Had I been around in the time when Tom Waits recorded his first few albums I might think different about this thing, but the impression Ward leaves is that he is a Waits-esque musician. Post War was recorded in an attic and Ward notes that he feels his new album to be percussive. When I think of Tom Waits, I understand that if he doesn’t enjoy what he’s doing he won’t do it. “Yeah, my North American tour is going to consist of eight dates in Chicago, and three spread throughout New Mexico.” It’s Tom Waits, he can do what he wants and everyone will find whatever it is that he does to be artistic. I’m thinking that M. Ward is slowly shifting into this family of artist. It was as these thoughts came to me that Ward mentioned in his interview with The Interface how Waits is somewhat of an inspiration to him, “He’s not so shabby.” But would it make sense for him to verbally drool about the intense inspiration the man has had on multiple generations of musician? Ultimately M. Ward is doing his best to make timeless music, a conscious sign of a true artist.
M. Ward “Chinese Translation”
M. Ward “To Go Home”
M. Ward “Paul’s Song”
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