She & Him - Volume One
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Free Music Notes for Volume One
Free Music Review: A star quality performance
Hit: 4 Stars
I have noticed that after the mere mention of her name someone is always sure to have a remark of adoration about her. I think every guy has at least fallen a little in love with Zooey Deschanel after seeing one of her movies. She's just so darn cute! From the way she crinkles her nose when she smiles, to her infinitely sweet mannerisms, she can melt your heart, and perhaps remind us that wholesomeness is a quality to be treasured once again. Her record, "She and Him, Volume 1" is right on par with that wholesome quality she portrays so well in many of her movies.
There is a nice little video, "Myspace, Artist on Artist," you can search for on the internet in which she and Brian Wilson (formerly of The Beach Boys) interview each other. After listening to this album you'll easily understand why Deschanel and Wilson have been paired together. As Wilson tries to blend his eclectic past to the present, Deschanel inversely tries to lend her sound to that of the time from which Wilson's fame arose. Here it seems that the 60's aren't so distant after all. In the interview, Deschanel and Wilson speak about their mutual love for harmony. And in "Volume 1" Deschanel and M. Ward captivate their audience with seamless harmony that opens up a window to the past.
Passing from one track to the next on "Volume 1" could just as likely seem like listening to tracks from "She and Him, Greatest Hits." One track is better that the last so don't be surprised to find yourself singing them to yourself throughout the day. Her music is accessible to people of all musical bents. So don't take your time buying this one. As Deschanel puts it in track 3, "this is not a test," this is the real thing!
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: 'She and Him' Is Ready For Her Close-Up
Hit: 4 Stars
First and foremost, forget the fact that this is an album by an actress. Having preconceived judgements or hang-ups about Miss. Deschanel can only ruin your chances at really giving 'Vol. 1' a chance. If this were any other young woman's debut album, I honestly believe that a lot more folks would appreciate this more. Without a doubt, this is Zooey Deschanel's time to shine. You should really call 'She & Him' just plain-o 'She'.
'Vol. 1' is a collection of old country twang infused diddies with a healthy dose of pop sounds stright from the late 50s to early 60s. It's extremely catchy and bouncy a la 'I Was Made For You' which sounds like it belongs in an old John Waters movie; perhaps 'Cry-Baby'! There are enough "Ooos" and "Ahhs", "Dum-De-Dums" to get your head a shakin' and your foot a tappin'. However, 'Vol. 1' also treads upon emotional greatness especially with the gorgeous ballad, 'Change is Hard', in which Deschanel effectively channels great female country singers of the past without sounding hokey or desperate. The girl's got a voice alright, and it's refreshing to hear that 'She & Him' decided to take this direction instead of something more commercial (though I wouldn't have expected M-Ward to do such a thing anyway) Give Deschanel a few more years and she could rival Jenny Lewis! It's a promising challenge. I hope Deschanel is up to it.
But if you must bring up the singer as an actress, I'll say it's a far better (and more successful) attempt than, say, Scarlet Johansen's dreadful monotone drone of an album.
Free Music Review: Delightful
Hit: 4 Stars
If Dolly Parton had collaborated with the Beatles, what would the sound have been? On "Volume One", the debut record from Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward (under the moniker 'She & Him'), we get a chance to find out. The album is a delightful mix of indie folk and '60s harmonies, and the more I listen to it, the more it's growing on me.
Music has always been a vehicle for political statement, yet this is one album that seems entirely devoid of that. While 'Sentimental Heart' and 'Change is Hard' have been two of the more famous tracks to come off the record, they are far from being its best offerings. 'This is Not a Test' echoes the Shangri-Las, while 'Sweet Darlin' could easily stand alongside the Crystals' 'Da Doo Ron Ron'. Other highlights include 'Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?', 'I was Made for You', and 'Black Hole'. The two cover songs, Smokey Robinson's 'You Really Got a Hold on Me' and the Beatles' 'I Should Have Known Better' are both decent, and are completely different takes of the songs. And the bonus track, 'Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot' is a gorgeous example of Deschanel's soulful voice.
I must admit that I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this album, but it has been a breath of fresh air to my music collection. No, She & Him will never be a radio powerhouse, but that's okay. It's always delightful to come across a truly musical act. And that's what makes this record shine.
Free Music Review: She's not a very good singer--I'm devastated.
Hit: 4 Stars
I have a serious crush on this chick. She had me on Elf from the shower scene. A smokey, torchy singer. Old school. A little KD Lang.
Other movies she's sang in also impressed me so when I discovered this, I thought it was a sure thing.
I listened to the samples through the lo-fi and wasn't blown away, but I bought it anyway.
The most shocking thing to me is the most disappointing thing about this album IS her singing ability. Or maybe it's a style choice I'm just not "artsy" enough to get. I mean folks like Gram Parsons or Johnny Cash or Lucinda Williams aren't technically or traditionally "good" singers but I love them all.
Still, there's something here that screams "amateur." Like the first song. I keep waiting for her to settle in but it feels like she never really feels the timing of the song, almost like she recorded the vocal to a metronome and then they put it over the music. I don't know if that's "artistically loose" or she just doesn't have a good feel for the rhythm.
Having said that, I like the melodies and the songs and the throwback nature of it. And I DO like listening to her voice--I just don't think she's as accomplished vocally as I'd come to expect.