By Jesse Cataldo

It’s a shame that an artist’s appearance can never live up to the first mental image that comes along with the music. Just look at M. Ward, the 31-year-old singer-songwriter responsible for Transistor Radio. As far as ears are concerned, he could be a 90-year-old black man who walks dirt roads in a suit and tie and eats gravel and tobacco leaves for breakfast. Visually, he’s pretty much the exact opposite. At least Tom Waits looks like he’s been living in a barn and drinking whiskey from a water fountain for the last 30 years. Ward looks like he drinks milk.

Vocals aside, everything about Ward’s songs suggests a far older and more experienced presence. The arrangements are delicate and subtle, and the sound settles gently between reality and bygone Americana folklore of modern bands, like Iron and Wine, and takes it a step further, wading into a century’s worth of music and coming back with his arms full. Transistor Radio is cobbled together from pieces of any music that can be considered distinctly American; a little bit of tin-pan alley, some early country, blues, folk and jazz. This is the kind of music that your great-grandparents could have been listening to. There’s even a song about ferry boats.

M. Ward’s scratchy voice is most suited to two basic emotions: happiness and sadness. 2004’s Transfiguration Of Vincent worked mainly in the latter, acting as an extended eulogy for a recently deceased friend. Transistor Radio is more of a celebration, featuring songs that burst with energy and life. The album starts with “You Still Believe in Me,” an instrumental Beach Boys cover that practically exudes warmth. “Oh Take me Back” plays with static drums and organ, imitating the sound of an old radio. The album closes with another instrumental cover, Bach’s “Well Tempered Clavier,” which shows his ability to draw anything in and make it sound original. Ward’s reliance on finger-picking rather than strumming is beautiful and understated; the kind of sound that’s barely noticed but still makes all the difference.

In the liner notes, Ward dedicates the album to “the last of the independent and open format DJs.” Like his influences, Ward’s thoughts lie in a simpler time, when the airwaves were free and the world moved slower. This album is best enjoyed outside on a warm evening, accompanied by the sound of crickets and someone to share it with.

The Chronicle gives ´Transistor Radio´, by M. Ward four out of five stars