How does one go from TV On The Radio’s Dave Sitek as a producer/collaborator to Pete Yorn? Isn’t that sorta like letting Jim Jarmusch direct and collaborate on your first screenplay, but here’s a better idea, working with Brett Ratner for script two?
Well, that’s basically what covers-happy Scarlett Johansson has done. Her first album of Tom Waits covers was recorded and produced under the aegis of Sitek and for her next album, a collection of duets called, Break Up, with jingly-jangly pop-rocker Pete Yorn (who was probably featured on every episode of “The O.C.” – the spot du jour for toothless, boring folky indie-rock)
The album is made up eight Yorn originals, was inspired by Serge Gainsbourg’s collaboration with with Brigitte Bardot (sorry Pete, you’re no jolie laid louche) and a cover of Big Star’s Chris Bell’s eponymous track, “I Am The Cosmos,” recorded in 1978 and belatedly released on his titular 1992 solo album I Am The Cosmos. The pair’s album is due September 8 via Rhino records.
Even with Sitek on hand, we really couldn’t hang with her Anywhere I Lay My Head Waits-inspired album (dreamy production, she can’t sing), so presumably this one will be even less desirable, but here’s the single if you wanna give it a whirl.
