A Wasteland Companion

Performer: M. Ward
Distributor: Alternative Dis. Alliance

Notes: M. Ward's first solo outing since 2009's Hold Time (he recorded a trio of albums with actress/singer Zooey Deschanel under the moniker She & Him between 2008 and 2011) was recorded in eight different studios and features contributions from 18 different musicians including Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, Bright Eyes' Mike Mogis, Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley, Devotchka's Tom Hagerman, and Deschanel. A Wasteland Companion is set for release in April, 2012.

Rolling Stone (p.74) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "His seventh is his most vivid and varied yet, full of exquisite guitar work, gem-like songcraft and inspired covers..." Alternative Press (p.83) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "A WASTELAND COMPANION is a reminder that Ward is one of indie music's most capable singer/songwriters....A welcome return to form." Magnet (p.59) - "[With] a moodily atmospheric production, heartbreaking vocals and genius finger-picking." Billboard (p.28) - "Best of all is 'Wild Goose,' where Ward's various talents come together in a woozy rush of hushed harmonies, sparkling lap steel and Old Hollywood strings." Q (Magazine) (p.101) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he real wonder here is to be found when he drops a gear into hushed beauty and sun-dappled loveliness." Mojo (Publisher) (p.87) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[The album] revels in the layers of experience overlaid on life, building up texture, building up meaning, building up songs." Uncut (magazine) (p.68) - "Vocally, Ward sounds like Paul Simon....Go past the tone of his voice, inhale the poetry, and you'll taste a sweeter, less mordant Leonard Cohen."

Singer/songwriter M. Ward, a protege of Giant Sand leader Howe Gelb, made a splash on the indie-rock scene in the early-to-mid-2000s, despite being closer in spirit to John Fahey (guitar-wise) and Bob Dylan (in songwriting style) than to any alt-rockers. Ward's laconic, blues-and-folk-inflected style offered a slightly more roots-conscious alternative to contemporaneous indie-folk peers like Iron & Wine, and he earned a steady following for his sharply written, modestly presented songs.

* Estimated Delivery Dates are based on anticipated order processing and transit times, and are not guaranteed dates.

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.2

Shipping Options and Policies