This scruffy, well-traveled, literate Rhode Islander recalls the desultory whispers of Nick Drake, the ragged tunefulness of Ryan Adams, and the natural wit of a young John Prine. He may come off as a slacker, painting his... more » name on water towers and jamming to Townes Van Zandt on the porch, but his lyrical skills, unpretentiously poetic and refreshingly concise, suggest a purposefulness that's deeper than just folksy charm. Within the sparest musical framework--fingerpicked guitar, whirling organ, lo-fi drums, some bass--Ritter evokes a delicately dense romanticism that's more on-edge than earnest. "This world must be frightening," he sings, "everybody's on the run/but I can't leave this world behind." There's quiet wisdom in Ritter's world; fans of post-Dylan singer-songwriters will want to listen close. --Roy Kasten« less
This scruffy, well-traveled, literate Rhode Islander recalls the desultory whispers of Nick Drake, the ragged tunefulness of Ryan Adams, and the natural wit of a young John Prine. He may come off as a slacker, painting his name on water towers and jamming to Townes Van Zandt on the porch, but his lyrical skills, unpretentiously poetic and refreshingly concise, suggest a purposefulness that's deeper than just folksy charm. Within the sparest musical framework--fingerpicked guitar, whirling organ, lo-fi drums, some bass--Ritter evokes a delicately dense romanticism that's more on-edge than earnest. "This world must be frightening," he sings, "everybody's on the run/but I can't leave this world behind." There's quiet wisdom in Ritter's world; fans of post-Dylan singer-songwriters will want to listen close. --Roy Kasten
"While Josh Ritter's newest album is a little more polished perhaps (on the surface), this one is every bit as good. JR's songs are like paintings, full of detail and atmosphere; they're fabulous from across the room, but you see all kinds of things when you get up close and intimate. And he makes it seem so ridiculously easy: a stroke here and there and he's conjured up a whole scene. How does he do that? I think he writes some of the best lyrics in contemporary folk music; he's right up there with the established greats, I reckon - a natural; he makes you feel so at home with his good-natured vocals, always underplayed and subtle. There's an infectious warmth to his music that makes you listen over and over. I can't be the only person waiting with baited breath for the next album."
London's burning
Mr P R Rush | london uk | 06/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"saw josh live in london last wednesday. he's amazing. i've never before seen an artist so obviously worthy of being on stage, and yet so appreciative. nervous smiles, looking away from the audience, and witty banter all made for one of the best gigs i've ever seen. Having now downloaded (oops!) most of his catalogue, i can safely say that he is a master-craftsman, with some of the most involved and interesting lyrics and 'soft and low' country tones, the beauty of which belie his obvious intellect.Go and buy Josh Ritter CDs. Go and buy Josh Ritter gig tickets. Go and buy Josh Ritter - he deserves it, and even this hardcore cynic is planning to splash out some cash in appreciation."
The Early Josh
Surfdaddy | Santa Cruz, CA United States | 04/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the precedent to the breakout CD "Hello Starling" by Mr. Ritter. If you enjoy thoughtful lyrics and "just right" minimal accompaniment and downright catchy tunes, you should find this appealing. It's honest, real singer-songwriter music meant to be listened to over and over. Not a bad track on the CD. Some of the tracks are upbeat, some thought-provoking and introspective, all are a joy. The "Bonus CD" is a few remakes of songs on the main CD, plus one new track. The "videos" are blurry, badly edited and grainy. Never mind that. Listen and enjoy. This guy is great. Highly recommended!"
The best musician I have found
Victor Perez | chicago | 08/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A couple of months ago I was watching a pod about the SXSW music festival in which they featured Josh Ritter for about 10 seconds. From that short exposure I became interested and I soon got the first two albums, which I really loved. When I became hungrier for more Josh Ritter I got this album, and after listening to eat once I fell in love with in and liked it more than the latter two. The other two are more clean and may be a little over worked, but this album has that rough characteristic of an artist that has finally discovered his what his music is about, it is Josh Ritter with out being spoiled by over production and editing of his music. It is simply one of the best albums I have ever owned."
One of Josh's best
Bren | CT, USA | 04/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this album, such memorable songs. Both wonderful lyrics and rocking out! Josh is extremely talented and this album remains one of his best."