Dead Man's Bones

The actor-turned-musician is a tenuous transformation. But for every Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson, there's a sweetly successful Zooey Deschanel—and now, Ryan Gosling. The Hollywood heartthrob has spent the past two years tinkering with Zach Shields on the musical side project Dead Man's Bones, an effort that may very well exceed his acting accolades. The band's self-titled debut—released earlier this month—is a haunting soundtrack that combines doo-wop and '60s pop with a Joy Division lethargy and vaudevillian flair. Gosling and Shields even brought in L.A.'s Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir to record with them, lending a creepy air that's complemented by lingering piano and heavy tambourines. The effect is endearing for its effort and intent, but the conceptual angle may alienate more conventional indie fans.

Updated 10/12/2009