I’m so grateful for the recommendation of this album because it’s simply one of the best things I’ve listened to in a long while. Originally billed to me as being a Scarlett Johansson “Anywhere I Lay My Head” beater, I shook my head, swallowed my love for Miss. Johansson’s record and checked it out. I don’t intend to look back.
Essentially Volume One by She & Him is (presumably) side project of actress Zooey Deschanel (hot), who recently appeared in the critically-average flick The Happening, and musician M. Ward. Volume One is filled with retro-flavoured, country-inspired pop songs.
Kicking off with “Sentimental Heart” Zooey’s off-key vocals cut through a piano and Eleanor Rigby-esque string backing. The obvious lack of post production in tuning Zooey’s vocals really stands out instantly - this is miles apart from over-produced radio pop. This is a raw pop fix sometimes stepping into jazz territories.
“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” is a more upbeat ditty where the vocals are carried with a lavish helping of reverb and slapback delay. The song is backed out with an acoustic guitar riff and some great lead guitar playing very reminiscent of the surf-rock era.
“This Is Not A Question” is another pop track in which Zooey addresses the song as being for “those of you who tried and didn’t make it”. The lyrics are surprisingly solid given the nature of the record but obviously the album is all about the tones, range of instrumentation and melodic content.
“Change Is Hard” is my personal favourite track on the record as a swing beat carries Zooey’s vocals as she sings “i was never no, never no, never enough // but I can try, I can try to toughen up”. The vocals are powerful and they compliment the slide guitar and lush synth strings forming the backing track. “I Thought I Saw Your Face” continues the formula with big piano chords and synth strings building into the best chorus on the album.
“Take It Back” feels almost like it should accompany a film like Breakfast At Tiffany’s. A slow moving ballad with lots of personality that has a very classic pop feel to it. “I Was Made For You” brings the album back up to speed with a big drum beat intro and quick hitting piano chords.
Smokey Robinson’s “You Really Got A Hold On Me” brings the speed back down with a laid back feel that might drag on for some, but I find particularly relaxing. “Black Hole” is a big acoustic guitar track with fast strumming and some nice percussion rhythm. The track builds into “Got Me” which is a very country-flavoured Dixie Chicks style track.
The surf sounds returns for a cover of The Beatles “I Should Have Known Better” which has some great guitar work. “Sweet Darlin’” is probably the most “radio friendly” of the tracks on the album as it chugs along with a big clap chorus as Zooey calls “Sweet darlin’ // come hold me”. The track get’s a bit repetitive but would be a good single choice if they want to put She & Him into more homes.
The album closes on a rousing performance of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” which reminds you of the raw sound this album is aiming for. Zooey’s vocals are carried by the crackle and hum of a tape recorder and the harmonies of others.
Volume One by She & Him is an absolute gem for anyone with even the passing interest in retro pop and classic production. If you took Scarlett Johansson’s “Anywhere I Lay My Head”, stripped down the production to a bare minimum, got a better vocalist and added in homage to the best 60’s pop records - you’d probably come close to creating an album on the same level of Volume One.
9/10.
