There are two major elements to songs that I’m always scrutinizing; lyrics and melody. I’m a dedicated fan to both, holding every musician up to Radiohead standards (who couldn’t with astounding guitar melodies and lyrics like Ambition makes you look pretty ugly/ Kicking and squealing, Gucci little piggy ). So whenever an artist comes along that makes me stop and really listen, over and over and over again to their album, I can’t help but become a fan.

And to me, M. Ward epitomizes that standard, helping to change the way we listen to music.

With six albums (debut was Duet for Guitars #2 in 1999), two EPs, compilations (The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Uncovered to name one), outside projects (co-produced Jenny Lewis‘ solo album, Rabbit Fur Coat), and as well as being a guest on MANY records (My Morning Jacket, Bright Eyes and Cat Power to name a few), Ward has gained loads of credibility within the music industry. His fervent skills with the guitar and distinct vocals have certainly plotted a major spot on the map of music history.

I was late to join the M. Ward fan base, getting my first real taste of his music with his 2005 hit, Transistor Radio, but I know it was a proper introduction. Although his style has a folk/country foundation, using mainly acoustic, Spanish and lap guitars, he still distinguishes himself from the rest of the pack, throwing in minor chords and alternative harmonies.

I haven’t even talked about the lyrics, have I?

“My heart is always on the line/ I’ve traveled all kinds of places/ The song is always the same/ God loan some fuel for fire/ Got 45s to play at night/ Got books to spend with every weekend/ The story’s always the same/ God loan some fuel for fire” -Fuel For Fire, Transistor Radio
“Where you gonna run to now/ That you ain’t got space to fill/ What you gonna do with your time now/ You ain’t got time to kill/ Where you locked in coverage falling in time/ And it’s hot enough just to let your song go by/ I’m gonna give it to you/ If you let me give it to you”-Hi Fi, Transistor Radio

His awareness of the human condition seems effortless, strumming desolate chords that can match many minds. Yet his warmhearted voice makes you believe that everything will definitely be ok.
Check out his solo SXSW show on Saturday, March 15th at St. David’s Church at 9 pm. I saw that Jim James from My Morning Jacket will be performing a solo gig after his, so you might want to get there early. You can also check out the Merge showcase featuring his She and Him partner, Zooey Deschanel at the Parish on Friday, March 14th at midnight, and you can be sure that this one will fill up as well.

-Sonya

MP3> M. Ward ‘Poison Cup’

MP3> M. Ward ‘Eyes On The Prize’

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 11:35 pm and is filed under SXSW, mp3's.