POST NO. 8: A LITTLE BIT OF HI-FI

I wasn't quite as taken in by M. Ward's 2005 full length Transistor Radio as I was by his 2003 release, Transfiguration of Vincent. But, when considering Ward's music, saying that I didn't like his new record as much as his last one is like saying to an A student, "Sorry, but this paper only rates a B+".

Ward has been compared to everyone from Townes Van Zandt (don't see it) to Tom Waits (okay, getting warmer) to Grandaddy (nice try, but no cigar). He's also been called "somber adult alternative," which makes me cringe. (Do I really listen to "adult alternative"?) I peg him as more of a Ron Sexsmith type, a bittersweet singer-songwriter with a bit of a quirky streak. Or, maybe better yet, Sexsmith jamming with Calexico. But even that comparison misses the mark. Ward's skewed vision of the world -- as evidenced on songs like "Big Boat," "Deep Dark Well," and "Four Hours in Washington" -- is one of a traveling minstrel, a slightly-deranged yet charming wallflower who has seen it all (including things you and I just can't see).

It's that warped, Tom Waits-like imagination that is Ward's calling card and the fuel for his pleasant blend of Americana pop. The fact that more people don't know about this guy is truly a shame, because his recordings are consistently superb. But look no further than the guest list of musicians on this recording -- Jim James of My Morning Jacket, John Parish of PJ Harvey fame, Howe Gelb, and Vic Chesnutt -- to discover how Ward is viewed by his peers.

M. Ward - "Hi-Fi"

For more on M. Ward, visit his home on the web.