There are plenty of examples of actors venturing into other fields such as music with varying results. With Zooey Deschanel, it doesn’t feel like the side project of an actress, as she and band mate Matthew Ward work so well together as She & Him.
For album number five, the pair have gone for an album of classic covers, hence the album’s title. In 2011 they released a Christmas album of covers, this album marks their first non-seasonal specific cover effort. The 13 tracks were all recorded live and accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra make it feel really special. The imperfections of live music is one of its appeals, and the pair and fellow instrumentalists deliver it so cleanly you’d nearly not believe it was recorded live at all, the fact it was certainly adds some warmth to the tracks here.
Deschanel’s sultry tones, which sound like they’re from a time long gone, are soothing, resulting in this album being an extremely pleasurable experience. Album opener Stars Fell on Alabama is almost haunting. The subtle instrumentation of soft guitars and brushes on a snare combined with Ward’s pleasing backing vocals all allow for Deschanel’s vocals to take centre stage.
Oh No Not My Baby feels more contemporary and demands a little bit more attention from the listener. Stay A While changes pace markedly to great effect. The moods change frequently but the tone is never far from delightfully pleasing.
BY ALEXANDER CROWDEN
