Josh Ritter - In The Dark (W/Dvd) (CD)

All Music Guide

Quibbles about the DVD half of this twodisc set aside (some American purchasers have had difficulty getting their players to cooperate), In the Dark: Live at Vicar Street, recorded over two spring nights in 2006, gets to the heart of what makes Josh Ritter more than just another folkie. In a word, it's spirit: from fan favorite "Me Jiggs" to "Leaving," the audio disc's closer, Ritter rips through these songs as though he's been waiting years to play them. It helps, for sure, that his Irish audience is so receptive the howls go up especially for the sweetly romantic "Kathleen" but song for song Ritter's surefooted way with his tunes and his deep desire to connect with his listeners speak loudest. Live recordings sometimes rob subtleties from the music; here they're reinforced by sheer will. Ritter, on In the Dark, comes off as both a likable guy and a strong, skillful showman.

- Tammy La Gorce, All Music Guide