M. Ward returns next week with his latest solo record, called More Rain, but "solo" in eponym only: he's equally famous for his collaborations with everyone from Jim James and Conor Oberst (Monsters of Folk) to Zoe Deschanel (She & Him). And on his latest offering, you'll hear appearances from Peter Buck of R.E.M., K.D. Lang, Neko Case, and others. Today, M. Ward pays another visit to the Soundcheck studio to talk about his love of doo-wop records, what he learned from John Fahey, the energy of collaboration, and why he rips his songs from the front pages of newspapers. Click the player above to hear him play solo standouts from More Rain, including "Girl From Conejo Valley," "Confession," and "Temptation."

Listen to previous M. Ward studio appearances here and here.
 

Watch: "Confession," Live on Soundcheck

Watch: "Girl from Conejo Valley," Live on Soundcheck