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A Wasteland Companion
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A Wasteland Companion Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: M. Ward returns with his solo album featuring such guests as Howe Gelb of Giant Sand, Toby Leaman of Dr. Dog, Tom Hagerman of Devotchka, Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes, Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, and She & Him collaborator Zooey Deschanel.
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  • Record Label: Merge
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
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Top Track

Primitive Girl
She's a primitive girl She says it herself She cuts to the chase Yeah like nobody else If you say how're you doing She'll say I'm doing well She's a... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    Apr 3, 2012
    88
    A Wasteland Companion isn't a sonic tidal wave, per se - it's built on some of the folk troubadour's quietest, most intimate tunes in years. But where emotions are concerned, it pummels.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 6, 2012
    80
    A refreshingly non-dogmatic take on retro musical styles.
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    Apr 12, 2012
    80
    This new album capitalizes on many of the singer/songwriter's strengths with songs that support his abilities.
  4. Alternative Press
    Apr 3, 2012
    70
    It is perhaps three songs too long, but A Wasteland companion is, nonetheless, a welcome return to form. [May 2012, p.85]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 10, 2012
    70
    In the album's quieter segments he proves that his deft touch remains.
  6. The Fly (UK)
    Apr 27, 2012
    60
    As engaging as an album of mood swings can be.
  7. No Ripcord
    Apr 18, 2012
    50
    Much of A Wasteland Companion suffers from the unimaginative fluff that plagued 2009's Hold Time.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. nk40699
    May 8, 2012
    9
    Very good release by M. Ward. A big grower. As usual, M. Ward is a pro at what he does. I wanted to give this an 8, however, some exaggeratorVery good release by M. Ward. A big grower. As usual, M. Ward is a pro at what he does. I wanted to give this an 8, however, some exaggerator gave it a negative review. IMO, almost all albums should receive at least a 5, unless it is total crap. This is a good album. Not fantastic, but it is a very solid release. Definitely does not deserve a below 5 review. Buy it!… Expand
  2. Manik_Music
    Apr 11, 2012
    8
    Full review at www.ManikMusic.net Both staff members gave a B rating!

    M. Ward plays as a reinvigorated optimist, which a is **** breath of    Full review at www.ManikMusic.net Both staff members gave a B rating!

    M. Ward plays as a reinvigorated optimist, which a is **** breath of fresh air, but itâ    … Expand
  4. ShepRock
    Oct 28, 2012
    8
    Ward proves that at the end of "desolation row" a "clean slate" can be found in which "you only have to wait a little while before you findWard proves that at the end of "desolation row" a "clean slate" can be found in which "you only have to wait a little while before you find the truth" that in the end leads to "pure joy" where there just "ain't no other way to say just what this feeling is."… Expand
  5. LazarusGravity
    Apr 12, 2012
    6
    To these ears his weakest collection to date. Pretty enough, but lacking the sonic adventure and song writing rigour of earlier efforts.To these ears his weakest collection to date. Pretty enough, but lacking the sonic adventure and song writing rigour of earlier efforts. Beautifully recorded, mind.… Expand

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