Most forays by actors into music are not worth listening to, but the first album from She & Him – actress Zooey Deschanel teamed up with beguiling singer-songwriter M. Ward – was spirited and atmospheric. She & Him are back with Volume Two, with eleven original Deschanel songs and two covers. The sophomore release is as fresh and listenable as the debut. Deschanel’s voice is waifish candy in 60s style and the songs echo that ambience – throwaway but like a cool breeze. M. Ward adds clever arrangements and rootsy guitar and is a splendid backup vocalist. Highlights of Volume Two include the Nancy-Sinatra-like bubbly pop of ‘In the Sun’; the plaintive ‘Thieves’; and the bouncy ‘Over It Over Again’.
Perfect for a road trip with the windows open. 2½ stars.