We like Matthew Ryan. His excellent American Dirt graces the current Now Hear This CD and is taken from the album Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State, available right now from all the best record stores.

Rather brilliantly, Matthew, whose fans include Lucinda Williams and Nick Hornby, has kindly offered to write a personal song for a Word reader. And all you have to do is ask nicely.

First, to give you an idea of what Matthew is capable of, here he is:

Got that? Now all you need to do is fill in the entry form, and Matthew will personally select one submission to turn into an actual, real live song (Note: you'll have to be registered and logged in for your suggestion to be counted).

The person whose idea Matthew picks will receive a signed copy of the MRVSS CD, tickets to an upcoming UK show, and a few surprises.

Update: This competition has now closed