and keep it simple. This is not an album of serious, thought-provoking songs. It is pleasant, playful, sing-alongable collection of originals and covers. Zooey's vocals are reminiscent of classic female singer/songwriters of the sixties and seventies (Carly Simon, Rita Coolidge, and Loretta Lynn come to mind), rich and mellow, a little dusky. M. Ward's contributions are less obvious: instrumentation, as well as backing vocals on the latter half of the album.
"Volume 1" is not brilliant - and you never get the sense that She & Him want it to be. It's the kind of album that calls for summer evenings, back porches and a glass of wine - not a magnifying glass.
Free Music Review: Good listening!
Hit: 4 Stars
Wow, some of the other reviewers are super critical and harsh. I think this album has a great sound with some outstanding songs. Zoey has a beautiful voice and it really compliments M.Ward's more raspy sound nicely. Much of it has an upbeat kind of throw back sound--but I think that is what is fun and inventive (or should I say re-inventive) about it. I also think the style works well with her voice and I love the variety. I can definitely understand why Rolling Stone wrote about this and I definitely think it is a duo to watch and an album worth purchasing. Don't listen to the Naysayers--take a listen for yourself and then decide.Free Music Review: Not quite perfect
Hit: 4 Stars
This is one of the most solid albums that I have bought in a long time. The songs are put together well and memorable. There is not a bad one on the album. The only knock is that the lyrics are a bit simplistic but, considering that this is her first foray into song writing it is pretty impressive. The fact that it is not trying to be overly impressive is one of the glaring positives about this album. Too often artists attempt to do more than they are capable of and it ruins what could otherwise be amazing. She & Him know exactly what there stregths and weaknesses are.