Music Review

The Historical Conquests of... (2007)

Josh Ritter

Reviewed by Leah Greenblatt | Aug 31, 2007

Leah Greenblatt

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EW's GRADE

A-

Details Release Date: Aug 21, 2007; Lead Performance: Josh Ritter; Genre: Rock

RITTER SWEET The fifth CD from the Idaho singer-songwriter grows on you with repeated spins

In the modern hierarchy of Dylan/Springsteen acolytes, 30-year-old Josh Ritter stands surprisingly tall. The Idaho native has made an almost stealthy ascent, releasing several fine folk-pop CDs over the past five years. His latest, The Historical Conquests of..., a sprawling diorama of down-home rhythms and thoughtful lyrics, isn't immediately striking. But there's a joy in unfurling the half-submerged melodies and wry, tender sentiments — from the sadness of ''The Temptation of Adam'' to the roadhouse glee of ''Real Long Distance.'' A-

Download This: Hear a 45-second clip of ''Empty Hearts'' at www.joshritter.com/historical

Originally posted Aug 30, 2007 Published in issue #952 Sep 07, 2007 Order article reprints

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