for October 6, 2003


ALTROK Ordinals 51

Josh Ritter - Hello Starling (Signature Sounds)
 
Jeff says:
This young singer-songwriter has just released a brilliant new CD. Only his 2nd "real" album, he looks to be one of the new crop of "guys with guitars" that will be around awhile, continuing to grow and mature, and continuing to get better and better with each record. Having spent most of the last couple of years on tour throughout the US and even moreso in Ireland, it's hard to still call him a Boston-based artist...but he'll always be the guy from Idaho born to two neuroscientists. "The Golden Age Of Radio," his previous album, was a terrific album in itself, but more importantly, it showed the kind of promise that likely would be hard to fulfill. "Hello Starling" does not disappoint.
 
It's produced by former Frames guitarist David Odlum (who has also produced The Frames and Gemma Hayes), Josh, David, and Josh's band have made the best album of the year that most people will likely never hear. 11 tracks out of 11 are worth the price of admission. In-a-perfect-world-hit-singles abound with "Kathleen," "Snow Is Gone," "Man Burning," and "Bright Smile." "Wings" is covered by the legendary Joan Baez on her new album. "You Don't Make It Easy Babe" and "Bone Of Song" are also standout tracks.
 
Don't expect Josh to be "our little secret" for very much longer...the writing's on the wall...with more glowing reviews and praise appearing every day and "Hello Starling" bound to appear on many "Best of 2003" lists, look for Josh to be one of 2004's "artists to watch."
 

(Ordinals appear by the courtesy of Jeff Raspe.)