Transister Radio

Portland boy Matt Ward brings us another beautiful and unique recording with his signature guitar stylings and vocal twang. He even dedicates the record to us (open format dj’s)! Now how can I give it a bad review! Seriously M.Ward has become one of my favorite songwriters. This album was recording in various settings including Jackpot! In Portland, wavelab is Tucson to name a few. Each song has a unique sound to it, making this record sound like more a compilation of ones record collection. Great moody vibes and twangy stomps fill these tracks with collaborations by Howe Gelb (Giant Sand), Vic Chesnut, John Parish (PJ Harvey), & the Old Joe Clarks. This album looks and sounds like an archive of sorts with a taste of nostalgia that runs throughout. I love it!
–the bAWd of eUPHONY

1** (2:23) Instrumental guitar track (Matt starts all of his records this way) great playing
2*** (1:57 ) Sounds like an old 45 record found in a dusty basement. Guitar, John Lennon-esque vocal and fem harmonies give it a dusty romantic feel. Very unique and beautiful!
3** (2:13) guitars swell into acoustic strumming and beat w/ J.Lennon verby vox. Quick and beautiful!
4*** (4:15) standout track. Great lead guitar line. Wet and smooth. Falsetto chorus send chills. Again a romantic feel…
5* (4:12) This makes me think of Sinatra’s “My Way”. Man, touring with Bright Eyes is real rough Matt.
6*** (3:01) Standout track. recorded at wavelab in Tucson. Dark, builds into train stomp. Very effected with nice build and great guitar playing! Howe Gelb adds piano as well
7** (1:18) Cool instrumental highlighting Matt’s guitar playing. Fast and furious.
8* (2:45) Drunken piano stomp with Vic chesnut.
9** (3:11) Hawaiin sounding intro builds into a country ballad packed with Lap Steel.
10 (2:46) Upbeat coaster.
11* (2:21) piano intro, old-timey feel. Kind of quoting George Harrison. Very warm.
12 (2:25) Organ root country/gospel swing.
13*** (2:07) Odd intro swell. Weird beat with gospel chant feel. Very cool and old-timey.
14* (2:55) 4track sounding ballad, guitar and vocals.
15** (2:44) Sittin’ round the porch feel. Nice guitar ballad.
16** (2:58) Fingered guitar, classical sounding instrumental. Very pretty