M. Ward doesn't like to discuss the meanings of the songs he writes; he prefers the songs to speak for themselves. Luckily, the Portland-based singer's songs have a lot to say about subjects from love to the state of America.

While his fragile, raspy voice remains the same, Ward added a full band and guest artists to his latest CD for Merge Records. He was joined in the studio with guitarist Mike Coykendall.

Songs performed: "Eyes on the Prize," "Today's Undertaking," "Magic Trick."