In the case of well know actors who are also musicians, fame is often a burden. 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts/The Ordinary Fear of God is fronted by Russell Crowe, and is often viewed as a vanity project. This neglects the fact that they’ve recorded for more than a decade, and while they haven’t achieved critical or popular success, at the very least, it seems as though they wish to be taken seriously.

Suffice it to say that it’s rare when a well-known actor releases an album that achieves critical acclaim. Zooey Deschanel’s debut album, Vol. 1, recorded with M. Ward under the moniker She & Him does just this, and it is supremely listenable. Deschanel’s vocals draw from influences such as Patsy Cline and 1950s girl groups, the crackle of static from an AM radio would not be out-of-place with any of these songs. M. Ward fades into the background, content to be part of Deschanel’s canvas, but his steel guitar stands out, his roots as a disciple of Hank Williams are obvious. The songs themselves, written primarily by Deschanel, are by and large about falling in or out of love. The lyrics are simple and starkly emotional, only stumbling occasionally, usually by trying to be too clever. Her shyness about singing her own songs in front of others comes across in the music, making it obvious that music is something deeply personal for her.

At 36 minutes in length, Vol. 1 is too short, but only because I want to hear more, and I sincerely hope there is a Vol. 2.

Here is the music video for “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here.”

And here is a live (and very staticky) recording of the first track, “Sentimental Heart” from SXSW: