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War, What Is It Good For? "Post-War," says M. Ward.

M. Ward, our friend and family member, will be releasing his follow-up to 2004's Transistor Radio [TMT Review] entitled Post-War on August 22 through Merge Records.

This is good news, to be sure. M. Ward is an excellent musician who is now doing, for the first time, a "full band" record, as reported by Billboard. The band includes former members of The Decemberists and The Thermals, Rachel Blumberg and Jordan Hudson respectively — not to mention Neko Case and My Morning Jacketeer Jim James contributing.

Pretty sweet, right? Well there's a more pressing issue that I'm sure many of you overlooked. Post-War is coming out on Merge Records. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but that sounds a little vague and more than a little dangerous. What are they merged with? Do they have a proper exit strategy? Where do they see Post-War action on the ground in five or 10 years? No, I'm sorry, I don't like this.

This sounds too much like the much-maligned flip-flopper John Kerry. And it should be noted that M. Ward was recently spotted wearing flip-flops! You liberals out there may chalk it up to the "summer weather," but lets be realistic, huh? You can call them "Freedom-Flops" all you want, I'm still not convinced Merge Records can get the job done.

Rumor has it, Merge isn't even ready to pull the troops out. They're probably going to send M. Ward on tour through Europe and the United States in August with a bunch of musical "rallies" in support of Post-War. Now please, they want to end the war and continue a campaign? That truly is a flippin' and a floppin'.

Yes, in fact, ban these Freedom-Flops. Post-War really should be handled by someone with a little more governing experience, say... Capitol Records, perhaps? Yes, that sounds stately.

Exit strategy:

1. Poison Cup
2. To Go Home *
3. Right in the Head
4. Post-War
5. Requiem
6. Chinese Translation
7. Eyes on the Prize
8. Magic Trick
9. Neptune's Net *
10. Rollercoaster
11. Today's Undertaking
12. Afterword/Rag