It’s late

However, I have something important to share with you! I have the NEW Josh Ritter album! The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter is easily one of the best albums I’ve had the pleasure of listening to – ever. I’m so stoked on this album that I’m going to do something I’ve never done before – review it. I’m all about reviewing movies, but when it comes to music I usually find reviews to be really biased. There’s no doubt about it, I’m being one hellofa hypocrite at the moment. I’m very much biased when it comes to Josh Ritter; but trust me, this album is brilliant.

In my opinion, Josh seems to be exploring more musical options. Rather than having primarily acoustic based songs, this album incorporates all sorts of instruments and experimental sounds. Don’t get me wrong – the acoustic is not gone, it’s still very much there. With that said, if any average Joe were to compare Historical Conquests with Hello Starling the variation would be very obvious. From what I’ve noticed, I would say this change was concieved in last year’s album The Animal Years. This new ‘Josh Genre’ is fucking brilliant, and I’m so excited about what else he has in mind for his loyal listeners.

Here’s the track listing:

1. To the Dogs or Whoever
2. Mind’s Eye
3. Right Moves
4. The Temptation of Adam
5. Open Doors
6. Rumors
7. Edge of the World
8. Wait for Love 
9. Real Long Distance
10. Next to the Last Romantic
11. Moons
12. Still Beating
13. Empty Hearts
14. Wait for Love (you know you will)

I cannot find a single flaw with this album, and I really dont think a flaw is a possibility. Even the most pretentious of music fans will be acknowledging the talent and over-all greatness that is embodied in Josh Ritter. This is a probably a shitty review, and I’m cool with that! All you need to know is that this album is worth a listen and Josh Ritter is definitely deserving of praise and congrats! Before I go I’ll leave you with some links…

 

Josh Ritter’s Official website – this site also has samples of the new songs, tour information, biography and pictures for the ladies.
The Promo video for Josh’s new album – this video features the song “Rumours”.
Josh Ritter’s Backstage Recordings – songs that Josh has covered (mostly) with friends! Note: the dude that covers Motley Crue’s Home Sweet Home is easily one of the most babe-a-licious dudes ever. Needless to say, this website is fucking excellent – and I’m not just saying that because I also love the Silver Jews, Townes Van Zandt, Motley Crue, and Jill Barber.

The Animal Years Videos:
Lillian, Egypt
Girl in the War

Hello Starling Videos:
Bright Smile

Live Videos:
The Temptation of Adam – this is on the new album, and live in some dude’s appartment
Mind’s Eye – also on the new album, and in juans basement
To the Dogs or Whoever – also, new album, and again in juans basement
Stuck to You (The Science Song) - this is not really live, but it’s definitely one of his best songs
Kathleen – this song’s on Hello Starling

I should add, I have met Josh ritter and the aforementioned babe Iain MacDonald (Josh’s tour guitar guy). He played here last February with a local songwriter (Dave Simpson), and I was so impressed I had to shake his hand. Josh is really gracious and it’s not unusual to find him shaking hands with his fans after a show. I was terribly excited and likely embarassed myself, however, Josh was exceptionally grateful and one of the friendliest people I have ever met. I wrote a letter to him afterwards, thanking him for such a wonderful show and for taking the time to have a meet and greet. He responded, on a post card from Idaho. It was one of those “Holy shit” moments – it’s not often at all you send ‘fan mail’ and get a legitimate response. I was very, very, very pleased; needless to say, I have liked him more and more since. So really, readers – if you’re going to buy an album this year, make it The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter.