M Ward - Post-War

For all you musos claiming that singer-songwriters are all played out, peep this. Matt Ward's third solo album, his first recorded with an actual band, veers from foot-tapping blues to moonshine swigging ho-downs. Somewhere between Giant Sand and Daniel Johnston (whose To Go Home is covered here, succesfully circumnavigating all of Johnston's lovelorn ineptitude), 'Post-War' is catchy enough to appeal to the passive listener, interesting enough to appeal to the discerning audience, and out-there enough to appeal to the snobs. The production, courtesy of Bright Eyes veteran Mike Mogis, gives the whole thing a faded, crumpled edge that feels like some long-lost cherished photograph. It's hard to imagine a time when this album wouldn't fit perfectly, from drowning sorrows in some dingy, unwashed bar to laughing carefree with friends in the sun, M Ward just about redeems every kid who ever picked up a guitar. [Ali Maloney]