Technical difficulties didn't deter M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel from plugging ahead, even if that meant plugging in an electric guitar instead of an acoustic one. And then Newport's infamous rain came down... hard. But that didn't stop them, either, especially once backup vocalist Becky Stark (of Lavender Diamond) joined She & Him on stage for her sad country-swing song, "The Garden Rose."
With only one album to its name, She & Him played most of the material from Volume One, including a heavily rocked-out version of "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" They did play one new song, an upbeat number that should win over even more fans.
And, in what would mark the spirit of the festival, My Morning Jacket's Jim James joined She & Him on "Magic Trick," a song that originally appeared on M. Ward's Post-War.
Even before Volume One was released, She & Him was destined for intense scrutiny. Hollywood vanity albums miss more often than they hit; fortunately for actress Zooey Deschanel, she had the clever production wit of M. Ward behind her. But it turns out that she has serious songwriting chops, too. Her sad songs of heartbreak are simple — as is her clear voice, which seems equally influenced by Patsy Cline and Dusty Springfield.
Set List
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