The band Dead Man’s Bones, who has just released their debut album, has a lot going for it, and a lot working against it. One of the main aspects that could fall under both categories that must be discussed off the bat is that it is the pet project of actor, Oscar nominee and professional heartthrob Ryan Gosling. Yes, the dude from The Notebook.

Apparently, unsatisfied by movie star good-looks, millions of dollars, six pack abs, and throngs of adoring young girls who melt when they see his well-trimmed, non-threatening facial hair, Gosling decided to get together with friend Zach Shields and the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children’s Choir and toss off an album’s worth of spooky songs seemingly inspired by Tom Waits and the soundtrack of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. (more…)