Golden Age of Radio

Josh Ritter

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 24, 2004)
• Original Release Date: February 10, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Signature Sounds Recordings
• ASIN: B00019PDF2
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,348 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant classic, January 4, 2005

By	A. Butterfield (UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Early Josh, April 1, 2004

By	Surfdaddy "singlefin" (Santa Cruz, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars London's burning, June 21, 2004

By	Mr P R Rush (london uk) - See all my reviews

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.