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Elly Roberts reviews
V2 Records
- Cat.no: VVR1036982
- Released: March 2006
- Rating: 10/10
A music icon in Ireland, ‘Americana’ singer- songwriter Josh Ritteris setto continue his steady progress with the release of his third album –The Animal Years on March 20. Week ending 17 March, it stands at 7 in the Irishcharts.
On the serious music circuit Ritter has been grinding out a strongreputation, with America catching on fast, though it was a bit of a slog,even in his native country. I recall him doing a sensational support for theCounting Crows at Manchester’s ENA a few years ago. The Animal Years‘ elevensongs are reputed to be the best he’s written.
So, taking it at face valuealone, I believe he’ll get the critical plaudits her deserves. Transferringit into commercial sales is another matter, though with the right radioexposure it might catch the public’s imagination. The quiet American fromsmall town Potlatch Idaho (population 700), is now relocated to the adoptedhomeland of Ireland, though the gist of the album refers to the states andworldly matters For that inspiration he’s delved into the world of MarkTwain, the letters of Thomas Jefferson to John Adams. The objective being tostudy their escapist impulses during critical moments in his nation’s past,then bringing them up-to-date.
Musically, he was influenced by Bob Dylan(check Good Man) and Johnny Cash which inspired him to play guitar. We alsoget dashes of a young Bruce Springsteen, found on Monster Ballads. Everyemotive lyric, melancholic or utopian, is lovingly delivered in adeceptively understated manner.
His adaptable voice glides across thevarious stories of his desire for a better world. Despite the ‘heavy’content, the music can be upbeat, like Wolves and Lillian Egypt. Tackling aNeil Young-styled ballad such as In The Dark, we find him at his best.Recorded in Bear Creek Studios near Seattle, producer Brian Deck hascaptured every fleeting moment with great finesse, without imposing hisexpertise. Working closely together, they just let it happen: the resultsare magnificent.
Ritter may well be a wistful dreamer, so let’s hope hisdreams come true – the world might just be a better place. Right now,Ritter’s on his way to joining the likes of Connor Oberst (Bright Eyes),Ryan Adams and Neil Young as one of the leading purveyors of classicAmericana. Star track – Best For The Best.
Highly recommended.
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Girl In The Water
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
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.