Josh Ritter
The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter
5/5

Who It’s For: Even the dead need to hear this album.
Sounds Like: Part folk, part Americana, a dash of early 70’s Stones, all that good stuff.

I’ve always imagined Josh Ritter to be one of those musicians who puts out 20 awesome records and everyone has a favourite, but no one agrees which one. 

Being in the same league with peers like Ryan Adams (Love Is Hell - surely never bettered?), Will Oldham (Further Down The Road is second-to-none), Dylan (I’m sticking with Highway 61 Revisited) and even a little early Elton on “Right Moves” – that shameless and innocent 70s pub rock, worming hooks, the strings – it’s a long time since I felt like a record was a best friend, but its here. This is my Josh Ritter album. 

The Historical Conquests is ambitious without being overwrought and brilliant without being fallible. There’s that feeling of musician as a channel for music that Billy Corgan caught on Mellon Collie; the perfect timing of a master artisan that defines Exile On Main Street. 

Ok, enough masturbating. There’s a distinct Dylany-ness on Historical Conquests that is impossible to deny, but in small doses. Sony ought to be standing on every street corner handing this to anyone who walks past. Play this everywhere there are people you love.

Track Listing:

1. To The Dogs Or Whoever
2. Mind’s Eye
3. Right Moves
4. The Temptation Of Adam
5. Open Doors
6. Rumours
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 (You Know You Will)

- Kid Lupin  Posted Aug. 25/07