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Anywhere I Lay My Head

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 249 ratings

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Editorial Reviews

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On an album of Tom Waits covers one should rightly expect some derelict bravado and gruff to make it a credible cover album. But when the vocals are delivered by the divine Scarlett Johansson, you’re already treading in different waters. Add music which offers deeply layered and evocative soundscapes from a deft lineup of musicians that includes members of Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, TV on the Radio, and a guest appearance by David Bowie, and you’ve got something altogether different than one would expect on a Tom Waits cover album.

Fans of the old storyteller won’t recognize some of these versions. Instead, at least on a few notable tracks, fans of bands like Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil,and Dead Can Dance will recognize derivative and signature sounds from these mainstays of the venerable bands from the 4AD music label. On this her first musical venture aware from the big screen, Scarlett approaches the art of music by re-envisioning Tom’s old songs with both purpose and pensive respect for the artist she covers.

--Lucas Hilbert

Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 5 x 0.5 inches; 2.37 ounces
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Rhino
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 454524
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 29, 2008
  • Label ‏ : ‎ Rhino
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0014IH1N6
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 249 ratings

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
249 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2008
Looking back on the past decade, no one with even a casual interest in films could deny the impression Scarlett Johansson has made with a body of work that, time and again, has revealed an actor of beauty, depth and versatility. And although it seems to have done so, it probably shouldn't have surprised anyone that her gifts would move her so naturally into the musical realm. We are very fortunate that they have. This release is one of grace, courage and conviction. On 10 of the 11 tracks herein (she co-wrote the other), lives the voice of a mezmerizing singer interpreting a handful of great songs written by Tom Waits, and his wife, Kathleen Brennan. Scarlett brings to these songs what a great actor brings to a role: that is, she makes them singularly her own, and does so brilliantly, leaving intact the mysteries and amazing stories that live in those remote, dangerous places Waits' fans love to visit. Listening to this cd for the first time, I found myself filled with the same sense of excitement and anticipation I have always experienced with any Tom Waits release. Original, surprising and lovely, this record is imbued with the rare quality of an artist having decades more experience on which to draw. With creative musicians surrounding her, and the smart, powerful production of David Siteck, we are provided a wonderful gift. But mostly it is the voice, heart and passion of Scarlett Johansson that literally breathes life into these songs. How could even her biggest fans have known that her beauty runs so deep?
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Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2009
is that I keep listening to it. I've purchased a lot of music so far this year (2009), but I don't listen to any of it as much as I listen to this album. It's the perfect amalgamation of mood and hook. Perhaps it depends upon your tastes. If you think, for example, that Nico sounds terrible, then stay away from this album. If you don't like dense production or the thought of another album from a celebrity, stay away from this album.

If those things don't bother you, then listen to this album, because it is excellent. It's simultaneously lush (check the ecstatic sax climax of the instrumental opener "Fawn") and relaxed, the latter probably owing to Johansson's deep-voiced, drawling delivery, which Sitek then folds between layers of sound. He folds it "between" layers of sound, not "beneath." That's an important difference.

I don't know why this album is so harsh on some people's ears. There are proverbial "good parts" in every song. And the wit and depth of Waits' lyrics really comes through in these reinterpretations. "Falling Down," "Fannin Street," and "Anywhere I Lay My Head" are moving examples of Waits as lonesome, beat-down prophet. Generally, I like these songs better than the playful, winsome interpretations of "I Wish I Was In New Orleans" and "I Don't Want to Grow Up." But those clever interpretations help to keep the album from being too downtrodden, which means they serve as welcome palette cleansers that also possess their own charms.

If you want a full and consistent listening experience from beginning to end, then listen to this album, all of it, many times.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2016
This is one of the greatest albums of all time, right up there with Love's Forever Changes, Dylan's Self Portrait and Sparky Grinstead's Rodent To Rodent. Like those albums it stands alone as a work of art on its own terms. You can't compare it to anything else because there's nothing like it. I discovered this album when someone mentioned it in passing and I looked it up. Okay, maybe it's not for everyone but that's good because there aren't enough copies for everyone. The first time I listened to it I just sat there with my mouth open. Then my mom came in and said, "Close your mouth. You look like an idiot".
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Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020
I love Tom Waites.
As far as covers go, women seem to do him justice. Get this.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2008
So when I heard that Scarlett Johansson was putting out an album, I was afraid, then I heard it was Tom Waits covers, and that made me happy. I am a huge Tom Waits fan and have been for many years, and anytime I hear someone cover one of his songs, which is quite often, I enjoy it, whether it is good or not.
For this album, I heard the first single and was not that impressed at first. Scarlett has a decent voice, but it is layer so badly. The album is overall WAY overproduced. I was hoping for something more minimalistic. Tom Waits' lyrics do not need much added to them to make them sound good. I do not blame Scarlett for this, I blame her producer.
I do enjoy the first half of the album, but each song is strangely both different and the same at the same time, but the second half of the album leave something to be desired. I was rather disappointed with the cover of "I Don't Want to Grow Up", for that is one of my favorite Waits songs and I love hearing renditions of it (The Ramones did an awesome job on it). The weird little beat in the background just does not really work on such a quaint song with very meaningful lyrics.
Overall, I do enjoy the album, but like I said, it is hard for me not to enjoy any version of a Tom Waits song. It is not as bad as other actress/singer albums and I would recommend this over any Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, or Hannah Montana load of crap, if for no other reason than lyrical quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2013
I was amazed when i heard ScarJo singing a song that was up for an Oscar this year. What a lovely voice, smooth and sensual. Someone on line told me that she had recorded a CD of Tom Waite's bluesy stuff. i ran right over to amazon and ordered it. I only played it once and then listed it for sale again. Just don't like it at all. I don't like the songs and I don't like her interpretation, and i don't like her voice on this CD. boo, hiss. no wonder nobody knows she can sing. that one Oscar song must have been a fluke, or else she received some awful direction on this CD.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Jordan
5.0 out of 5 stars Thrift Store
Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2022
I have never left a review for an item I bought but I felt I HAD to for this cd. I have the Pete Yorn duet cd and it is great. I was hoping for something similar or even a little more upbeat like the work she has done on the sing movies. This cd is neither. So let's get this over with - If I wanted to hear Scarjo talk for 40 min I would have watched one of her movies. This is horrible. From the first yawn I decided to see it through and then I placed it in my vehicle to drop it off at my local thrift store. A shame because she really does have a great voice.
avik chatterjee
5.0 out of 5 stars Who says Scarlett can't sing? Damn good cd.
Reviewed in India on August 12, 2023
I wonder how dream like this record is. Scarlett is a brilliant singer. Wish she records more songs. Absolutely five stars.
JoBlack61
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in Italy on April 3, 2019
It is clear from the title that Scarlett struck me. I didn't know his musical side and I am pleasantly surprised. A thousand emotions at first listening. Many memories of other pleasant music. Lou Reed; Velvet underground; Eno ... and then a lot of peace ... and she who appears and stands out. First piece a prelude that from sweet agreement explodes with the orchestra, and so on, one piece after another and you go into a forest "which is not scary". Greens, browns, gilals, reds in all shades. four songs written by Tom Waits, six by him with his wife Kathleen Brennan and one written by Johansson and David Andrew Sitek (formerly TV On The Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Foals, Celebration and Beady Eye). For the choirs in pieces 3 and 5 discreet and unique David Bowie.

Giuseppe
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JoBlack61
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in Italy on April 3, 2019
It is clear from the title that Scarlett struck me. I didn't know his musical side and I am pleasantly surprised. A thousand emotions at first listening. Many memories of other pleasant music. Lou Reed; Velvet underground; Eno ... and then a lot of peace ... and she who appears and stands out. First piece a prelude that from sweet agreement explodes with the orchestra, and so on, one piece after another and you go into a forest "which is not scary". Greens, browns, gilals, reds in all shades. four songs written by Tom Waits, six by him with his wife Kathleen Brennan and one written by Johansson and David Andrew Sitek (formerly TV On The Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Foals, Celebration and Beady Eye). For the choirs in pieces 3 and 5 discreet and unique David Bowie.

Giuseppe
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Alfredo Lira
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on December 14, 2016
Excelente servicio y entregado dos días antes del tiempo establecido, el empaquetado muy bien y en buenas condiciones, todo en general muy bien.
Kim the incorrigible
5.0 out of 5 stars MORE THAN JUST BEE STUNG LIPS...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised to have been gifted with this as a present last christmas by my daughter.
I do believe that she must have grown tired of my muttering of this album's existence each time the elfin Ms. Johansson graced our t.v. screen.
That was 10 months ago, and i think i've listened to this enough times now to give an educated and honest opinion.
Now lets face it, we all roll our eyes and sneer when those in the acting profession try their hand at music and vice-versa.
So should we be sharpening the knives for Scarlett and relishing the chance to add her to the dubious list of musical follies?
A list that already includes Bruce Willis, Clint Eastwood,Lindsay Lohan, and { ahem!} David Hasselhoff?
Well hats off to the lady. This is no mere vanity project but a true labour of love,earnestly executed to boot.
Tackling a selection of Tom Waits numbers may be a tall order to some, but Scarlett's deep, husky voice seems tailor made for this material.
With a boat race that could launch a thousand yachts, and unquestionable sex appeal, oh how easy it would have been to plaster a scantily clad
Johansson all over the cover and churned out 45 minutes of irrelevant chart fodder.
Overseen by Dave Sitek in the producers chair, and aided by a host of indie luminaries that include Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs,
this is indeed a bold and adventurous little record.
Instrumental opener ' Fawn' opens proceedings nicely, and teasingly raises expectations for what is about to come.
And when it does come in the shape of ' Town with no cheer' it's a delight to hear Scarlett's understated, yet dulcet tones, enveloped warmly by an
array of exotic instruments that include amongst other things, a dog bowl!
The late, great David Bowie makes a welcome appearance on 'Falling Down' and the glorious ' Fannin Street'. When i first heard Bowies voice
come in on the latter, it fair made me well up, and that was before he departed this mortal coil.
A masterstroke is pulled on ' I Wish I Was In New Orleans, whereby Scarlett is accompanied by no more than the nostalgic twinkle of a music box.
Some have suggested that Sitek's kitchen sink and all production is in place to hide alleged vocal shortcomings,but i disagree.
Was Phil Spector trying to mask the voice of Ronnie? Most smart arsed producers these days want to be a bit Martin Hannett or Spector,
and that's exactly what we have here! Album highlight for me is the gorgeous title track, but a big mention must go out to ' I Don't Wanna Grow Up'.
At odds with the rest of the album, it's jaunty electronic backing compliments the song perfectly, and it's just as much fun as the Ramones version.
Predictably the Johansson original ' Song For Jo' is the weakest track in such stellar company.
But it shows great promise , and i for one look forward to hearing much more from the lady. And why not? If you want to split hairs,Tom Waits
has long been having a go at the old Thespian lark!
This is a four star album all day long. but i'm giving it another as a ' ya boo sucks!' to all the naysayers out there.
But above all for Scarlett Johanssons impeccable good taste...
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