Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward return for the second installation of their '50s style, female vocal-musical inspired rock. Not unlike Ward's solo material, the music here on "Volume Two" is classic and acoustic guitar driven. The production is full of Spector-esque reverb and vocal harmonizing gives this album the desired timless feel. What is interesting, however, is the possibilities of Deschanel's vocal and writing talents. She's a relative newcomer to music (we know she can act) and getting to hear her career unfold is a spectacle worth attention. A little Nancy Sinatra here, a little Neko Case there, a dose of Shangri-Las' Mary Weiss and Deschanel delivers her message. Full of a catchy, vintage feel, .Volume Two. is a pleasant affair -- albeit one that's not breaking any rules or stretching the parameters of genres. Featuring nearly all original material, minus "Ridin' In My Car" by NRBQ, Skeeter Davis' "Gonna Get Along Without You Now" and guest vocals by Tilly and the Wall this batch of dramatic, "feel-good" love songs is an easy going affair. Santo and Johnny, Connie Francis, and Roy Orbison would be proud. Look out for Deschanel's upcoming role as the '60s premier groupie and Frank Zappa nanny Pamela Des Barres!

THE SHRINE is great for many reasons, but the main one is that they're unique. Their mix of ST. VITUS-y headband-rock & west coast punk vibes is unmatched. The only band we can think that's somewhat similar is THE BRONX, but they're not as LSD-soaked. YOU NEED.

Iceland's SIGUR ROS build beautiful atmospheres of layered bliss and meloncholy melodies. Imagine LOW mixed with the reverbed dream state of SLOWDIVE & the slower soundtrack qualities of THE RACHELS & the minor chord orchestration of GODSPEED!! So Great.