M. Ward – Transfiguration Of Vincent

Since Fred Wilson blogged (and gave me some props again) about M. Ward’s “Transistor Radio” today, I decided to comment on Matt’s last record “Transfiguration Of Vincent.” Both records are superb. If I had to choose between the two I would find myself in a quandry unlike any other. Each record has very individual characteristics with unique lyrical and instrumental elements. With so many follow-ups from previously acclaimed records, we find artists putting out records that make paltry comparisons to their previous attempts. (Pssst: The Strokes-alike)

M. Ward defies the usual. How many artists can consistently put out complex music that demonstrates record-over-record growth? Actually, how many artists can put out even a single complex record worth listening? But that’s the thing — his records aren’t complex for sake of complexity alone though. He qualifies the use of complex guitar parts and lyrics by constructing the unusual and surprising. The mundane and trite result in the predictable and kitsch. I love the art of surprise when listening to a record for the first time. I love dramatic and unusual parts that result in a euphoric feeling. I admire the imagery created by lyrical fencing. I crave the dissociative episodes that I am remanded to when listening to a great record.