Last week’s Top 5 Most Played Songs Off Swap’s iTunes featured a
Josh Ritter song, “Monster Ballads.” I finally went back and took a listen to where that particular recording came from… I have no idea why I didn’t notice that bootleg before, but here it is for you all to enjoy.
Most of the songs are from his 2007 release, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter. I just noticed that this album was released on my birthday. Pretty cool trivia that nobody really cares about except for me and maybe my mom. MAYBE.
This performance sounds great… the instruments all shine and shimmer, and the vocals are nice and up close. I think Ritter rushed a bit during the vocals to To the Dogs or Whoever,” but it’s the opening number… and it’s one of his more explosive songs… so I’ll let that slide. The rapid-fire style of delivery is easy to lose control of, that’s for sure.
He makes it up in the rest of the songs, though. I think I like mellow Josh Ritter best.
“Girl in the War” always sounds good, no matter the arrangement. It’s amazing how I never grow tired of this song.
“Empty Hearts” closes the short set with an audience clap-along. I wish the audience came out a bit clearer in this recording, because it would have been cool to hear the singalong as well… but I’ll take what I can get.
If you’re a Josh Ritter fan, be sure to grab this bootleg. I haven’t been fortunate enough to see him in person, but I hear he puts on a great show that resonates for a long, long time. Maybe someday. He’s definitely at the top of my list for artists to see. Check out his tour page to see if he’s coming to a town near you.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: To the Dogs or Whoever
Download: The Temptation of Adam
Download: Girl in the War
Download: Monster Ballads
Download: Right Moves
Download: Empty Hearts
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