JOSH RITTER - The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter

Sony BMG

This is a 14 track gem from a guy who can really deliver the goods in many and varied ways. Take the opening track, for example - Bob Dylan with an attitude by any other name as the song veritably bites you in the ass by
virtue of its driving arrangement and those Dylan-esque vocals. "Mind's Eye", however, is a swinging slice of full-sounding cylclical folk-rock led by piano and soaring vocals over a solid lurching rhythm and surrounded by
vocal choruses as it intones its hook and lead vocals with determination. Then, on "Right Moves", we are taken into an almost Travelling Wilburys styled slice of indie-folk-rock-pop, the only thing missing being a Jeff
Lynne arrangement - and it's not that far away, actually. "The Temptation Of Adam" starts with mournful trumpet then adds acoustic guitar to become a slice of deliciously loveable heartfelt Tom Petty. "Open Doors" is Americana
Richard Thompson with a lurching, solid drum beat and a slightly mor optimistic attitude, while "Rumors" influnces I can't put my finger on, although some American country-rock guy comes to mind that I can't quite
identify. But you get my drift here - and I think you know what territory we're in as regards the album as a whole. Like I said, it's a seriously fine song-based album that keeps your attention throughout its length by maintaining a level of variation and consistency that is both commanding, enjoyable and quite refreshing, albeit somehow strangely familiar. Well worth your listening time.

Andy Garibaldi (Dead Earnest)