Customer Reviews

Golden Age of Radio

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

This album is one than any folk fan should not do without. If you were considering purchasing "Hello Starling," which, by all means, is a gem as well, I would recommend starting with this one (or buying both at the same time and listening to this album first). I cannot say enough good about this album. Buy it now & hear for yourself.

This is a really great album. It is the perfect mellow road trip music. Reminds me a lot of Bob Dylan. This album was a great find and I look forward to hearing more from Josh Ritter.

I love this album so much. I've owned it for 4 years and it's one of the few albums that I still play often year after year. Very thoughtful lyrics, great acoustic sound. Whenever I've had a rough day, I put this on.

Probably the most under-rated folk musician around, his lyrics are amazingly descriptive and melodies range from upbeat to languid. If you have The Animal Years (which is great) or Hello Starling (merely good), you should get this album.

I rate this 3.5, and round it up...because I like the guy and his songs, but the really good lyrics are diminished some by the sound of the songs.

I recently discovered Josh after hearing a killer cover of Lawrence KS by Richard Shindell and, while I think he has potential and can write great songs the sound here is derivitive... (in this order; Iron and Wine, Towns Van Zandt, Nick Drake, Warren Zevon, David Bowie/Kurt Cobane, The Beatles, Bob Dylan...) somewhere towards the end of the CD I start to hear Josh's style... and it stikes me as good unpolished American folk; a genuine artist still searching for his voice. I'll keep listening, at least he's following in big footsteps.