She & Him

The musical partnership between Zooey Deschanel and musician M. Ward, known together as She & Him, has resulted in a new recording of Christmas music. A Very She & Him Christmas builds on the group's two earlier recordings combining Deschanel's delicate vocals with Ward's simple, complimentary production style. Producer Ward also sings, plays guitar and organ, while Deschanel contributes piano and ukulele work along with her singing. It's a very pretty, low-key recording that works as an antidote to much of the hectic and overdone music one hears at this time of year. Particularly charming is the group's fun cover of the Beach Boys' Little Saint Nick. The indie/folky sound will appeal to a wide audience and provide a musical repite when the holidays get hectic.

Thanksgiving Favorite

On Thanksgiving day, 1976, popular music group The Band gave a festive farewell party for a few thousand lucky people in San Francisco. They took over the historic Winterland ballroom, served a giant Thanksgiving dinner and invited some illustrious friends for a jam. Produced by legendary impresario Bill Graham, the guests included Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr and many others. Martin Scorsese filmed the show and the movie and the soundtrack are both available at the library. Called by some the best rock music film ever produced, the great music from the Last Waltz might make a nice accompaniment for the music lovers at your Thanksgiving celebration.