A real find

(Morning Star, Saturday 26 February 2005)

ALBUM: M Ward - Transistor Radio
(Matador)

M Ward is an artist of pedigree, most notably his background touring with Conor Oberst's soul-searching Bright Eyes.

This is Ward's fourth album and the personnel involved are an eclectic mix of the great and the good from the softer side of disaffected US alt-country.

There are appearances here from My Morning Jacket's Jim James and the fantastic Vic Chesnutt, as well as musicians from Rilo Kiley and PJ Harvey's band - all of which is testament to the high esteem in which Ward is held.

And the songs more than live up to the inevitable expectations - opener You Still Believe in Me is a gently strummed lullaby, while One Life Away is a torch song with overtures of Old Orleans.

Ward's voice alone is truly something special, enigmatic and aloof and never more intriguing than on the fuzz-soaked, melodious Sweethearts On Parade and album highlight Radio Campaign.

M Ward is a real find and, after four albums, an artist who should be a driving force of creativity.

Technically proficient, lyrically romantic and experimental as anything, Ward's Transistor Radio is anything but static.