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M. Ward
Hold Time
(Merge Records)
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As alt-troubadour Matt Ward inches ever so slowly towards mainstream popularity, he continues to water his traditional country-folk roots while exploring more and more into classic Phil Spector / Brian Wilson pop territory. She & Him collaborator Zooey Deschanel returns for a duet, and Lucinda Williams shows up for one too. It's hard to tell the covers (Buddy Holly's "Rave On" gets a downer treatment, and Frank Sinatra's ballad "I'm A Fool To Want You" gets an update) from the originals, which is a testament to his classic-sounding songwriting. She & Him Vol. 2 is on the way, but this is plenty to tide you over!
Although he's been compared to everyone from John Fahey to Tom Waits to Howe Gelb, it's clear that M. Ward, with his brilliant guitar playing and innate sense of melody, is one of those rare talents who defy comparison.
Although he's been compared to everyone from John Fahey to Tom Waits to Howe Gelb, it's clear that M. Ward, with his brilliant guitar playing and innate sense of melody, is one of those rare talents who defy comparison.
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