M. Ward: Duet for Guitars #2 (Merge)

M. Ward’s first solo album barely saw the light of day when it was originally released by Co-dependent Records on a limited run in 1999. Even after Ward’s pal Howe Gelb re-released it a year later on his label OWOM, the album hardly made a dent in the world’s musical spectrum. So, even if you’re familiar with Matt Ward’s later records, chances are you’ve never heard this one. Or, if you have, it wasn’t likely your first taste of the singer/songwriter’s music.

Listening to this, the second re-release of Duet for Guitars #2, means that the original intent and context of the album is now lost to what we’ve heard on the precursor albums —those that introduced the world to M. Ward. This is not a bad thing, as often music fans stumble across a band a few albums into their career, so the listener must search for the beginning, thus uncovering the artist’s roots and visualizing their musical journey.

What we learn about Matt Ward when uncovering his roots is that he appears to have escaped from the cave he recorded his first album in. This shows his growth, for sure, but it is admittedly nice to hear Ward’s rustic voice paired with overtly rustic instrumentals. That is not to say that Duet is not worthy or sub-par when compared with his later works. In fact, the album serves as a perfect prequel to his discography.

Standout tracks include the melodic “Beautiful Car” in which Ward delicately sings, “I was washing antique cars, working part-time for my dad after school / When I got the go-ahead to pick a car and spin around the neighborhood / It was a baby blue ’52 Roadstar / It was a beautiful car.”

The haunting “Good News” speaks to loneliness and feels like quintessential M. Ward with lyrics such as, “When I forget how to cry / I see you out alone at night / My heart explodes in light and sky / And I want to close my eyes.”

While Duet for Guitars #2 isn’t a classic standout like say Transistor Radio or Post-War, its folksy jangle and delicate vocals do well to serve as the starting part of M. Ward’s musical journey. It is indeed a journey worth taking. (www.mwardmusic.com)

By Heidi Antocicco

9/2007