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I have read many recommendation on here over the years concerning M Ward, but for whatever reason I have never got around to buying anything - also can't recollect ever hearing anything by him/them. However, I am tempted to change this after seeing several of you recommending his/their lattest CD as one of your top 10 of the year. So what are M Ward like - who would you compare him/them to - and which CD would be a good first purchase?

Both of his last 2 are quite accessible - Transfiguration of Vincent and Transistor Radio - all the albums are awesome, though - you should get all of them.

M Ward is just one guy...M stands for Matt. It's difficult to compare him to one artist easily. I think his brilliant arpeggio guitar playing is very like the style of John Fahey and the recurring instrumentals on his albums definitely owe a debt to him. His vocals, well you will either love them or hate them, but they range from a croaky whisper to a high angelic croon..kind of like Brian Wilson if he ate sandpaper for breakfast.

I think the album before last "Transfiguration of Vincent" is a great place to start, there's not much between it and the latest record but I think it's just that bit better.

My first M Ward album was his 2nd record "End of Amnesia" and this is also brilliant. You can sample one of the best songs on it, 'Carolina', from here

Excellent idea! Mps are always in order! Blogs are such an excellent resource:

M. Ward - So Much Water
M. Ward - Carolina
M. Ward - Big Boat
M. Ward - Vincent O'Brien
M. Ward - Sweethearts on Parade
M. Ward - Sad, Sad Song
M. Ward - Beautiful Car
M. Ward - Good News
M. Ward - Fuel for Fire
M. Ward - Fishing Boat Song
M. Ward (with Jim James and Conor Oberst)- You Were Always on My Mind

Just thinking that he was the man. Thanks.