Hello Starling

Josh Ritter

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 2003)
• Original Release Date: September 9, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Signature Sounds
• ASIN: B0000AQS3M
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #25,264 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Bright Smile

2. Kathleen

3. You Don't Make It Easy Babe

4. Man Burning

5. Rainslicker

6. Wings

7. California

8. Snow Is Gone

9. Bone of Song

10. Baby That's Not All

11. Bad Actress

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Ritter's literate, highly romantic brand of folk has gained him attention on both sides of the Atlantic. Hello Starling, his third album, sees him pushing the boat out further and trying to move beyond the evident influence of Bob Dylan. It doesn't always work: the up-tempo "Kathleen" and "Man Burning," with their swirling organs, clearly carry the mark of Zimmerman, as does the soft and heartfelt "You Don't Make It Easy Babe," a troubled ode to a troubling girl. But this doesn't necessarily matter. Ritter's vocal performances may lack the intensity and weight of Dylan or Leonard Cohen (an equally heavy influence, most evidently on the track "Wings"), but he has a charm and lightness of touch that will endear him to many. Beyond this, it's a real joy to hear a musician attempting ambitious narratives ("Wings," "Bone of Song") where many singer-songwriters cower cravenly behind impressionistic cut-up techniques or, worse still, spatter us with self-obsessed drivel. Perhaps a few albums on, Ritter will truly find his own voice and be considered a real find. --Dominic Wills

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stellar Set, October 17, 2003

By	Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Josh Ritter's second set builds so well upon his incredible first CD that it really is beyond the expectation of excellence. Opening in concert for Joan Baez who recorded "Wings" on her wonderful new "Dark Chords on a Big Guitar" CD, Ritter is a solid hit in Ireland, while remaining a critical darling and growing cult figure here in the U.S. Recorded on Curtis Mayfield's old recording equipment in a converted farmhouse in France, each track on this set glows. The opener "Bright Smile" is a sweet lovely track that Nick Drake's spirit could be humming. "Kathleen" is a classic track about a guy who sits on the sidelines at the dance waiting for the opportunity to drive a girl home. "You Don't Make It Easy Babe" has a lovely Dylanesque melody with Ritter's warm vocals. "Man Burning" is a rocker, "I've burned everybody who had a hand to lend." "Rainslicker" is so lovely and gentle, "Your eyes were so patient and calm, as green as the grass that might grow on the 23rd Psalm." Playing Josh's version of "Wings" next to Joan Baez's is an amazing study in excellence. It's an amazing tune as Josh references his Idaho roots, "We rode to Coeur d'Alene." "I'd rather be the one who loves than to be loved and never even know," Josh sings on the pulsing rocker "Snow Is Gone." "Bone of Song" is a beautiful melody with Josh's haunting lyric, "Lucky are you who finds me in the wilderness, I am the only unquiet ghost that does not seek rest." The CD concludes with another endearing track, "The Bad Actress." For those who enjoy acoustic music, Josh Ritter is one of the most amazing new artists to come along this century! This is a classic set that will be played and played for years to come. Best of the year quality. Enjoy!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a superb album, October 25, 2003

By	Caitlin (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

When I heard the opening lines of "Kathleen" (all the other girls here are stars- you are the northern lights) I fell in love with Josh Ritter's lyricism as well as his voice. I bought the album and was happy to find that it was all brilliant. From his opening song "bright smile" to the last "the bad actress" I was enthralled by his poetic lines and ability to morph from love songs to songs that are clearly reminescent of Dylan. An absolute must have.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than one mood - but all great!, February 17, 2004

By	J. Villeneuve "jayvil" (Newtown, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I felt compelled to add my two-cents even though it echoes a lot of what has been said already. First, I'll start with the music: sometimes mellow, sometimes rocking, and sometimes in that in-between "listen to it anytime" vein. The sound and tightness of the music really struck me. Shades of Dylan, the Byrds, The Wallflowers come through loud and clear. Next, the lyrics: Witty, flowing and at times hilarious, profound and sad. Great stories and feelings delivered very concisely. Finally, the phrasing: It's that little something extra in the WAY he sings some phrases that push this album over the top for me. Every verse is not the same and there is a freshness with each line. There is Sinatra and Dylan in the liberties he takes and it makes for some great singing along. Hope you buy this and enjoy it as much as I am.