Volume Two  Double Six  * * * *

When cult indie actress Zooey Deschanel and cult alt.folk singer-songwriter M Ward got it together a couple of years ago ago for Volume One, it was a mellow match made in heaven. The debut album was natural and unaffected, with the feel of something warm and good and wholesome. Yeah, it sounds cheesy and not a small bit whimsical, but its blend of classic Brill Building pop and rooted alt.folk undermined other, more careerist acts touting similar wares. Volume 2 is more of the same, albeit even further enhanced by Deschanel's love of West Coast melodies and lyrics that reference an older generation of songwriters. She & Him and Volume Two– no names, no agendas, just a superb summer record for lovers of bittersweet thoughts and dreamy romance. See sheand him.com

Download tracks: Ridin' in My Car, Me and You, Brand New Shoes