Haven't heard the new M Ward yet Kyle, but his last record left me strangely cold, so that's likely why. I think it was the super-reverby production that felt really self-conscious. Not entirely fair, but then how does one explain likes and dislikes?

Grizzly Bear is an interesting band...though I prefer Horn of Plenty, their lo-fi debut from a few years back, to their breakthrough album from a couple of years ago - Yellow House. To me their second one is a little annoyingly bombastic - perhaps songs over-developed. It's undeniably different though, and pretty arty.

Kyle, you should finish off your post of a few days ago - looks like fun.