Matthew Ward has always been one of those singer-songwriters that I’ve so desperately wanted to like.  The Portland, Oregon native boasts a calm demeanor, but it’s clear that there’s much more to him when he opens his mouth and strums his gee-tar. Perhaps that’s why I found the whole She & Him concept to be incredibly enjoyable.  Here was M. Ward doing something fresh (at least on the time scale of several decades) and unique.  And then, just as I’m getting over Volume One, here comes M. Ward back again with his new LP Hold Time.

Hold Time is a great folk album.  It won’t knock your socks off, and it certainly won’t sock you or bop you, but the truth is that there is something to be said for artists that are just a joy to listen to (I’m ending in a preposition, okay?).  The jangly guitars on “Rave On” with the insanely catchy chorus of harmonious ‘I Say Rave On’s are a perfect example of just what M. Ward can do.  The higher range vocals of M. Ward take a turn for the baritone on  “Shangri-La”, certainly the highlight of the album.  “To Save Me” is as infectious as folk songs get, with hints and tones of one Zooey Deschanel in the background.  Hold Time has really impressed me, not just with its accessibility but also its listenability.  So what are you waiting for?

Make sure to get a copy of Hold Time.

Listen to “Shangri-La”

Listen to “To Save Me“

Yes, the grammar doesn’t match up, but you probably figured that out by now. Yes, this duo of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel is a lot more Deschanel than it is Matthew Ward. But neither of these are really any indication that She & Him’s debut Volume One is not a pop-folk gem.

M. Ward takes the role of musician and harmonizer more than lead singer-songwriter, while Deschanel enchanting vocals synchronize perfectly. Volume One is a captivating mixture of romantic bluesy-folk and unabashed cheery 70s pop. Deschanel’s range is remarkably wide, offering these collection of songs a certain depth and texture. These songs don’t come across as overproduced nor do they sound lo-fi, but there is a particular organic sound to the album. The slow riding “You Really Got a Hold On Me” is wonderfully contrasted with the optimistic “Sweet Darlin’ ” and the dynamic, progressive “This is Not a Test” really grant She & Him an indescribably charm.

Grab a copy of She & Him’s Volume One (cheap!)

Listen to “Sweet Darlin’” (4.9/5)

Listen to “This is Not a Test” (4.8/5)

Thanks to my brother, Nate, for this one. M. Ward is playing two shows with the Boston Pops on June 26th and June 27th. Tickets range from $18-$85. The picture is of the first row seats. Just imagine M. Ward’s beads of sweat getting in your eye–it will be glorious! Should be a great way to kick off the summer and spend some quality time in Boston.

Listen to M. Ward “To Go Home“.
And if that hasn’t convinced you…
“Chinese Translation“
“Rollercoaster“