A Very She & Him Christmas

M. Ward, She & Him | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 24, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Merge Records
• ASIN: B005KJZDXK
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (140 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,261 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #5 in Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > Opera & Vocal
  • #5 in Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

2011 holiday release. A Very She & Him Christmas is a wonderful collection of holiday tunes from two of music's most impressive artists Zooey Deschanel (She) & M. Ward (Him). Inspired by seminal holiday albums by the likes of The Carpenters, Vince Guaraldi, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley and more, She & Him have set out to create an intimate holiday recording of Christmas classics that helps bring new emotions out of old songs.

With each purchase, a portion of proceeds from this album will be donated to 826National.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

184 of 192 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New Christmas Standards?, October 25, 2011

By 

Tate - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Very She & Him Christmas (Audio CD)

Zooey Deschanel is quite the charmer. Her acting is adorable and her voice is silk. So how does this new Christmas album from She & Him rate in the endless potpourri of holiday staples? Well, overall, I'd have to say that some of these renditions may very well knock those 1950's classics off their throne. Not every song is classic, but those that are REALLY are. Here's my rundown:

THE UNDENIABLY BRILLIANT:
- The Christmas Waltz. I've never been a huge fan of this song, but She & Him nailed it absolutely perfectly. Zooey's voice has never sounded better, the production is subtle but enhancing. I love love love this song. Will be playing it all Christmas '11 and probably forever after that.

- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I love how they made this classic even slower and more romantic. It's an amazing mixture beautiful, relaxing, and extremely sexy.

- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. A simple kick-snare beat and lush guitar mixes flawlessly with Zooey's voice to provide a live-like effect. It sounds like she's performing right in your living room!

- The Christmas Song. There's a lot of tough competition out there with this song, but She & Him's version is up there with the best.

THE LOVELY:
- I'll Be Home for Christmas. Like "Have Yourself..." the tempo is slowed down a bit for this one too. It doesn't translate quite as well, but still a stunning rendition.

- Christmas Wish. We get to hear more of "Him" on this track, and though he's no Zooey, it provides gorgeous contrast to the rest of the album and is a lovely merry relaxer.

- Sleigh Ride. Unexpectedly mellow for this usually upbeat number, but still works well.

- Christmas Day

- Blue Christmas

THE EH:

- Baby It's Cold Outside. The Christmas song Zooey is probably most famous for (from the movie Elf) is actually the worst track on the album IMO. For some reason the tempo is too fast and there is absolutely no chemistry between the singers. It sounds like they're so worried about singing on cue that they completely left out the story behind the song. Many performers have that problem with this song, but I was really disappointed to hear it on this album.

- Silver Bells. Not unlistenable by any means, but compared to pretty much every other version I've heard of this song, it isn't very good.

- Little Saint Nick. Just not a good match for Zooey's voice, IMO.

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Overall, with only 3 so-so songs and about 9 really good if not great numbers, this is 2011's Christmas album to get. The voice and productions are unique, offering great mellowed-out versions of your holiday favorites in a way that hasn't been done before. I can easily recommend the whole album, but if you just feel like buying a single mp3 or two, obviously The Christmas Waltz is the best track on here. Absolutely timeless. Transformed an okay song into a masterpiece.

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent new Christmas Album!, October 24, 2011

By 

Michael Shank (Ocala, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Very She & Him Christmas (MP3 Download)

I have collected Christmas music for years and once upon a time played it throughout the year. But I grew tired of all the predictable commercial releases. There was so little new under the sun that I stopped buying Christmas music. Then I heard the samples for this Amazon special today. I didn't know the group (sorry - love Zooey Deschanel in the movies - had no idea she sang) but loved the samples and thought it might be another $5.00 investment for a couple of decent songs. Wrong! Great album (can we still say album?) - great music. Try it and try not to smile. Beautiful, simple, fun and joyous. Thanks She & Him.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christmas whimsy!, October 24, 2011

By 

Woolysheep - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Very She & Him Christmas (Audio CD)

I love almost all Christmas music, but this CD is even better than most! I love the nostalgic homey feel that the songs have. It doesn't have all the Christmas songs I would like, but I am just happy She & Him put out a Christmas CD! Merry Christmas!