Many Scarlett Johansson fans will probably be disappointed
by the musical skills of their favorite actress. And many Tom Waits fans will
consider it a blasphemy that a blond and sexy actress, freshly turned singer,
dared to cover the art-rock legend’s songs.
But they might be too hasty in judging Johansson’s new
album, “Anywhere I Lay My Head.”
In the first place, it is simply not fair to compare a
23-year-old girl with Tom Waits. Ok, she asked for it, by deciding to sing
Waits’ songs, but she elegantly found an excuse for potential attackers before
the album was launched.
"I'm not trying to prove anything
on this album," she declared. "I could never impersonate Tom Waits. I
just love his music."
I would say someone who understands
and enjoys Waits’ music deserves appreciation. Or wait, you wanted to see a
half-naked Johansson who shook her booty on shallow but catchy pop tunes…Too
bad for those of you who had such hopes! Because the actress’ new album is
nothing like that.
Okay, she is not an experienced
musician, she does not have a voice that strikes you as spectacular, but the
atmosphere in her songs is completely sweet and refreshing. I only wish her
voice was a little less blurred and we could better hear that "Tinkerbell
on cough syrup" effect, as producer Dave Sitek described it.
Scarlett’s deep and dizzying voice haunts the listener, and is
perfect for covering the songs of such a special artist as Tom Waits, whose
voice also cannot be digested from the first listening session.
Listening to Johansson’s album is like bathing in a lovely
sadness that you do not want to escape.
“Anywhere I Lay My Head” includes tracks such as “I Don’t
Want to Grow Up,” “Green Grass” and “Falling Down.”
David Bowie joined Johansson for two tracks on her album:
"Fannin Street" and "Falling Down".
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