Johansson fears album backlash from Waits

Actress Scarlett Johansson is desperate to launch her album of Tom Waits covers - because she is anxious for the singer/songwriter's approval.

Johansson, 23, will make her album debut with a compilation of 'The Downtown Train' singer's hits when her record 'Anywhere I Lay My Head' is released in the US next week.

The album will feature vocals from David Bowie - who has praised her musical talents - but Johansson admits she has yet to receive approval from Waits himself.

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.

"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."

Waits, 58, announced his own US tour in an online press conference earlier this month.