Transistor Radio;

M. Ward describes Transistor Radio as a collection of songs “about childhood memories of a utopian radio power...” and dedicates the album to “the last of the remaining independent radio stations.” Opening with a beautiful John Fahey-esque instrumental rendition of the Beach Boys’ “You Still Believe in Me,” Transistor Radio continues down a dusty well-worn road full of timeless, uniquely American stories. Ward’s distinctly weathered voice and intricate guitar playing are helped along with an impressive group of guests incuding Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley), Howe Gelb (Giant Sand) and Jordan Hudson (The Thermals). Originally released in 2005, M. Ward’s fourth album is now available on 180-gram vinyl with four additional tracks, as the December installment in the Merge25 reissue series.