The name Josh Ritter might ring a lot of bells.
He’s been featured on almost every imaginable soundtrack album, as well as various television and movie scores (the unreleased ones), which warrant this 2013 Noisetrade Sampler a deserved listen.
The sampler, put forth in conjunction with the release of his latest album The Beast in Its Tracks, serves both as an introduction to first-time listeners, and a live album for the fans.
Either way, it has done its purpose(s).
The mellow pop-rock affairs, “Joy To You Baby” and “New Lover,” taken from Ritter’s new disc, boasts of chill vocals that may confuse them with Duncan Sheik’s; they totally sound alike.
However, enter “Kathleen,” the first of the series of live tracks, and you can discern the passion for music that he’s been keeping since 1999.
Our favorites might just be his “Oregon Public Broadcasting Soundcheck” sessions (most especially “Hopeful“), where he pulls off BBC 1 Live-like renditions — raw percussion and guitar work guaranteed — of his tunes.
Get your ears ready for this one.
Track listing:
1. Joy To You Baby
2. New Lover
3. Kathleen (live)
4. The Curse (live)
5. To The Dogs [Or Whoever] (live)
6. Bonfire (live)
7. Hopeful (live)
8. Joy To You Baby (live)
9. The Appleblossom Rag (live)
Related links:
Josh Ritter’s official website
Josh Ritter on Facebook
Josh Ritter on Twitter