Johansson anxious for Waits's approval

Scarlett Johansson has revealed that Tom Waits has yet to give his approval of her versions of his songs.

The actress said she is anxious to find out if Waits is happy with her covers album Anywhere I Lay My Head, which is released in the US next week.

She told the New York Post: "When I was presented with the idea, the ultimate goal was to not get chased down by Tom Waits and get my ass beat in a bar.

"I've heard from people who are friends with him that he's very pleased with it. He's been really supportive - not from the sidelines, but from a far, far distance."

She added: "It was constantly in the back of my mind that if we did something Tom Waits hated, he'd come at me with a hammer."

The LP features backing vocals from David Bowie, who described Johansson's singing as "mystical".

> Click here to watch the video for lead single 'Falling Down'