Review Summary: Happy, sad, thoughtful, or mindless pick it up and give it a listen, you won’t be disappointed.
The Animal Years
Recently, veering from my normal routine in music, I’ve ventured far off into the Folk world. Soon after my department I discovered Bob Dylan, Dustin Kensrue and Josh Ritter. Josh Ritter was the one who really opened my eyes and got me into Folk music. This album, titled
The Animal Years was released in 2006, produced by Brian Deck, and was held by V2 records. Josh Ritter has released three albums prior to this, and has one after. His style is a borderline linear, but he also maintains to amend many different themes to it. Thus my venture from my primary music interests has led me to an amazing song-writer and an amazing album, I present
The Animal Years .
As you touch the surface of the cd, you reach
Girl in the War which opens with clean guitar soon followed by Josh Ritter’s’ clean and improved vocals, and as you engulf into the
words you find yourself in a world of extended metaphors and historical references. Ironically, most of what you hear on the album will rattle your intellect, and make you really think about what he’s saying before you firmly grasp the concept of each song. Some are upbeat, but hold downright depressing lyrics, dealing with modern war, and modern love lives, contrary to that, you find the exact opposite, with music versus the lyrics. Not one song on the album will leave you desperate for anything more then delivered; the cheap thrills are non existent with Ritter’s lyrics, nor does his music fail to impress.
The entire album includes light drumming, and a strong piano vibe that keeps your attention and doesn’t seem to veer far from the ordinary. Where some find repetitiveness to be a negative, I find it to be impressive, and it couldn’t be constructed better. Each song holds its own strong emotion, and imaginary metaphoric atmosphere. Though there are a lot of imaginary messages, Ritter also uses a lot of biblical and historical references to portray an image of which he wants to be visible throughout each song. Thus, meanings might be a bit hidden in the eyes of a casual listener, but can be found after a few listens.
Folk writing can be better, but not much better. This cd delivers more then anticipated by many fans of the genre. You’ll find everything you want with
The Animal Years , and definitely more as you continue to listen to the album. Even in doubt, this album should be given a chance, and will fit any mood that you confront. Happy, sad, thoughtful, or mindless pick it up and give it a listen, you won’t be disappointed.
This Message Edited On 08.12.07
