M. Ward - Hold Time (2009)

I didn't love Hold Time until after I saw M. Ward live. While the guest spots are generally nice additions - especially by Zooey Deschanel and Jason Lytle - it wasn't until all the production was stripped down to just him and his band that I realized just how good the songs were. I think it took longer to sink in because this is his poppiest sounding album and some of the weird little moments that made his music more unique were polished over. It may not feel as old timey, but the songs still feel timeless and earthy. Plus, "Never Had Nobody Like You" and "To Save Me" rank up there with his best songs.