
I got the opportunity a couple weeks ago to see M. Ward in an intimate studio setting at Apogee Studio in Santa Monica, hosted by KCRW as part of their Berkeley Street Studio Sessions. With a capacity of 150, the studio is probably the best venue I have ever witnessed live music at: the sound was excellent, and you had no choice but to have a great up-close view. M. Ward was fantastic, with an excellent backing that included a pedal steel guitar (a weakness of mine). He started off with a few older tracks… I remember at least “Poison Cup” and “Requiem,” before he started debuting a number of tracks from his upcoming A Wasteland Companion.
I should take an aside to admit that, a full 6 years ago, annoyed and grouchy from missing an opening act at a Spaceland show because I had not realized that the event had been sponsored by KCRW and would thus be well attended, I wrote this. I still understand the sentiment that I had, but I need to admit it was misplaced towards KCRW instead of 1) myself, 2) the venue, and 3) a selection of the concertgoers. I suppose this is a weak attempt at a retraction/apology, but I wanted to take a moment to say that KCRW, although I don’t enjoy everything they play or promote, is a solid organization that provides a great service to Los Angeles, and that is a positive force for music here; and the M. Ward show that they organized helped to remind me of that.
Besides the incredible setting, the highlight of the night may have been hearing the first single off A Wasteland Companion, “Primitive Girl”:
It sounded great when performed by Ward and his companions. I’ll admit that my first thought was whether it was a cover of James’ “Laid” (I had a few drinks in me by the time he played it late in the set), but I think it is a great homage to “Laid” that has a very early-90s feel to it. If his performance was any indication (and I fully expect it to be), I’ll be listening to a lot of the new one come one month from now. It can currently be streamed on NPR’s website HERE.