M. Ward's 1999 debut album is a loose and low-key introduction to the singer/songwriter's masterful mix of vintage acoustic minimalism and breezy, bluesy folk-pop ramblings. Duet for Guitars #2 was mostly recorded live and lo-fi—the faint buzz humming underneath his intricate fingerpicking on the title track and "The Crooked Spine" only adds to the warm ambiance. Ward's voice fluctuates between gruff and weary ("Who May Be Lazy") and lullaby-worthy ("Good News"), as he combines folk's stark intimacy with indie rock's rough edges.
- Sun Kil Moon
- John Vanderslice
- Little Wings
- Loose Fur
- Lou Barlow
- Lullaby for the Working Class