She & Him - Volume One
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Free Music Notes for Volume One
Free Music Review: One day, we'll all be cool
Hit: 4 Stars
I agree, it's not exactly re-inventing the wheel but Volume One from She & Him is a solidly enjoyable listen. Zooey Deschanel channels Petula Clark while M. Ward duly fills in the 60s blanks. What's not to like? The production is lovingly detailed, creating cozy spaces for the listener to relax. The opening track, "Sentimental Heart", is a good example. Try listening to it on headphones and you can enjoy the dueling piano and staccato violin that build up to the bright sunshine of the outro. "I Was Made For You" is another highlight, though not wholly original. If you've cruised by an oldies radio station, you'll swear that the drum, guitar riff, and backing vocals have been nicked from somewhere else and you're probably right. But come on, look me in the eye and tell me it doesn't rock, motherf%#!
There are a few covers scattered here and there but Deschanel gets full songwriting credit for the bulk of the songs, which is quite impressive. The songs are thoughtfully constructed, the melodies strong, and the lyrics heartfelt. The only negatives are that Deschanel's vocal range is limited (or perhaps not on display) and she has a goes overboard on belting out certain syllables. Still though, I think pretty much any musician would be envious of Deschanel's singing and songwriting talent.
Lastly, it's nice to see Hollywood types crossing over to the music realm in a non-painful manner (for once). I mean, sweet merciful Allah on a cross! What on earth were you thinking Scarlett Johansson?
P.S. To the reviewer who commented that the vocals sound like she's singing into a toilet: it's called plate reverb.
Free Music Review: Keep "Volume Two" on the shelf, please
Hit: 1 Stars
I was foolish enough to buy this based on an Entertainment Weekly review that threw around terms like "Brill Building era-pop" and "Phil Spector sound..." what was their reviewer smoking? This is a bland album of lite rock with a weak female vocalist and dull arrangements. There is exactly one song that seems like it wants to emulate early-60s pop, and believe me, it's no threat to Goffin-King. I feel stupid for buying it based on how poor EW's reviews have become and will sell my copy at the first opportunity.Free Music Review: Pretty good
Hit: 4 Stars
My favorite songs on this are the covers: 'Swing low sweet chariot' and 'You really got a hold on me'Free Music Review: I want to like this soooo badly
Hit: 3 Stars
She can sing. He can play. But, Jennifer Jason Leigh can act, and she still made Hudsucker Proxy seem longer than it was. If I were in the market for a Zooey Deschanel sounding disc, I'd stick with The Weepies until ZD gets her songwriting house in order.Free Music Review: poignant and sweet
Hit: 3 Stars
Let's stop talking about who she is, and let's focus on how she does. Ms. Deschanel does not have a strong voice, but it is sincere and sweet. I've read reviews of their shows, and she can be nervous at the start--likely because she doesn't project that well, but also because these songs are very dear to her. There is no irony here, nothing sardonic--no hiding behind the cool pose. She puts it all out there, as best she can, and it brings back the California/country AM radio of the 1970s. It's very likable, if not too profound or ambitious.