M. Ward

Released in 1997, M. Ward's self-titled debut (often referred to as 'Duet for Guitars #2' in later reissues, though originally self-titled) is a foundational document of the late-90s lo-fi folk movement. Recorded with a minimalist setup, the album showcases Ward's unique 'sandpaper' vocal delivery and his sophisticated fingerstyle guitar technique, which draws heavily from pre-war blues and American primitive styles. Unlike his later, more expansive work on Merge Records, this album is defined by its claustrophobic intimacy and heavy use of tape saturation. A notable highlight is his cover of Sonic Youth's 'Tom Violence,' which he strips of its no-wave dissonance and rebuilds as a fragile folk lament. The record was largely overlooked upon its initial release but has since gained a cult following as the rawest expression of Ward's 'old-timey' radio aesthetic. It serves as a bridge between the experimentalism of the 90s indie scene and the traditionalism of the Americana revival.