Spring Break
Actress releases debut album
Alysson Cwyk
Issue date: 5/16/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
You probably recognize her from past roles in "The Horse Whisperer," "Ghost World," and "Lost in Translation." Or the fact that she has been voted in numerous magazine publications as "Sexiest Woman" or on the "Hot 100" list since her career took off in the early 2000s.
Now famed actress and America's "it" girl, Scarlett Johansson, can add "singer" to her resume with the release of her debut record "Anywhere I Lay My Head." Teaming up with producer Dave Sitek from TV on the Radio and collaborating with David Bowie and Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Johansson surprisingly creates a fresh album of 10 Tom Waits covers and one original piece.
Scarlett Johansson's subtle baritone voice provides some interesting renditions of the conventionally raspy, harsh sound of Waits' masterpieces. Recorded entirely in Louisiana, "Anywhere I Lay My Head" projects a drowsy, southern resonance.
I personally prefer the traditional versions by Tom Waits to Johansson's adaptations, but the one original track on "Anywhere I Lay My Head," "Song For Jo," has really grown on me. The eerie, repetitive acoustics and simple beat draws the listener into the song, providing a feeling of serenity.
Johansson created a record that will most likely be overplayed in your local Starbucks and adored by middle-aged people who wouldn't think twice about picking up a Tom Waits album. Not that this is a bad thing, but perhaps Johansson's take on the songwriter's music will expose a greater population to one of the most overlooked and iconic musicians of our time.
"Anywhere I Lay My Head" will be released May 20 through Rhino Entertainment.
Now famed actress and America's "it" girl, Scarlett Johansson, can add "singer" to her resume with the release of her debut record "Anywhere I Lay My Head." Teaming up with producer Dave Sitek from TV on the Radio and collaborating with David Bowie and Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Johansson surprisingly creates a fresh album of 10 Tom Waits covers and one original piece.
Scarlett Johansson's subtle baritone voice provides some interesting renditions of the conventionally raspy, harsh sound of Waits' masterpieces. Recorded entirely in Louisiana, "Anywhere I Lay My Head" projects a drowsy, southern resonance.
I personally prefer the traditional versions by Tom Waits to Johansson's adaptations, but the one original track on "Anywhere I Lay My Head," "Song For Jo," has really grown on me. The eerie, repetitive acoustics and simple beat draws the listener into the song, providing a feeling of serenity.
Johansson created a record that will most likely be overplayed in your local Starbucks and adored by middle-aged people who wouldn't think twice about picking up a Tom Waits album. Not that this is a bad thing, but perhaps Johansson's take on the songwriter's music will expose a greater population to one of the most overlooked and iconic musicians of our time.
"Anywhere I Lay My Head" will be released May 20 through Rhino Entertainment.
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