Elly Roberts reviews
Josh Ritter: The Animal Years
Distributed by
V2 Records
- Cat.no: VVR1036982
- Released: March 2006
- Rating: 10/10
A music icon in Ireland, 'Americana' singer- songwriter Josh Ritter
is set
to continue his steady progress with the release of his third album -
The Animal Years on March 20. Week ending 17 March, it stands at 7 in the Irish
charts.
On the serious music circuit Ritter has been grinding out a strong
reputation, with America catching on fast, though it was a bit of a slog,
even in his native country. I recall him doing a sensational support for the
Counting Crows at Manchester's ENA a few years ago. The Animal Years' eleven
songs are reputed to be the best he's written.
So, taking it at face value
alone, I believe he'll get the critical plaudits her deserves. Transferring
it into commercial sales is another matter, though with the right radio
exposure it might catch the public's imagination. The quiet American from
small town Potlatch Idaho (population 700), is now relocated to the adopted
homeland of Ireland, though the gist of the album refers to the states and
worldly matters For that inspiration he's delved into the world of Mark
Twain, the letters of Thomas Jefferson to John Adams. The objective being to
study their escapist impulses during critical moments in his nation's past,
then bringing them up-to-date.
Musically, he was influenced by Bob Dylan
(check Good Man) and Johnny Cash which inspired him to play guitar. We also
get dashes of a young Bruce Springsteen, found on Monster Ballads. Every
emotive lyric, melancholic or utopian, is lovingly delivered in a
deceptively understated manner.
His adaptable voice glides across the
various stories of his desire for a better world. Despite the 'heavy'
content, the music can be upbeat, like Wolves and Lillian Egypt. Tackling a
Neil Young-styled ballad such as In The Dark, we find him at his best.
Recorded in Bear Creek Studios near Seattle, producer Brian Deck has
captured every fleeting moment with great finesse, without imposing his
expertise. Working closely together, they just let it happen: the results
are magnificent.
Ritter may well be a wistful dreamer, so let's hope his
dreams come true - the world might just be a better place. Right now,
Ritter's on his way to joining the likes of Connor Oberst (Bright Eyes),
Ryan Adams and Neil Young as one of the leading purveyors of classic
Americana. Star track - Best For The Best.
Highly recommended.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
