Josh Ritter, Hello Starling - 43m 16s

Tracks & Durations

1. Bright Smile	3:01
2. Kathleen	4:08
3. You Don't Make it Easy Babe	2:32
4. Man Burning	2:47
5. Rainslicker	4:13
6. Wings	4:07
7. California	3:10
8. Snow is Gone	4:03
9. Bone of Song	5:30
10. Baby That's Not All	5:59
11. The Bad Actress	3:39

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Review

Ritter's literate, highly romantic brand of folk has gained him attention on both sides of the Atlantic. Hello Starling, his third album, sees him pushing the boat out further and trying to move beyond the evident influence of Bob Dylan. It doesn't always work: the up-tempo "Kathleen" and "Man Burning," with their swirling organs, clearly carry the mark of Zimmerman, as does the soft and heartfelt "You Don't Make It Easy Babe," a troubled ode to a troubling girl. But this doesn't necessarily matter. Ritter's vocal performances may lack the intensity and weight of Dylan or Leonard Cohen (an equally heavy influence, most evidently on the track "Wings"), but he has a charm and lightness of touch that will endear him to many. Beyond this, it's a real joy to hear a musician attempting ambitious narratives ("Wings," "Bone of Song") where many singer-songwriters cower cravenly behind impressionistic cut-up techniques or, worse still, spatter us with self-obsessed drivel. Perhaps a few albums on, Ritter will truly find his own voice and be considered a real find. --Dominic Wills

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