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M. Ward - Transistor Radio
- M. Ward is one of those special artists that can adapt to a wide variety of styles and somehow keep his sound distinctive and personal. “Transistor Radio,” from 2005, is rooted deeply in country music. However, this album is not pop wrapped in acoustic guitars and southern accents like most of what passes for country today. “Transistor Radio” draws on a country style that made the genre so beloved through the early and mid twentieth century. Many of the songs are even produced in such a way as to imitate the sound of music on 1950s radio (the change of listening mediums is a semi consistent theme through the album).
Songs like “One Life Away” and “Lullaby & Exile” are intimate country tunes reminiscent of old country AM radio. The warmth of these songs is difficult to describe. They really do sound like they were recorded on ancient microphones, and yet they don't sound contrived or gimmicky at all. “One Life Away” updates this old sound with its simultaneously morbid and campy lyrics. Much of the album sounds warm and well-rounded with never a moment of excess. Even when he rocks out in full force on songs like “Regeneration No. 1” (he plays the you-know-what out of his guitar on this one), all the components of all the tracks fit together without seeming showy. Aside from the album’s numerous short instrumentals, perhaps the most unique song on the album is “Four Hours in Washington.” The track’s themes of sleeplessness and panic boil to a thrilling climax as the tempo speeds up and the arrangement becomes denser and more chaotic. This is a definite highlight of the album, though it's hard to pick the album’s “best” tracks, as many of them are quite good.
“Transistor Radio” is an excellent, intimate slice of modern day vintage Americana. Ward’s voice has the perfect amount of grittiness and depth to give the songs that classic country warmth. And yet, his voice betrays hints of melancholy and breathiness that give the album its mysterious tone. Check this one out, and give it at least a few a listens.
Reviewer: Kris Lorenz
new
Reviewer's Rating: 9
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 1
Added: 25-Jul-2009
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