This album was recorded during my senior year at Oberlin College. We worked in a tiny studio on campus, drank beer that I had just turned old enough to buy legally and began taking the first steps along the road I still wa... more »lk today, eight years later. I'm still very proud of these songs and I hope you enjoy them. - Josh Ritter, February 2008« less
This album was recorded during my senior year at Oberlin College. We worked in a tiny studio on campus, drank beer that I had just turned old enough to buy legally and began taking the first steps along the road I still walk today, eight years later. I'm still very proud of these songs and I hope you enjoy them. - Josh Ritter, February 2008
CD Reviews
Brilliance before he was even known
Daniel Martin | Worthington, WV United States | 09/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an album of songs he recorded while he was attending Oberlin college in Ohio. These songs are pure gold and vintage Josh Ritter. If you've loved any of his albums so far, then don't hesitate to pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.
The greatness of his music seems almost effortless. The songs are so easy to listen to that I keep wondering if I've heard them before. These are classic songs, among the best of his catalog. A definite must for any Ritter fan or for any fan of music.
Key Track: Leaves and Kings"
Clever and beautiful
Bren | CT, USA | 04/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I "discovered" Josh right after 9/11 in a small intimate gathering at Club Passim in Cambridge MA. That night I found one of the best of today's singer-songwriters. This CD remains one of my favorites. His lyrics are clever, intimate, singable, unforgettable. Once you've heard Josh's songs, you will be totally spoiled by their richness and you'll never listen to folk/folk-rock with the same ears again."
Mediocre at best
Stephen R. Thompson | Eugene, OR USA | 06/01/2009
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I'll try to write this review positively. It's hard to imagine that someone could evolve so much from this to "The Historical Conquests..." album. The latter is a great album, this one is mediocre at best, monotone and boring. It isn't a professional product in any obvious way. The songwriting, the playing, the singing, it's quite amazing how awesome he is today and that this is where he came from. How he would get signed to bigger distribution company with this album or get hooked up with the producers who've helped to hone him into the awesome one that he is now is a mystery. I've listened to this album once and I can't imagine spending any more time listening to it. I purchased it on a whim. If you're nearby and want it, give me a call because I will cut you a deal."
A keeper...
Cindy Callahan | Fairfax, VA United States | 12/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an awesome album. I can listen to it over an over again. It's a timeless classic and ranks a place in the front of my cd collection."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1