Scarlett Johansson unveils debut album

NEW YORK - Actress Scarlett Johansson says Tom Waits has given the thumbs-up to her debut album, which features covers of 10 tunes written by the notoriously persnickety musician.

“Anywhere I Lay My Head” will be released May 20 via Atco/Rhino. David Bowie, whom Johansson met a party just prior to beginning work on the album, lends his distinctive vocals to the tracks “Falling Down” and “Fannin’ Street,” while Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner and members of the band Celebration contribute throughout. The album was produced by Dave Sitek of the New York rock band TV On The Radio.

The album also boasts one original tune, “Song for Jo.” Johansson said she initially considered making an album of standards, but the project slowly morphed into a Waits-dominated affair. “His melodies are so beautiful and his voice is so distinct,” she said at a news conference Tuesday.

“I sent him some of the early, early recordings, and he said, ‘Go ahead,’ ” she added. “I’ve heard he’s very pleased.”

There are no plans for Johansson to perform live in support of the project, but she says she’d be intrigued by “getting everybody together,” perhaps at a festival, at some point in the future. “It would be a missed opportunity not to.”

MORE FROM MORE NEWS AND OTHER FEATURES

Tupac Shakur tops ‘overrated’ music list

Tupac Shakur tops ‘overrated’ music list U2 pushes release of new album to early 2009 Madonna dedicates 'Like a Virgin' to pope Club owners settle in Great White fire case Usher’s ‘One Night Stand’ tour? For ladies only New music site gives fans a cut of tune sales Great White offers $1M to settle club fire suits Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will honor Les Paul Springsteen ends tour at Harley celebration Rage draws 9,000 to Denver anti-war concert   Add More news and other features headlines to your news reader: