Sketchyyyy Tunes: She & Him

Zooey Deschanel is an old soul with the pipes to match. Ever since she showed them off in Elf to Baby It's Cold Outside (my fav holiday song) I've anxiously anticipated any kind of formal musical release from her. Fortunately the music gods stepped in when they introduced her to prominent indie folk artist M. Ward. The two met sometime during 2006 where they collaborated for a brief recording session. Here they found a chemistry that prompted Ward to ask if Deschanel if she had written any original material. This resulted in her handing over dozens of home-made demos many of which have turned into tracks on their debut album Volume One under the name She & Him.




Deschanel's textured vocals on the album rival that of Jenny Lewis' in both sincerity and whimsy but pinched with just a hint of well-placed restraint a la Leslie Feist. Deschanel cites The Ronettes and Nina Simone amongst her influences but ultimately resembles a one-girl version of the Andrews Sisters. This becomes apparent on their cover of The Miracles' "You Really Got A Hold On Me"where Deschanel showcases her pitch and precision to create warmth throughout the track. M. Ward's takes a small backseat all the while carefully constructing arrangements which become the backbone that allows Ms. Deschanel's talent to flourish. Layering "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" with an appropriate blend of keys and playful string work as well as standout track "This Is Not A Test" where every note rises and crashes like an ocean's ebb.

The final track is a lo-fi version of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and is a perfect bookend for this album with its stripped down, bathroom wall sound to contrast with the rest of the snappy tempos and soaring harmonies on the album. She & Him translate their influences into a modern breed of folk Americana to a generation that may have almost forgotten the joy of delightful pop in a classical package.

(Conan performance of "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" with Yo La Tengo.....indeed, THE Yo La Tengo as backing band)

Sketchy Rating:



She & Him

Side Note: These two would be great for a holiday EP come this winter.