Classics

Typically, an artist waits until much later in their career to record an album of standards. (I'm thinking Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, etc.) But M. Ward is 41 and Zooey Deschenal is a mere 34. And this is only their fifth studio album--and that includes their Christmas album from 2011. So why drop your usual sixties girl group vibe? According to recent interviews, M. Ward says that these are simply songs that the both of them fell in love with when they were growing up. Zooey says she has a connection with the classics. "I like the way music recorded live sounds and the warmth of old recordings."In addition to M. Ward's subtle guitar playing, a 20-piece orchestra was brought into the studio and all of these songs were arranged and recorded over a two-week period. Zooey handles most of the lead vocals, but Ward shares the lead on "Time after Time" and "Would You Like to Take a Walk" and solos on "She." There's nothing flashy about these recordings. but there's a warmth and intimacy to each song that adds to this album's charm.The bulk of these songs were first popularized between the 1930's and the 1950's; however, there are a few more recent covers. Here's the breakdown:1. "Stars Fell on Alabama" This jazz standard from 1934 was popularized by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.2. "Oh No, Not My Baby" Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, this was a modest hit for Maxine Brown in 1964.3. "It's Not for Me to Say" This was Johnny Mathis' second single in 1957 and his first million-seller.4. "Stay Awhile" A minor hit for Dusty Springfield in 1964, this song was written by Mike Hawker and Ivor Ramonde. They also penned "I Only Want To Be with You." (Nice guitar work from M. Ward here.)5. "This Girl's in Love with You" A Burt Bacharach-Hal David tune that was a No. 1 smash for Herb Alpert in 1968. (Zooey changes the gender of the song, of course, and the arrangement speeds things up a bit from the original, shortening the original by a full minute. More nice guitar work from M. Ward on this one.)6. "Time after Time" Not to be confused with the hit by Cyndi Lauper, this was written by the great Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in 1947 and recorded the same year by Frank Sinatra.7. "She" At age 50, Charles Aznavour was already in his third decade as an entertainer when he wrote and recorded this tender ballad in 1974.8. "Teach Me Tonight" Another Sammy Cahn tune--this time working with Gene dePaul--also recorded by Frank Sinatra.9. "It's Always You" This tune from 1940 was recorded by Sinatra when he was with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.10. "Unchained Melody" This song hit the Top 10 by three different artists in 1955, but this arrangement is based more on the 1965 Righteous Brothers version that reached No. 4 in 1965.11. "I'll Never Be Free" First popularized by Ella Fitzgerald with Louis Jordan in 1950.12. "Would You Like to Take a Walk" This is the oldest song on this collection having first appeared in the Broadway musical "Sweet and Low" in 1930. It was later popularized by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. (I confess, I first heard the song on an old Bugs Bunny cartoon.)13. "We'll Meet Again" This sentimental song was recorded by British singer Vera Lynn during the early years of World War II and provides a fitting close to this album.These performances may not make you forget the originals, but if you enjoyed She & Him's previous albums you will want to add this to your collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED [Running time - 39:13]

I've now listened to this CD several times (having given it almost 2 weeks to sink in) , both on my Sony MDR-7506 headphones and in the car and the first thing I have to say is that it's a really nice production, so hats off to M Ward. Never over-produced, it's reserved, subtle & spare with some very fine trumpet & trombone work, and Zooey's voice is always firmly centre stage. `This Girl's in Love With You' : a fine reading of this lovely song. A negative reviewer lambasted them for including `She' but obviously didn't realize it's a humorous inclusion. Excellent production on this track with an evocative trumpet and a nice solo by same. `Teach Me Tonight' : to me, this is the stand out track, Zooey Deschanel sounds like she's really enjoying singing this, it's tight, simple & perfectly done. `It's Always You' is pretty good too, with a real nice reverb guitar intro and a sublimely sung final "you".`Unchained Melody' : well, for me, this is an abortive rendition of this classic, in fact, there is another meaning for the word `rendition' and it could apply too. It starts with Zooey sounding like she has just awoken from a bad dream and although no doubt it was an attempt to do something different, it just doesn't work, in my opinion.`I'll Never Be Free' is my third favorite, it's well sung and with nice backing vocals. Very good. `Would You Like To Take a Walk ?' This is my second fav, partly because it recaptures some of the fun & spontaneity to be found on `Volume 1'.Generally, a very enjoyable album.I've been listening to this for nearly 3 months now and I never get tired of it, it's timeless. Zooey sings great ! Hence I'm giving it another star !

I am a much bigger fan of their original stuff, but I always admire people who take a chance and do something a little different. It is mostly an average and entertaining album but they hit it out of the park a few times. The standout track in my opinion is 'She'. M. Ward takes the lead on this one in his own unique way and breathes new life into it. Zooey's backing vocals feel right at home as well. Zooey's standout moment is on 'Stay A While'. Anyone who attempts to cover Dusty Springfield is just askin' for it, but Zooey holds her own on this and sent it straight to my Ipod. Overall, if you like She & Him, you'll like this album, but I can only hope that Zooey is writing some new stuff for another one as we speak.

Big fan of Zooey Deschannel & Matt Ward.Nice high gloss and hefty feeling vinyl. Definitely feels like it'll endure the test of time and become a classic in its own right. The songs are all very warm, romantic, and catchy. It's easy listening and sure to put a smile on your face. Only complaint is that M. Ward's excellent guitaring skills are only really utilized in "Stay a While". He does lead vocals of the track "She". Wish he had a slightly bigger presence.Oddly, on Side B, the first track listed is She, but its really the last track on Side A. Someone screwed up, but it's not a big deal. Also etched into the center of the record it says, "WELCOME TO 1979."Bonus points, my father really enjoyed it as well (He's 60).

Beautiful! Another masterpiece from my favorite group. Zooey and Matt are a musical match made in heaven. Their music is appealing in every way. I had been anticipating their version of Johnny Mathis's It's Not For Me to Say which is a delight. I'd love to hear them perform his Chances Are or Misty. I own all their albums and will continue to get future albums whatever genre they are but I do prefer the style of their original tunes such as Don't Look Back, In the Sun and I could have been your Girl. I'm intrigued by the reviewer who mentioned the Zombies music and agree with him about how great that would sound. It would be fun if they released a DVD also. Hope they record for many years to come.

I really like She & Him, and they've always included a couple of covers on previous albums. This album is recorded `live` with an orchestra and is entirely other peoples songs. And it's very pleasant. However, i don't really know what they were aiming for, or even when i'd think it was a good time to listen to this. It's very laid back, and Zooey Deschanel seems to opt for light crooning rather than actually `singing` a lot of the songs, which is a shame as she's got a really good voice. I'd not heard of a lot of the songs before, so am not sure who rated them as Classics. it's not bad it's just a bit underwhelming.

I love She & Him, but this album has to be my absolute favourite! Zooey's voice is truly beautiful and perfect for these classic songs. It's Not For Me To Say is my favourite song on the whole album. I have nothing bad to say about this beautiful album, it's perfect, I love it!!!!!

This is a BRILLIANT C D.I had not heard of this pair before but the tracks on this edition are so good you just can't get them out of your head.

I like this quirky duo and the songs they cover. Something a bit different

Another great collaboration, from a couple who really enjoy playing together.