BuzzSugar

She & Him Cover the Smiths on (500) Days of Summer Soundtrack

BuzzSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:30:14 -0700

The soundtrack for Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's upcoming romantic film (500) Days of Summer (opening in limited release July 17) looks like an awesome lineup, and we've already checked out one of the songs, the Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition," featured in the movie's trailer. Also included on the soundtrack is the Smiths' "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," along with a cover of the song sung by Zooey Deschanel herself. Deschanel and M. Ward, as musical duo She & Him, give the tune an old-fashioned '50s feel, with Deschanel's plaintive voice telling us once more that if she gets what she wants, "Lord knows, it would be the first time."

I'm looking forward to hearing the entire soundtrack when it's released July 14, but for now it's fun to get a taste with She & Him. To check out the cover, read more.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:30:53 -0800

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: Not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores. So I take a spin through each week's music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download. Here are today's selections:

Strumming my pain with his fingers: OK, so I'm not really in pain, but if I could choose someone to strum what I was feeling, I'd nominate M. Ward. I can say this with confidence as I've already taken a first listen to this new album of his and found that the tracks offer a more mature rendition of his signature sound. To get a taste of this goodness, check out his duet with Lucinda Williams, "Oh Lonesome Me," and the title track, "Hold Time."

Man with baby: Good news, Morrissey fans: People are liking his new album. One critic says, "his songs now sound informed by an anger-stirring heartbreak," and that is apparently a good thing. I feel like I've been waiting forever for this release! I'm already digging into tracks that include "I'm OK by Myself," "Black Cloud," and "Something Is Squeezing My Skull."

It feels like a rock 'n' roll day today! One more still to come so read more.

This trail leads to music: And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead is probably an acquired taste, but I happen to enjoy this group a bunch, even when its songs are hitting strange notes. I've seen these guys in concert, and it's good times. This new album is a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll, and it's getting mixed reviews, but I'm already enjoying tracks like "Luna Park" and "Halcyon Days."

First Listen: M. Ward, Hold Time

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:30:50 -0800

After a sidetrack spent with Zooey Deschanel, M. Ward is back with Hold Time, infusing his latest solo record with the same soulful '60s sound he and Zooey explored as She and Him.

"She" makes an appearance here, as do Lucinda Williams and Rachel Blumberg of The Decemberists. In return, Ward offers a more mature, surprising rendition of his solidly signature sound. Hold Time doesn't come out until Feb. 17, but I've been streaming the CD over at NPR. To read my initial thoughts on all 14 songs, read more.

"For Beginners": The album announces itself with totally classic Ward sound, leaping off into the eclectic mix to follow. There's a trotting little guitar hook and sultry, sighing vocals for an overall acoustic sweetness.
"Never Had Nobody Like You": The swingingest pop number by far, this catchy tune combines '60s melodies with Steely Dan-esque guitar riffs and backing vocals by Zooey.
"Jailbird": Between this track and the one right before it, Ward sounds like he's aged 30 years, in a wise and welcome way. It's a dreamy but dreary ballad that ditches the retro pop for a modern meditation.
"Hold Time": The languid tempo and dramatic pauses make this song live up to its name. Unusually pretty vocals demand that we just step back and listen.
"Rave On": At first this sounds like a fairly straightforward rendering of a song popularized by Buddy Holly, with a slightly twangy guitar. But soon Ward adds an ethereal, wintry element to the basic structure, making the song more interesting as it progress.
"To Save Me": This one reminds me a lot of "Big Boat" from Ward's Transistor Radio, but considering that's one of my favorite songs, I'll take it. Plus, he adds some irresistible some Phil Spector-like percussion and other textural effects.
"One Hundred Million Years": This one floats as if bound to a raft on a slow-moving river. It's just a little bit country, like a steamy Summer day south of the Mason-Dixon.
"Stars of Leo": Ward plays storyteller on this slow-burning song, which starts twinkly but simple then builds to a symphonic crescendo. This one didn't hook me at first, but after a few listens, it became a standout.
"Fisher of Men": Both the title and the melody here would be equally at home on any of Ward's earlier albums. It's not terribly groundbreaking, but the folksy return to form is a good reminder of his musical progression to this point.
"Oh Lonesome Me": On his duet with Lucinda Williams, both singers sound appropriately grizzled. But the call-and-response style they apply to this Don Gibson song, also covered by Neil Young, is awkward and distracting.
"Epistemology": This ponderous but peppy experiment seemingly combines all of Ward's influences: a little bit of soul, some twang, electric guitars, and a touch of folk. Interestingly, the result is perhaps the most indie-rock of the bunch, and I can already hear it as a super live track.
"Blake's View": A pure and simple folk song with poetic reflections on death, the afterlife, and the comforts of affection. The uncomplicated structure is a nice contrast to the serious subject matter.
"Shangri-La": The album starts to gallop out with this road trip-worthy reflection that continues the themes and vibe of "Blake's View" with a bit of gospel influence thrown in.
"Outro": With a Southwestern vibe that pays tribute to Calexico, this spaghetti-Western instrumental is eerie and satisfying, like the score to a Tarantino cowboy movie.

Album Review: Jenny Lewis's Acid Tongue

BuzzSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:38:53 -0700

When Jenny Lewis first went solo from Rilo Kiley, she had the Watson Twins to help her let us into her most soulful, folksy thoughts with each song. That debut was excellent and, like Death Cab's Ben Gibbard, I've been excitedly awaiting her next solo project, Acid Tongue. Today we can hear the whole thing for the first time on her MySpace page.

I've read that she was interested in rocking out this time, and that's definitely the case on this new album which is full of (non-twin) collaborators. There's M. Ward, Zooey Deschanel, Chris Robinson and even Elvis Costello! At times the vibe is psychedelic and trippy, but mostly I'd describe the album as eclectic. There's still twang there - even in her rock - which is smart because that's what suits her voice best, I think. But she also brings in the gospel ballads, along with tunes that sound exactly like some good ol' Rilo Kiley stuff.

What I appreciate most after taking a first listen is how ambitious it all is, and overall I like the way her tracks transported me to another hazy time. This is definitely an album that will be awesome to hear live. I've jotted down a few thoughts on each of the songs for your consideration, so read more.

"Black Sand": Starts softly with deep bass and a melody that sounds almost Abbey Road-ish. Her voice is high up in a soft falsetto. It's bluesy, there are strings, and I believe that atmospheric guitar is M. Ward.
"The Next Messiah": This song is long, almost nine minutes, and has three distinct parts to it. There's a pulsing rock 'n' roll vibe to start, then it turns into an uptempo toe-tapper, and descends into a duet between Lewis and a male voice. Unexpected and cool.
"Badman's World": She darkly sings "It's a bad man's world" over and over again. This song is slow and trippy. There are sparse strings, and the whole thing just makes me think "wasteland."
"Acid Tongue": I like this song a lot. The pretty harmonies with male voices in the background during the chorus are just lovely. It's a melancholy country tune. She's so effective at making me really feel her lyrics, like "Now I am tired/ It just made me tired." Gorgeous stuff.
"Fernando": Kind of expected, least surprising track of the bunch. I could see Rilo Kiley rocking this song. I like the fun lady singers in the background.
"Godspeed": Effecting piano ballad, it's a song about getting away from a no-good kind of guy. And she's been there before.
"Carpetbaggers": This is her duet with Elvis Costello. A super country rock song with a lot of "Whoa, yeah"s Not sure how I feel about their sound together. . . going to need a couple more listens.
"Trying My Best to Love You": Oh, man. Oh, goodness, this song is lovely. The strings, the piano. It almost sounds like gospel singing behind her. I feel like Aretha Franklin would have enjoyed belting the crap out of this song. Love it.
"Jack Killed Mom": Another gospel, down-home piano song. Tells a somewhat twisted story about Jack and his mom.
"Sing a Song for Them": Sad little song with pretty harmonies. A song for the outcasts and the forgotten. Nice ending.

Source

Music Video: She & Him, "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:30:57 -0700

When I saw She & Him play a live show here in San Francisco, Zooey Deschanel sounded great but seemed a bit nervous to be performing in front of such a large crowd. In this first video of a song off her album with M. Ward, those stage jitters are nowhere to be found. Instead we get to see the quirky, ironic Zoe we've come to know and love onscreen.

"Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" is such a cute song and the video made me laugh out loud, mostly due to the strange animated creatures and a smiling Zoe frolicking together in an otherwise dark little world (see: animated blood spilling out from an oft-murdered Zoe).

I won't give anymore away; to check it out for yourself, read more.

Source

Afternoon Treat: Stream Zooey's Album Now!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:30:39 -0700

If you've been dying to know what Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward's musical collaboration, She & Him, sounds like, wait no longer: Merge Records is streaming their debut album, titled Volume One, right now!

The album doesn't come out till Tuesday, but why wait? I heard most of the songs from the album at their Noise Pop show, and it's great to revisit the recorded versions. So far, I think the more uptempo songs are my favorites - "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here," "I Was Made for You," and especially "Sweet Darlin'." Those songs seem to show off Deschanel's voice and the project's overall sound the best, though a few of the ballads ("Change is Hard," "You Really Got a Hold On Me") are growing on me too.

What's your verdict? Take a listen and let me know!

Source

Noise Pop Diary, Part 2: Tilly and the Wall, She & Him

BuzzSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:30:09 -0800

Last weekend, San Francisco was thoroughly rocked by the 16th installment of the Noise Pop music festival. For six nights, local favorites played alongside national stars at some of the city's greatest music venues. I had the pleasure of attending four of this year's Noise Pop shows, and this week, I've been letting you in on my Noise Pop diary. I've already told you about seeing The Magnetic Fields and The Mountain Goats and coming across Whispertown2000 for the first time. Today, I'll tell you about my final two shows of the weekend: Tilly and the Wall and She & Him.

Tilly and the Wall, 3/2, The Rickshaw Stop - Here's the biggest thing I learned upon seeing Tilly and the Wall live for the first time: No matter how you feel about the band, you've got to have respect for tap dancer/percussionist Jamie Pressnall. That girl works harder than anyone else, dancing for the full 45-minute set and hollering out the lyrics of the songs to boot. Plus, hearing tapping take the place of drumming live is really something - and it's definitely no gimmick.

The rest of the band seemed to feed off Pressnall's energy, loosening up and getting more and more excited with each song. In addition to playing favorites from their full-length albums Wild Like Children and Bottoms of Barrels - even the ones, like "Rainbows in the Dark," that they weren't 100 percent sure they knew how to play - they broke out several songs from their new album, which is expected to be out in June. One new track, the single "Beat Control," was pure, dancey fun - and I think it bodes well for the album that it was my least-favorite of the new songs.

The highlight, for me, was the first encore song, "Lost Girls." With all their peppiness, it's easy to forget that the Tilly girls are actually great singers, and Kianna Alarid's piercing voice almost made me understand the guy behind me who kept yelling for them to have his babies.

Up next: She & Him, so read more.

She & Him, 3/2, Great American Music Hall - I'm maybe just a little excited for the upcoming release of the first album by She & Him, aka Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, and luckily, their show, which closed out Noise Pop, didn't disappoint. It's clear they (well, specifically Zooey) are still new to the whole live-performance scene, but their music ultimately overwhelmed any awkwardness.

Deschanel took center stage - sometimes seeming tiny and uncomfortable there, often looking at Ward or her hands or her tambourine rather than out at the crowd. But again, all that was forgotten as soon as she opened her mouth. Their songs have a rollicking, old-timey feel to them, reminiscent of '60s girl groups and even The Andrews Sisters. Deschanel is the primary vocalist (and sometimes pianist - yes, she plays the piano too, just in case you weren't already swooning), and her voice can cover the full range of emotions, from happy and in love to down and devastated. That said, she and Ward should harmonize more; their voices are so unusual on their own, but they match perfectly together.

About midway through the show, someone called out "You're dreamy!" Deschanel thanked the woman, then paused: "Did you mean me or Matt?" The caller yelled back, "Matt!" and the resulting laughter helped ease some of the tension in the room. By the time of the encore, they were all out of original songs, but they gamely came back anyway for some covers - including a soaring "I Put a Spell on You" that isn't on the album but certainly deserves to be recorded.

Source and Source

Jenny Lewis Goes Solo Again, Joined by Fabulous Friends

BuzzSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:37:05 -0800

Here's some news to make you go "squee": Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis has started recording her second solo album. While there's no word on whether the Watson Twins will be back for another round with Lewis, many wonderful friends have already signed on, including Jonathan Rice, Elvis Costello, and - wait for it - M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. See? Squee!

Lewis' charming solo debut, Rabbit Fur Coat, was one of my top 20 albums of 2006, and I've been wondering since then how her next non-Rilo album might sound. As much as I liked Rabbit Fur Coat, I was even more enamored with several of the songs Lewis and her backing band performed together after the album's release, including the jubilant "Fernando" and the haunting "Acid Tongue." In fact, instead of listening to Rabbit Fur Coat itself, I often find myself playing this live recording, which has my favorites from Rabbit Fur Coat plus many of the newer tracks.

So, I'm curious to see if Lewis has continued in that post-Rabbit Fur direction, or if she'll come out with something entirely new. A source told Entertainment Weekly that "It all sounds super natural, nice, and simple. Like it doesn't belong in any decade. It's just timeless." Sounds promising. What are your hopes for Lewis' next solo outing?

Source

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward to Make Sweet, Sweet Album

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:30:00 -0800

Turns out, the musical collaboration between singer-songwriter M. Ward and the insanely adorable Zooey Deschanel isn't just a one-time thing. In an interview with the LA radio station KCRW, Deschanel said the two have recorded a full-length album coming out in March. The two recorded "When I Get to the Border" together for the movie The Go-Getter and decided not to stop there:

We had so much fun that M asked to hear these demos that I'd made. I write a lot of music but I'm kind of shy about it. He asked to hear it, and then he heard it, and he asked if we could do something together, because it was fun, and why not?

The two are recording as She and Him, and their first album is called Volume One - which, I hope, means volumes two, three, and more could be coming down the line. Two songs from She and Him, "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" and "Sentimental Heart," are streaming over at this MySpace page right now. Both feature Deschanel's singing, which I really love - and not just because I tend to adore Zooey in any form. I'm especially fond of the first song's old-timey style, and both have me eager to hear more from She and Him.

The two also appeared together in LA recently, and you can check out two of the songs they performed, "Lonesome Town" and "I Put a Spell on You," if you read more.

Hear What's on Natalie Portman's Playlist

BuzzSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:30:00 -0700

I've always assumed Natalie Portman has good taste in music - simply because of her Shins-loving character in Garden State, I'm sure. But it turns out the actress really does know her stuff. Portman rounded up a pretty great set of collaborators for her new charity compilation, Big Change: Songs for FINCA, including M. Ward, Portman's My Blueberry Nights co-star Norah Jones, and - yup - The Shins.

The 16-song album, which is available exclusively through the iTunes Music Store for $7.99, benefits FINCA, an anti-poverty organization that provides financial services to low-income entrepreneurs around the world. (Portman serves as the group's "ambassador of hope.") Most of the songs are also available separately.

Among the songs I can't wait to check out: a remix of the Shins' "Australia" by the Bjorn of Peter, Bjorn and John; the intriguingly titled "My Night with the Prostitute from Marseille" by Beirut (which Portman apparently almost sang on); and the exclusive M. Ward track "What is a Soul?" To see the complete track listing, just read more

1. Tokyo Police Club, "Be Good"
2. Beirut, "My Night With the Prostitute From Marseille"
3. Tom Brosseau, "Plaid Lined Jacket"
4. Curumin, "Tudo Bem Malandro"
5. The Shins, "Australia (Bjorn Yttling Mix)"
6. Brett Dennen, "Ain't No Reason"
7. Sean Hayes, "Turnaroundturnmeon"
8. Thee More Shallows, "Oh Yes, Another Mother"
9. Angus & Julia Stone, "The Beast"
10. Antony & the Johnsons, "Paddy's Gone"
11. Vetiver, "Idle Ties"
12. Norah Jones, "Broken"
13. Devendra Banhart, "There's Always Something Happening"
14. M. Ward, "What Is a Soul?"
15. Wooden Wand, "Forgiveness Figg (Bethany Hotel Blues)"
16. Rogue Wave, "How We Landed"