New Releases

Here are 6 new releases that I think are more than worthy of your time. I haven't taken the time to give each album the amount of time that I would deem necessary to give it a fair review, so I am giving them to you in one lump sum. I may or may not write reviews for them individually in the future, but for the time being, enjoy them all and let me know what you think of them.

Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record


Band Of Horses - Infinite Arms


Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer Of The Void


Josh Ritter - So Runs The World Away


The National - High Violet


The New Pornographers - Together

Josh Ritter - The Animal Years

I figured that I would round today's postings off with an oldie but a goodie.

Josh Ritter is simply amazing. And what's sad is that there are so few artists that are on the same level as Mr. Ritter. Not only that, but there are so few people who know of artists of this caliber. But I suppose that's just the nature of things.

Animal Years is the album that I discovered Josh Ritter on, and is one of my favorites. A little more stripped down and folky than Historical Conquests Of... but still amazing. If you ever get the chance to see him live, please do yourself a favor. It is an experience I will never forget

Uploaded per request of Mr. Devin Phelps.

Tracklisting:
1. Girl In The War
2. Wolves
3. Monster Ballads
4. Lillian, Egypt
5. Idaho
6. In The Dark
7. One More Mouth
8. Good Man
9. Best For The Best
10. Thin Blue Flame
11. Here At The Right Time

Highlight Tracks: "Girl In The War", "Lillian, Egypt", "Good Man"

Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter is undoubtedly one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of our generation, and he's in good company. With artists like Conor Oberst, Colin Meloy, and Sam Beam, it isn't fair to say that just anyone is a great songwriter. Josh Ritter, however, stands heads above the rest. I have seen Sigur Ros live. I've seen Over The Rhine live. I've seen Margot & The Nuclear So and So's live. None of them come close to touching Josh Ritter onstage, and I was lucky enough to see him in a small bar in Huntington WV recently. I have never seen someone enjoying what they are doing to the extent of Josh Ritter. It was almost like he had never lost sight of how blessed he is, somehow. He never stopped smiling and to be honest, it felt less like a show, and more like I were peeking through a basement window and watching a group of friends enjoying themselves, far from judgmental "critics". Because everyone thinks they're a critic these days.

My good friend Devin described Josh Ritter as our generation's Tom Waits. He terribly talented, but hasn't been spoiled by the mainstream. And you can guarantee that he's here to stay.

Tracklisting:
1. To the Dogs or Whoever
2. Mind's Eye
3. Right Moves
4. The Temptation of Adam
5. Open Doors
6. Rumors
7. Edge of the World
8. Wait For Love
9. Real Long Distance
10. Next to the Last Romantic
11. Moons
12. Still Beating
13. Empty Hearts
14. Wait For Love

Highlight Tracks: To The Dogs Or Whoever, Right Moves, Empty Hearts