What's With... All These Actresses Making Albums?

First Natalie Portman made that mixtape. Then Scarlett Johansson lent her smoky vocals to that Tom Waits cover album, due out May 20 (featuring David Fucking Bowie!). Now, just this week, Zooey Deschanel has released an album as half of She & Him, the "Him" being indie folkster M. Ward.

Unless you're a somewhat avid film fan, you might not be familiar with Zooey. She's starred as the older sister in Almost Famous, a young woman discovering her sexuality in All the Real Girls (a remarkable film), and the love interest in, sigh, Elf. (The latter showcases her singing talent in a duet with Will Farrell.) Interestingly, Zooey wants to maintain the relative anonymity she has within Hollywood. The She & Him Myspace has this to offer in the way of a biography:

"California based Deschanel spent much of her early life singing in choirs, which is probably why she likes harmonies so much. She also enjoys reading, dancing and playing the piano. She & Him have performed together on occasion over the last year and enjoyed it very much."

So while I want to scoff at yet another actress-turned singer (f-ing J. Lo), I have to admire Zooey's humility. And, as it turns out, I'm digging the song "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?". Pitchfork, which gave the album a 7.4, says the tracks have an a.m. radio quality. I concur. It's like listening to the oldies, but you know, being hip.