Josh Ritter, Atypically Talented : World Cafe Josh Ritter's new release, The Animal Years, is the kind of folk album that should connect with a much larger audience, while also giving his faithful following something to celebrate.

Josh Ritter, Atypically Talented

Josh Ritter, Atypically Talented

  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5425974/5730786" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Josh Ritter, Atypically Talented

  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5425974/5425985" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Josh Ritter, Atypically Talented

  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5425974/5496277" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Set List

  • "Girl in the War"
  • "Wolves"
  • "Thin Blue Flame"

Bonus Audio

'In the Dark'

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5425974/5425979" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Josh Ritter's new release, The Animal Years, is the kind of folk album that should connect with a much larger audience, while also giving his faithful following something to celebrate.

Following recent independent releases and non-stop touring, Ritter has amassed a strong live following and solid critical reputation. His new album likely represents a transition from cult success to widespread appreciation.

For Animal Years, Ritter chose to filter his songs through a different lens by working with producer Brian Deck. Deck comes from a more adventurous indie background, having been a member of Red Red Meat, as well as earned production credits on albums by Modest Mouse and Iron & Wine. The Animal Years resonates with a timeless and unique quality that disregards all trappings of typical "singer-songwriter" fare.

This segment originally aired on May 23, 2006.

Web Resources