As a staunch defender of actors’ ventures into the world of indie-rock Cannibal Cheerleader has proven to be an unapologetic apologist. We stand by our love of Scarlett Johansson’s Anywhere I Lay My Head and all of her subsequent work with other artists as well. So when we began to read stories on Ryan Gosling’s foray into the music realm, complete with articles more obsessed with his obvious fame than with the quality of his tunes, we were admittedly curious. The group, Dead Man’s Bones seemed undeniably unique and special, a mix of gloomy goth-rock, doo-wop, and children’s choir all floating on the inimitable Gosling’s voice, which contained none of the trappings of common actor-turned-musician voices, that of overwrought, pop-infused excitement, but instead featured a Brian Ferry croon, warbly and vulnerable, with a touch of showtune formality and aged wisdom. Overall an amazing amalgamation of horrifying imagery and childlike wonder, a frightening foray into the at-times kitschy, always catchy, and decidedly dark realm of Dead Man’s Bones – the perfect Halloween update band and one of our favorite releases of the year.