Last year, I fell in love with Paste magazine after they chose The National's Boxer for album of the year. This dark, brooding masterpiece was snubbed by almost everybody else, and for me it turned out to be one of the best records of the decade. Then they went one step further and gave them the front cover with the caption "Do you know who they are?". I swear I will never throw out that issue as long as I live.
This year, they gave She & Him's Volume 1 the same honors, and I had to at least give this record a try. Actress Zooey Deschanel performed an album of 60s California pop with M. Ward, tacked on a ridiculously uncreative band name and album name, and here you go. "Sentimental Heart" is a nice way to start, with piano, strings, and a female choir halfway through. Zooey's voice takes some getting used to; it's lovely at the lower octaves, but slightly strained on the higher end. Her voice might wear you down before this album is over.
The next two tracks are the highlights of the album, and show why she should sing more songs that rely on rhythm as opposed to naked vocals. "This Is Not A Test" has an amazing chorus harmony that Joni Mitchell would be proud of.
Now the bad news: they don't keep up this energy for an entire record. Late in the album, there are two lazy, unmemorable country ballads and a few lo-fi acoustic songs that could have been left out if this weren't a 36 minute album.
Even though this is a less exciting year for music than 2007, I can't see this being the best of the year by any measure. If you want a more convincing California pop tribute, check out Jenny Lewis' Acid Tongue. Volume 1 is an interesting and occasionally gorgeous album, but nothing more.
At least Paste has some balls and didn't pick Lil Wayne. Way to go Blender.
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