Indie rockin' actresses

Zooey Deschanel

Fans have been clamoring for Zooey Deschanel to record an album since she wowed audiences with her slyly cool take on the holiday standard “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in the 2003 film “Elf.”

Finally in 2008 there was an official Deschanel album. The actress collaborated with indie singer-songwriter M. Ward for their She & Him project, due March 18 from indie label Merge Records.

The two were first heard on a duet of “When I Get to the Border,” a Linda and Richard Thompson cover. Ward often sings as if he’s from another era, his booming voice resulting in a timeless echo over his piano work, and Deschanel’s vocals complement him well, gracing the song with an almost enchanted calmness.

“When I Get to the Border” appeared in indie film “The Go-Getter,” which also stars Jena Malone (see slide No. 9). And for still more Deschanel, check out the album “Nighttiming” by Jason Schwartzman’s Coconut Records, available via most digital download retailers.