Pitchfork: M. Ward Preps His Fourth Album For Merge

M. Ward Preps His Fourth Album For Merge

The rustic but personable M. Ward is preparing to release his fourth full-length album this winter. Entitled Transistor Radio, the album is slated for a February 22 arrival via Merge and follows his highly acclaimed 2003 effort Transfiguration of Vincent.

Ward recorded Transistor Radio during his often sparse amounts of spare time in 2004, between playing guitar with Bright Eyes at the 2004 Coachella festival, appearing on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and playing a pair of collaborative tours with Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes and Jim James of My Morning Jacket. However hard it may be to believe given the numerous ties, he doesn't really sound a thing like Bright Eyes. Give it a try:

01 You Still Believe in Me
02 One Life Away
03 Sweethearts on Parade
04 Hi-Fi
05 Fuel for Fire
06 Four Hours in Washington
07 Regeneration No. 1
08 Big Boat
09 Paul's Song
10 Radio Campaign
11 Here Comes the Sun Again
12 Deep Dark Well
13 Oh Take Me Back
14 I'll Be Yr Bird
15 Lullaby + Exile
16 Well-Tempered Clavier

Ward is planning a brief U.S. tour, which will kick off three days after the LP's release. He'll then go on a nationwide tour with My Morning Jacket starting in early May, which will include a May 6 live set for KCRW's famed "Morning Becomes Eclectic" show. For now, dates:

02-25 Chicago, IL - Schuba's Tavern
03-02 New York, NY - Knitting Factory
03-04 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse
03-05 Boston, MA - Remis Auditorium
03-24 San Francisco, CA - Slim's
03-29 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour