Frankly, my dear...

I feel a little bit bad for Scarlett Johansson. Her new album titled Anywhere I Lay My Head has this actor-turned-singer covering Tom Waits' songs (nothing new in Hollywood these days, of course) . I was a little excited at first. I mean, pretty people always look like they should have pretty voices. And Scarlett is gorgeous, so that should exponentially increase the awesomeness of her voice, right? Wrong. Her new album, as a "project" of sorts, is a disappointment. The problem seems to be that her songs are overproduced - her whispery voice is drowned by backup vocals and instrumentals. It's not the "alternative" or "indie" sound that I was hoping for - instead we get to hear interesting ambiance instrumentals hide a seemingly average voice. Also, she sings completely without feeling. There is no soul in her songs - a trait that makes Tom Waits' songs worthwhile in the first place. Poor Scarlett. I would say stick to acting, but if you remember her singing "Summertime" from the album Unexpected Dreams: Songs from the Stars the difference in her voice is like night and day. She has a smoky sound that sounds perfect with jazzy, simple tunes like that. Never mind the irony in Scarlett singing about a black woman picking cotton. Fiddle-dee-dee! But why listen to little old me? Listen for yourself.

"Falling Down"


"Summertime"


And just for fun...here's how Tom Waits does "Falling Down."






Song of the Day: M79 by Vampire Weekend is a jaunty, funky song from the debut album. A mix of Western classical music and African popular music makes a genre that the band describes as "Upper West Side Soweto". Vampire Weekend toured with the Shins last year and had the #67 spot on the Billboard Top 100 for their song "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa". Enjoy!


Weekend Plans: Rick's Dessert Diner! Okay, you guys, you guys. Let me just take this opportunity to divulge a not-so-secret secret. I would eat dessert as a replacement for every meal...or at least eat dessert first. So...Rick's Dessert Diner in downtown Sacramento is pretty much my Mecca. Located at 2322 K Street in downtown Sacramento just a short walk from the Crest Theatre, this place is the perfect stop for those with a late night sweet tooth. It's open late - Friday and Saturday til 1, Tuesday-Thursday til 12 and Sunday and Monday til 11. With over 285 treats to choose from and all in a cute, retro diner atmosphere you can't really go wrong.

Coming Soon to Caffeine: Alternatives to the Summer Blockbuster. Yeah, we all love Indy and Batman - but there's gotta be something more!

Lots of Love and Chocolate Cake,
Caitlin