M. Ward - Transistor Radio

As one whose sound fits as comfortably with the desert sky as it does in a sun-drenched valley, M. Ward has managed to pull off three consecutive exceptional albums, showcasing a penchant for lo-fi recording, folk/country ballads, sheer pop genius, and a voice that penetrates while simultaneously embracing the listener's ears, making you question whether that larynx is shimmering with gold or covered in rust. With that aside, Transistor Radio fits perfectly into Ward's repertoire, though it doesn't expand on what he put forth in Transfiguration of Vincent(2003). Instead, the record sounds very antiquated (not outdated, though), and Ward's voice, combined with the oft-sorrowful lyrics, emanate finger-picked despair and melancholic croons far beyond his years. A sing-less rendition of the Beach Boys' "You Still Believe in Me" introduces the record, and Ward must be given credit, for while he doesn't put a completely different spin on the track, it sounds amazingly fresh; Mr. Wilson would be proud. "One Life Away" could have been on the radio fifty years ago; "Four Hours in Washington" recalls the darkness of "Sad Sad Song" from the previous album. "Big Boat" is suitable for being the album's single, with a steady drumbeat, driving piano, and Ward's warm chorus inviting a sing-along. M. Ward exemplies the lonely songwriter, epitomizing the soulful wanderer with his guitar, softly strumming in the stairwell outside the bar after the night's last call, before wandering into the night to never be seen again. So, I guess, that means this album is really fuckin' good, stylistically distinct, ultimately fulfilling, and I can't really think of any modern singer/songwriter to whom I'd rather listen. [www.mergerecords.com]