Actress Zooey Deschanel of “Elf” in a band?

                                            Zooey Deschanel

Yes, actress Zooey Deschanel of “Elf” is in a band. But unlike so many other groups fronted by a famous actor or actress, Deschanel’s band doesn’t suck.

In fact, Deschanel’s group, She & Him, has the potential to become huge. The actress, who sang so memorably in “Elf,” is joined by indie-rock troubador M. Ward in She & Him, instantly giving the project plenty of credibility.

She & Him’s debut album, “Volume 1,” comes out March 18. The group is offering a taste of its sound on its MySpace page, with the song “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here.”

Over a jittery piano and acoustic guitar, with a few electric guitar licks here and there, Deschanel’s voice absolutely shines on “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here,” with the sort of smoky exuberance not usually found in a pop song.

I’ll go out on a limb and say “Elf” is the best Christmas movie of the ’00s, and Deschanel’s singing was one of the best parts of the movie. I can’t wait to hear more from She & Him.

Listen to “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here” here.

What do you think?