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Indie actresses belt out tunes

Posted on Nov 10, 2008 in Features

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For the last few years, it seems as though every starlet in Hollywood reaches the “pivotal” point in her career when she feels it necessary to release an album.

These big names in the industry drift from movies to music as if they are weaving in and out of traffic lanes on the 405. The music ranges from wildly popular (ahem, Miley Cyrus) to completely forgettable (does anyone remember Jennifer Love Hewitt singing about how she was “Bare Naked?”).

However, in the last year the mainstream celebrities have been joined by indie favorites in the quest to cross over from movies and television to music.

While many people know Jenny Lewis for her frontwoman position in the group Rilo Kiley, she also played the role of child star for a number of years, starring in various made-for-television movies (Lifetime bait such as “Sweet Temptation”) and cult favorites like “Foxfire” with Angelina Jolie, in “Little Boy Blue” alongside Ryan Phillippe, and in “Pleasantville” with Tobey Maguire.

This indie chick also released her first solo album in 2006, titled Rabbit Fur Coat. The effort landed at #88 on the Billboard Top 200. This year, she released her second solo effort called Acid Tongue, which made it to a respectable #24 on U.S. Billboard, and reached #6 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums.

While not extremely well known for her solo career, Jenny Lewis’ music can best be described as smart, as it blends clever folk-rock sounds with poetic lyrics. A dash of twangy, soulful country can also be detected.

Her voice slides up and down, and I must say that as an English major, I appreciate her precise diction and crystal clear pronunciation of each word she sings. Check out “Rise Up With Fists” for an inspirational tune that showcases her eloquence and masterful elocution.

Indie movie darling Zooey Deschanel made her musical debut this year with M. Ward. Together, the former co-stars (“The Go-Getter”) make up the band She & Him. Deschanel first showcased her vocal talents singing “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in the Will Ferrell Christmas comedy, “Elf.” In addition to that role, she also played major parts in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Happening,” “Weeds,” “Almost Famous,” “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” and Jim Carrey’s newest film, “Yes Man.”

The She & Him debut album, Volume One, made it to #71 on U.S. Billboard Top 200. While not the kind of music that generates mass appeal, Deschanel’s throaty ’60s sound can be construed as fresh and unique for today’s audience. She sounds a bit like a modern-day June Carter Cash and seems to enjoy dripping, playful sarcasm.
The lyrics are often cutesy without being at all in the bubblegum pop genre and fun rhymes are deployed throughout the album. One song definitely worth downloading is “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?,” a relatable scenario of a smitten person who wishes her romantic interest would embrace her affections.

The ideal woman for many indie fans is the buxom bombshell Scarlett Johansson. Having originally generated buzz for her strange role as Bill Murray’s companion in Sofia Coppola’s “Lost In Translation,” Johansson has since starred in “The Other Boleyn Girl” opposite Natalie Portman, and the steamy Javier Bardem/Penelope Cruz flick “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”

In early 2008, she released her first album, a collection of Tom Waits covers titled Anywhere I Lay My Head. Her sound is reminiscent of the ’90s female alt-rock surge, and she bounces back and forth between evoking the haunting melancholia of Fiona Apple to Cher’s boisterous back-of-the-throat resonance.

While her music received mixed reviews, ranging from mediocre to genius, and the album only debuted at #126 on U.S. Billboard, Johansson has the ability to generate audience interest with her mysterious vocals and a sound that often reminds listeners of the same sexy, smoldering quality she exudes on screen. Her version of Waits’ “Falling Down” provides a simultaneously sad and soothing feel and is by far the most mainstream and listener friendly.
While the most popular of the young Hollywood hotties are sure to continue with crossover attempts, both successful and pitiful, it is important to keep the thinking girl’s music in mind. These indie princesses provide sounds that are unique to today’s listeners.

With a refreshingly pensive essence, this stuff certainly goes far beyond lyrics about being bare naked or the need to screech seven things to hate in a boyfriend.

And wouldn’t you rather be caught blaring these ladies over the likes of Miley Cyrus? They may not have the popularity, but they’re way cooler.

Email: ponygirl_66@hotmail.com