The indie rock duo of Zooey Deschanel and M Ward return with their sophomore album She & Him Volume Two. Unlike some artists’ in their second time around, She & Him stick to their formula and out-do themselves at their own game.
When She & Him Volume One hit the shelves in 2008, I had already fallen in love with both Daschannel and Ward from their solo work. M Ward had established himself as an indefolk artist, when he either had a stroke of genius or became very lucky and teamed up with actress Zooey Deschanel, who had proven her vocal chops in ‘Elf’. Volume One added the classic sounding voice of Deschanel to Ward’s full arrangements and a wonderful little album was created and soon became my favorite of the year.
With Volume Two, She & Him continues to expand upon what they built in their first album. Ward’s arrangements are even fuller then last time and the album really benefits from listening with a good pair of headphones. There is a skillfully created spaciousness to the production, that isn’t exactly Phil Spector’s wall-of-sound, but is getting there. The songs somehow manage to sound new, but nostalgic at the same time.
Of course, Deschanel’s performance is as captivating as ever. When it comes to alternative and indie rock, there is not a single female vocalist with her quality voice, which harkens back to great doowop and jazz singers. Shining through more than ever are the background layers of 60′s style subtle vocal harmonies. Some of the songs vocals flat out sound like female Beach Boys.
Even after she broke our hearts watching 500 Days of Summer, I speak for the male gender that this album will get us back. Too bad she has been deservedly claimed by the king of hipsters Ben Gibbard. Watch the music video for In the Sun, she is cute as button!
Stand out songs are In the Sun, Don’t Look Back, and Gonna get Along Without You Now, although the entire album is a perfect spring time listen front to back. There are songs that I personally think are less perfect than others, but at 13 tracks it is longer than most albums I have bought lately, so I can’t complain.
I bought the album in digital download, because I couldn’t wait to listen to it, but I wish I would have held out for vinyl, because this music was made for the vintage warmth and hum that a turntable adds.
Even though I will continue to pine for the inevitable Gibbard and Deschanel album, I am extremely glad that She & Him continues to make music. This sophomore outing proves that this is neither a pet-project for either of its members or a novelty.
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