Here's one that nobody saw coming: actress (yes, another one) Zooey Deschanel (Elf, The Happening) has teamed up with respected singersongwriter M. Ward to record a collection of folk-tinted songs, ingenuously dubbed Volume One. Perhaps even more surprisingly, though, is that the motley pair have actually crafted a consistent and enjoyable album.

Where most Hollywood stars with aspirations for a career in music fail embarrassingly, Deschanel succeeds. This can be mostly attributed to Ward's influence and experience; although he participates only sporadically on vocals, his well-crafted ear for melody and song structure is apparent - even if these songs are much poppier fare than he's used to. However, that's not to discount Deschanel's contribution. The actress has a background in music, and she brings that competence to these songs, as well as a fine, nasal semi-falsetto of a voice that alternates between 'Blue'-era Joni Mitchell, Carole King and a smidgen of Stevie Nicks.

Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that these are strong songs that harken back to the golden days of fuzzy '60s glory - when The Mamas and the Papas ruled the pop charts and The Ronettes provided sass and oomph to jaded, formulaic dirges. Both of those groups are apt reference points: the gorgeous piano-led Sentimental Heart, as well as the plethora of country-tinged numbers (lap steel guitar plays a big role here) such as Change Is Hard and Take It Back have the same 'timeless' quality that both acts embodied, while covers of Smokey Robinson's 'You Really Got A Hold On Me' and The Beatles' 'I Should Have Known Better' are interesting, at the very least.

With a heart that belongs firmly in another decade, by its very nature, Volume One should be far too derivative to cause a flutter. Yet, although Deschanel's unchangeable voice may irk slightly towards the tenth track, it's tempered by the simplicity and brevity of these songs. Volume Two should be interesting.

Your Comments

No comments have been posted for this article yet. Be the first!