Scarlett covers Jeff Buckley

I don’t like making negative posts. I do make them, but I try not to. I figure if something didn’t appeal to me, why waste my time talking about how much I dislike it? I’d rather spend that time talking about subjects I actually enjoy and connecting to other people through a shared affection for whatever might be floating my boat any given week.

Still, there are cases (like Hot Chip covering Joy Division last week) where something is so bad, involves such questionable judgment or taste that I can’t help but rant about it.

What’s stuck in my craw this week? Scarlett Johansson. She’s literally wedged in my throat, putting such incredible pressure on my gag reflex that it’s a wonder I can type this without covering my keyboard in regurgitated salami (I had a nice turkey salami sandwich for lunch, just to clarify). Why is she currently setting up permanent basecamp in my gullet? Mostly, because she insists on proving to the world that she can’t sing, and drives the point home by singing the songs of people who can. On the one hand, you have to admire the guts it takes to start out your musical career taking on Tom Waits and Jeff Buckley. On the other hand, you also have to admire someone who can make Tom Waits sound dull and uninteresting. You may not like the guy’s voice, but dull and uninteresting he is not.

Maybe S Jo should have made nice with Zooey and in the process have learned how to make the successful transition from actress to singer? Or Jenny Lewis, for that matter. Say what you will about their talents, at least listening to them sing isn’t like listening to a dial tone.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Scarlett Johansson – Last Goodbye (Jeff Buckley Cover)

Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
From Grace

M. Ward – Never Had Nobody Like You (Featuring Zooey Deschanel)
From Hold Time

Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins – Rise Up With Fists!!!
From Rabbit Fur Coat

Tags: jeff buckley