Ritter... Josh... Ritter
Posted May 7, 2008
An update. Of sorts. Last Friday I had to formally eat my words, well I guess not 'formally'. But still, reparations had to be made. I retracted, altered & re-released my statement about Josh Ritter. For those of you who don't yet know about Josh Ritter, he is an amazing folk writer and musician from Idaho. He's been labeled as the next Dylan. He's begun getting compared to his heroes/influences like Dylan, Springsteen, Baez; sometimes even to the point of being confused with them. I was introduced to Ritter by my cousin Clint several years ago via the song 'Girl in the War'. I thought it was an amazingly well written song, albeit a little long winded and too Dylan-like for my choice (yes I know, I understand the sin some see in that). Clint and the rest of my compatriots continued to enjoy his music. I not having heard much of it let him fall by the wayside. I heard a few more of his songs and even learned to play one for Clint's wedding ('Kathleen'). Fast-forward to Friday. I was offered a chance to go see Ritter & Ingrid Michaelson in Asheville. I'm a big fan of hers (especially after seeing her in Portland with the Hotel Cafe Tour) so I lept at the opportunity with the mindset, "She'll be great, and even if I don't enjoy Ritter it isn't a total loss." Ingrid was as amazing as I knew she'd be (she even covered 'Creep' using a ukulele). But when Josh Ritter took the stage with his band (looking like they'd escaped from the early 19th century) I was more than floored. They proceeded to organize the crowd into one big sing and dance along. Everyone knew the words to most every song. His music has such intensity in a live environment that just can't be conveyed on a cd. He also seems to be such a genuine guy singing such richly colorful songs about all sorts of things with layers of meaning. In short, I loved it! He had me sold. So, I'm here to say that I love Josh Ritter live! If you get a chance, go see him play. You won't regret it. He's such a great character and his music has such great impact in person.
