Scarlett Johannson And Debbie Harry: Blonde on Blonde
Artist on Artist Scarlett Johansson - Debbie Harry
Actress and now songstress, Scarlett Johansson and Rock Hall Inductee and famous punker Blondie interview each other for a new series on MySpace: Artist on Artist.
The two gorgeous blondes discuss their mutual appreciation of one another, fan worship (Scarlett of Peter Falk and Blondie of Robert DeNiro), Scarlett’s new record, Anywhere I Lay My Head (a Tom Waits cover album) and a Blondie reissue of Parallel Lines, which coincides with tour to promote the album, one of their finest.
As I’ve mentioned before on this here blog, I am a HUGE fan of 80’s music a culture, which was heavily influenced by the greatness of Blondie. I am bummed they won’t be coming to Cleveland, but I encourage you to check the tour schedule for a concert near you.
Here’s one of my favorites - and I will be frightening the neighbors this summer with my own rendition of this classic. I might even break the internets and post it!
As for Scarlett’s debut, I gave it a decent listen and have mixed feelings. On one hand, she clearly has great taste in music. Tom Waits is classic singer/songwriter stuff and considering her very low, and gravely voice, Waits was a clever choice for Scarlett. She has a pleasant tone to her voice and with the right arrangement sounds pretty good, but she could use a vocal coach to help her.
While she isn’t “tone deaf” like I read some commenting at other sites, her range is quite limited and it shows in areas. I give the songs I heard, especially “Falling Down” a solid “B.”
With some practice, and good song choices, Scarlett could have a minor second career. I also like the behinds the scenes aspect of the video. The smiles that fade to sighs at the end say it all. Despite her inordinate beauty, I like Scarlett, she seems to have a fairly good head on her shoulders. She gets that it’s all a facade, even the fleetingness of beauty.
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I dunno, D, there seems to be a serious lack of substance in the delivery of what should be a great tune. Too sparse and too “I wanna be ethereal AND earthy” in the attempt. I know what I WON’T be buying or downloading or even giving another listen. A shame, too. Waits deserves better.
Comment by Joanie — May 28, 2008 @ 1:14 am
I think I’m one of maybe five people on this planet who simply doesn’t get the appeal of Scarlett J. She’s never impressed me with her acting, her singing sounds flat and emotionless to me (totally agree with Joanie’s comment), and I don’t even really find her all that pretty. Actually, I think she’d be plain or borderline unattractive if it weren’t for all her make-up artists.
I don’t hate her, but since I just don’t get her appeal I get pretty tired of seeing her all over the place.
Comment by Brooke — May 28, 2008 @ 8:34 am
Well my entry was hardly a ringing endorsement of her skills, I merely felt she was doing the best with what she has. Yes she’s a bit flat, but Tom is hardly Jeff Buckley.
That said, her performance in “Lost In Translation” was so good (or at least her relationship in that film with Bill Murray was) that I can forgive her for many transgressions. We love that film in our house.
I just like her and think she handles herself well considering her peers. She knows she’s not a great singing talent, she freely admits it. She should be given some credit for having great taste though - we can’t all be great singers, but recognizing the greatness of others is a talent also.
Comment by d — May 28, 2008 @ 8:48 am