Scarlett Johansson
Anywhere I Lay My Head
Rhino/ Warner Music


Celebrity albums are a tricky proposition. Often they're done for the wrong reasons, as cynical marketing cash in or as quick dollar maker. When they're done well with an artist who genuinely has something to say, they can surprise even the most cynical and jaded of us (witness Robert Downey Jr's rather wonderful 'The Futurist' in 2004). Thankfully 'Anywhere I Lay My Head' lies firmly in the latter category.

This album is comprised almost entirely of Tom Waits songs, (there's one original, Song for Jo), a slightly worrying proposition at the outset. Usually Tom Waits covers tend to be jazzed up and with the edge removed, so imagine my surprise and delight when the instrumental opener Fawn kicks in with epic church organs and a massive horn section. Yet this is no exercise in Tom-Waits-by-numbers either - these songs have been given new and unique arrangements by a band full of indie cred, including two members of TV on the Radio and the guitarist of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's.

Much has been made of Johansson's apparent lack of vocal range, but her limited, slightly masculine tone works perfectly for the 80s shoegazer type arrangements on display here. Her vocal is often buried deep within the music as opposed to on top of it, a production style not often heard in contemporary music, yet it's entirely charming.

There is a wonderful sense of retro and modern working together - the earthiness of church organs and banjos meeting the glacial sweep of post-rock guitars and epic drums. This works particularly well on album highlight Falling Down, a powerful song in 6/8 time. This track and ballad Fannin Street also feature guest vocals by none other than Mr. David Bowie himself, obviously enjoying himself.

As the album continues it proves to be full of delightful surprises, from the harmonised music box arrangement of I Wish I Was In New Orleans (the oldest Waits song on display here) or the sheer perverse joy of turning I Don't Wanna Grow Up into a New Order-ish dance tune. Final track Who Are You comes all too soon, resounding long after this brief album has finished.

Put aside your cynicism and you will discover a wonderful, moving and unusual album from the delightful Ms. Johansson. Let's hope she has more on the way.

Patrick Lang