Actress/Singer Zooey Deschanel and Portland Troubadour M. Ward return as the indie- folk duo She & Him, with their third release album A Very She and Him Christmas.
This album has all the typical songs you would expect from a Christmas compilation, yet the combination of Deschanel’s bluesy voice, Ward’s signature reverberating guitar and a smattering of ukelele ensure that this, is a very She & Him take on their seasonal favorites.
As with their two previous releases, the retro vibe is ever- present and is influenced by 60’s holiday albums and the likes of Phil Spector and The Beach Boys. She & Him go so far as to include some of The Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson’s tracks on the album, notably “Little Saint Nick” giving the album a timeless feel.
The album showcases a range of styles from the lusciously layered west-coast harmony of “Little Saint Nick” to a a lilting country twang in their cover of Elvis Presley’s ‘”Blue Christmas”. Songs such as “Christmas Wish” prove the staying power of the duo in which Ward’s gravelly tone is complimented by Deschanel’s floating backing vocals.
The tracks alternate between sedate and relaxed versus bouncy and excitable, leaving the album with no chance to find its feet in terms of pace. However, all can be easily forgiven upon reaching the finale, where a stripped back arrangement of the Christmas Song allows the best of She & Him to shine through.
Zooey Deschanel is no stranger to festive cheer and proved her talent with carols with her rendition of “Baby it’s Cold Outside” in the festive blockbuster Elf and Deschanel fans will appreciate her quirky take on Christmas classics.
The album might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a feel-good, stocking filler this is your best bet and, in true Christmas spirit, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the educational charity 826 National.