M. Ward‘s 12th solo album and followup to his Billy Holiday covers album Think of Spring. He’s joined by First Aid Kit on “Too Young To Die” and “Engine 5,” by Jim James and Kelly Pratt on “For Good”, by Shovels & Rope on “Mr. Dixon,” and by Neko Case on “Dedication Hour.”

Includes a wonderful rendition of Daniel Johnston’s “Story of an Artist”:

Everyone, and friends and family
Saying, “Hey! Get a job!”
“Why do you only do that only?
Why are you so odd?
We don’t like what you do
We don’t think anyone ever will

My copy direct from the merch table at a 2024 M. Ward show in Rockport MA – which included a great piano rendition of that song.