We at Merge have been eagerly anticipating the release of Hold Time, M. Ward’s amazing follow-up to 2006's brilliant Post-War (and 2008's critically acclaimed collaboration with Zooey Deschanel, She & Him - Volume One) and the time is almost upon us. Available on CD and 180-gram LP (with download coupon), Hold Time is an eloquent and startlingly beautiful album. While past critics have compared him to everyone from John Fahey to Tom Waits to his old friend Howe Gelb, with Hold Time it’s clear that M. Ward, with his brilliant guitar playing and innate sense of melody, is one of those rare and special talents who defy comparisons and compartmentalization.