M Ward – Transistor Radio

I recommend this album to a lot of people that ask what albums I like, but that I know wouldn’t give bands like Wolf Parade or Clay Your Hands Say Yeah the time of day. It’s really a great album from start to finish.

I worked backwards through the M Ward catalogue after picking this up at his show this year at the Cafe Montmartre. I was really sick, but decided to try and catch at least some of the concert anyway. The crowd was absolutely crazy, the promoter was screaming at everyone to be quiet or M Ward wouldn’t come on, which only made people yell and talk louder. He started the show off with his fantastic cover of Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” and played a very strong set of originals and even a Credence Clearwater cover. I managed to make it through the whole show, and even felt better after walking out of the venue.

Well, this review turned into more of a concert review, but as I’ve said before, concerts usually make my appreciation of albums rise a great deal. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to any M Ward albums you really can’t go wrong with either “Transistor Radio” or “Transfigurations of Vincent.”

What the critics say:

Tiny Mix Tapes – 4/5
Coke Machine Glow – 64%
Stylus Magazine – B+
Metacritic.com – 82/100
Pitchfork – [8.2]

Enter coupon code: muzzle05 for a 10% discount!!!

Madison readers, buy it locally from B-Side Records. If you’re a Milwaukee reader, may I suggest Atomic Records. Please support either store if you live in Madison or Milwaukee.

You can see the rest of my 2005 favorites (so far) by clicking here.