Often when you hear a new artist is the heir apparent to Bob Dylan; it's to be taken with a grain of salt. It's been said of a lot of young artists who can operate a guitar, write a good verse, and have crazy person hair. But Josh Ritter makes me think there maybe some truth in the overused statement. He writes wonderfully. Taking on knotty issues like religion, and progress, as well as the more common folkster fare like love, or the lack of it. His lyrics when they are political in tone, never grab you by the throat (Something at times, that irked me about Dylan). They don't need too, Ritter's combination of personal details, and poetry, are far more effective. Whether it's describing his home, permanently altered by the fisheries and mill towns,"Like a stretch of future graveyards" or living in a missile silo with your true love waiting for "WW aye aye aye." Ritter's political lyrics are some of my favorites. He also writes some really sweet love songs, which make the romantic in me gush, (but I will spare you).
He's also wonderful live. With a great backing band, an aww shucks demeanor, and a wonderfully goofy sense of humor. I've caught him three times, and have never been disappointed.
Tour Page...as always
Wings from Hello Starling
The Temptation of Adam from The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
Kathleen from Hello Starling
