A Quick Tip by Creamtrumpet

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward serve up another slice of Phil Spector-esque, summertime pop and country-tinged wistfulness. This is a very nostalgic sounding record that evokes classic 60s and 70s, singer/songwriter material, but it has enough of a contemporary flavour to prevent things from sounding like a pastiche. M. Ward's production is rich and warm sounding, and Deschanel shows she has a real songwriting talent. Yes, you can hear their influences, but it manages to sound very fresh, and there's a definite honesty and enthusiasm that shines through. Plus, the tunes are so darn catchy that is near impossible not to like this record.