Royal City - Josh Ritter News and Notes from the Fansite

Josh Introduces "Audio Postcards" on JoshRitter.com

2007-07-17T21:09:00.000-04:00

July 17, 2007. Josh's latest communication with his fans is something he calls "audio postcards." It's sort of a podcast, but it's not. Consider it a fun supplement to his popular blog entries - that you can take with you and listen anywhere.

These new "Audio Postcards" from Josh will be housed HERE on the official website. Stop over for a listen, a download, and for more additions!

[key words: josh ritter podcast audio postcards mp3 download]

New Live MP3 Downloads Featured on Fansite

2007-07-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

Oct. 31, 2006. Following the exclusive photo slideshow of the Solo Acoustic Tour - and a brief delay - comes new live mp3 downloads from that tour.

The mp3's now featured on the Fansite are from Josh's tour-ending show at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on March 1st, 2007. You can listen and download HERE.

Hope dig 'em, and spread 'em around...

[Josh Ritter live mp3 downloads]

First Song Clip from Josh Ritter's New Album Hits YouTube in Preview "Teaser"

2007-06-19T00:06:00.000-04:00

June 19, 2007. It has a name. Now it has a SOUND.

The first clip from the eagerly awaited followup to Josh's "The Animal Years" comes via YouTube, as part of an exclusive look behind-the-scenes video clip of the recording.

This is the first audio from the new album to be made public, and to say it's already causing a stir is an understatement.

You can see the clip here on YouTube - and be sure to share it! Email it, post it on your myspace page, spread it around...

[key words: josh ritter new album historical conquests youtube video]

Introducing the New Josh Ritter Album

2007-06-08T11:05:00.000-04:00

June 8, 2007. It has a name.

Most of us in the Josh fan community have known or heard that Josh recorded a new album this past Winter/Spring. But information about it has been very scarce. Well, that's all gonna change. And it starts with Josh himself, introducing the new album to us:

Hey All!

I am proud to announce the upcoming release of my new record, "The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter," on August 21, 2007! In North America I’m putting the record out with the help of the strong, capable hands of Sony/Victor. Come mid-September, my good friends at Independent Records will roll it out in Ireland and V2 will sick it upon the rest of the unsuspecting world. It’s only a little over two months away and it’s gonna get busy. Ok, that’s the business-y bit.

This record was made in the woods of interior Maine and produced by Sam Kassirer. Lyrically, musically, and in terms of production it’s the most adventurous record I’ve made yet and I think when you hear it you’re going to be surprised. Seriously, repeatedly, and in a good way.

So be forewarned! August 21st!

All the Best,
Josh

LOTS more to come from the Fansite and joshritter.com.

I cannot yet fully divulge how or why I can say this with the utmost amount of truth, but: it will be the listener of this new album that will truly be "conquered." And a blissful surrender it will be. I. am. not. kidding.

Photos and Live MP3's from the "Solo Acoustic Tour"

2007-06-06T13:14:00.000-04:00

June 6, 2007. Just added to the Josh Ritter Fansite! Josh's "Solo Acoustic Tour" this past Winter turned out to be an unforgettable string of concerts for sold-out audiences across the U.S. and Canada.

The Josh Ritter Fansite went along for much of the ride, and I'm happy to say that we're able to offer up over fifty photos from some of those concerts (easy to view and navigate in a new slideshow), as well as MP3 downloads from the Los Angeles show!

Come see and hear moments from this Solo Acoustic Tour by clicking here.

More news to come...

TV's "House" Season Finale Features Josh's Song 'Good Man'

2007-05-29T13:21:00.000-04:00

May 29, 2007. We here on the Fansite and at joshritter.com are thrilled to let folks know that the season finale episode of the hit Fox tv show House features Josh's song "Good Man" (from The Animal Years album)!

The show airs Tuesday night (May 29th) at 9 p.m. eastern on the Fox network. Tune in!

And if you're new to Josh Ritter thanks to House, you can hear & download the song "Good Man" right here.

More exciting news coming...

[keywords: House season finale song good man josh ritter]

New Blog from Josh Tells of Springsteen Tribute Concert

2007-04-13T20:51:00.000-04:00

April 13, 2007. Well, it's been one week since Josh took part in the "Celebrating the Music of Bruce Springsteen" benefit concert at Carnegie Hall. To say that we here at Josh Ritter Fansite Headquarters are still in a bit of denial after having witnessed it is an understatement (some of you know that "we" is actually a Jersey boy - born, raised, and residing. Proudly).

But Josh has recapped the night, with his personal thoughts, in his latest blog. You can read all about it HERE.

Enjoy!

[AP photo: Josh, onstage with Springsteen and the other night's performers, singing the Bruce classic "Rosalita."]

Josh Contributes Three More Songs to Ongoing "Backstage Recordings"

2007-03-07T12:28:00.000-05:00

March 7, 2007. We still think this is one of the coolest things a touring artist has done for fans...

As announced earlier, Josh has been having a little fun with a digital recorder while backstage on this Solo Acoustic Tour, and he's passing along the recordings to the Fansite for us to hear. "Backstage Recordings" feature duets with other artists supporting him on the tour, as well as Josh solo, covering some of his favorite songs.

THREE songs have just been added, recorded during his final week on tour. These are Josh solo - and one is actually a Josh ORIGINAL, exclusive to "Backstage Recordings"!

Visit and Listen Here

Thanks for the music, Josh...

[photo: Josh recording a Townes Van Zandt cover, backstage in Seattle last week. By Doug Rice]

Springsteen Tribute Concert Invites Josh, Others to Celebrate Bruce and Help "Music For Youth"

2007-03-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

March 7, 2007. Well, this is old news by now, but that doesn't mean we here at The Josh Ritter Fansite aren't absolutely over the moon about it and just want to remind folks...

Josh will join other artists like Jewel, Babyface, Steve Earle, Pete Yorn, North Mississippi All-Stars, M. Ward, and more in "Celebrating the Music of Bruce Springsteen" at world-famous Carnegie Hall in NYC. The concert is April 5th and will benefit the organization "Music for Youth." More information and tickets can be found here.

Bruuuuuuuuce....

Josh, Fansite Offering Up "Backstage Recordings"

2007-02-16T00:38:00.000-05:00

February 16, 2007. Here's something reeeeeally cool (at least I think so; I don't know of many other artists - if any - doing something like this)...

While on his current tour, Josh has been posting blogs from the road - often with photos. They're great personal, educational (!), and informative entries from Josh.

But now he's posting something else from backstage - or the tour van - or his hotel room: SONGS.

While finishing up this amazing Solo Acoustic Tour, Josh will be passing along some home-made recordings he's doing with the wonderful artists that are supporting him during these concerts. And with a little help from the Fansite, we the fans get to listen.

Introducing Backstage Recordings, a unique addition to his Blog and awesome treat for us fans. Josh has already recorded and posted two songs - along with his comments about them. Stop over and have a listen to these special offerings, and be sure to check back for more addtions!

Link: "Backstage Recordings" from Josh

Hope you enjoy 'em...
Josh Ritter, Fansite Offer Up Backstage Recordings / Josh Ritter Fansite

MOJO Magazine Features Josh in February Issue

2007-02-14T22:48:00.000-05:00

February 13, 2007. The U.K.'s popular MOJO music magazine features Josh in their current issue, published monthly.

It's a fantastic feature with a few great pics of Josh and the band during their December 2006 tour of Ireland.

See the article here.

Right on.

New Solo Acoustic EP, "Live at the Record Exchange," Now Available

2007-02-11T00:27:00.000-05:00

February 11, 2007. Just recently released is a GREAT little addition to Josh's growing catalogue: "Live at the Record Exchange," an EP featuring six solo acoustic songs Josh performed at the Boise record store in the Summer of 2006.

The CD includes two PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED songs - "Bandits" (a Josh original) and "Daddy's Little Pumpkin" (a John Prine cover). The CD is also housed in a beautiful, matte varnish finished digipak - and it has a nice low price ($6).

Track Listing:
1. Peter Killed the Dragon
2. Girl in the War
3. Good Man
4. Bandits
5. Daddy's Little Pumpkin
6. Wolves

This EP will be available at select Indie record stores, Amazon.com, and at Josh's current "Solo Acoustic" shows.

Go get yours...

Josh on "Late Show with David Letterman"!

2007-01-06T19:36:00.000-05:00

January 6, 2007. Just confirmed! This Friday, January 12th, Josh will be performing as musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Letterman's show airs every weekday night at 11:35 p.m. on CBS, and is seen by 4.4 million people nightly.

To say that we're all "super-psyched" would be a huge understatement.

Tune in!

Josh's "The Animal Years" is #1 on Stephen King's "Top Music Picks" for 2006

2006-12-02T19:23:00.000-05:00

December 2, 2006. Author Stephen King, writing for Entertainment Weekly magazine, has chosen Josh's album "The Animal Years" as the #1 album of the year.

We here at the Fansite and joshritter.com can't tell you how flattered and excited we are by Mr. King's choice and what he has to say about the album. You can read the entire column on Entertainment Weekly's website, HERE.

In King's column, titled "The A List: The Pop of King makes his top 10 music picks for all of 2006," he had this to say about Josh's album: The best album of the year in a walk, and maybe the best album I've heard in the last five. Mysterious, melancholy, melodic...and those are only the M's. Songs like "Girl in the War" simply do not leave the consciousness once they're heard, but the album's real gem is the strange and gorgeous "Thin Blue Flame." This is the most exuberant outburst of imagery since Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," in 1963. 'The Animal Years' is an amazing accomplishment.

Right on!

Cheer on Josh during his NYC Marathon Run Sunday!

2006-10-31T00:27:00.000-05:00

Oct. 31, 2006. Folks, you may have heard that this Sunday (Nov. 5th) Josh is running the New York City Marathon. Sure, he's just completed 22 shows in 30 days. But what's 26 miles?

And to cap it off, Josh is actually PERFORMING a special set later that evening for pledging members of WFUV Radio (who he's running this marathon to benefit). More info here.

The radio station will be hanging a WFUV banner at a store called DELIMART at No 7th St. & Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg (in Brooklyn; take the L train to the 1st stop in Brooklyn "Bedford Avenue").

WFUV will be on the air all week enlisting folks to join in the rooting for Josh. Josh should be passing through there sometime between 11A-12P.

COME ON DOWN TO DELIMART, cheer, and help Josh kick ass...

Thanks!

New Photos & Video Clips from Washington D.C. Performances

2006-10-31T00:17:00.000-05:00

October 30, 2006. Just posted this week are TWO new photo galleries of Josh and the band performing in Washington D.C. at The 9:30 Club, along with pics and video clips from Josh's solo "in-store" appearance at Olsson's Books & Records.

The photos and video clips were taken for and by the Josh Ritter Fansite (your's truly).

Also posted is a link to a full length video of Josh doing a very special peformance of "Girl in the War" at the Center For American Progress' annual dinner in D.C. during the same weekend.

See the photo galleries, video clips, and link to special video HERE.

Josh Starts New Blog on MySpace

2006-09-12T13:38:00.000-04:00

September 12, 2006. Josh is beginning a blog, where he will be chiming in from time to time about where he is, or what's on his mind, and often just for some tomfoolery. They may be reports from the road, music or books he's into, or observations for when he's stuck in an airport (like his first entry).

This is happening on his MySpace page. Even if you're not a member there, ANYONE can view his myspace page - which has become it's own website. But with posting his blog there, folks can read current and past ones, can pass it on to others, and if you're a member of MySpace you can comment on the entries and better yet "subscribe" to his blog - and be notified every time Josh chimes in.

Josh has two entries already up: Volume 1 from an airport a little over a week ago (just posted yesterday though), and Volume 2 has Josh telling us what the ELECTRIC PICNIC was like - and provides us with some fun photos!

So stop over. If you're not familiar with myspace, you can find the Blog section in the right hand column, under the Tour listings.

Go to Josh's Myspace Page

Right on - hope you get a kick out of it and have some fun with it. We all are...

Doug

See Josh Ritter's Conan O'Brien Appearance Here

2006-08-27T18:08:00.000-04:00

August 27, 2006. This, along with tons of new video clips, live mp3's, and new features, is part of my renewed dedication to the Josh Ritter Fansite (see separate post). But I can't think of a better way to get back on the News front than with video (one originally created and made available by The Josh Ritter Fansite) of Josh bringing his music to more people than ever before. His appearance on the popular NBC show "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" - Josh's national television debut, in many ways, signalled Josh's arrival to a mass audience.

Seen by more than 2.5 million people, Josh and the band's performance on Conan O'Brien was broadcast on Friday, August 11th of 2006. You can see Josh's segment by clicking HERE.

Enjoy!

Download "Wolves" Video - Live in Amsterdam

2006-07-13T23:00:00.000-04:00

July 13, 2006. If you checked out the FULL Josh Ritter concert at the Paradiso in Amsterdam (blog entry below), you'd know that it's a real treat. And now you can take a great piece of it for yourself by downloading some of it.

Fabchannel.com and V2 Records present "Wolves" - as a standalone Windows Media Video download. You can view this performance, save it to your computer, email it to friends, or post it on your own webpage or blog or myspace page...

The video link for "Wolves (Live in Amsterdam)" is here:
http://www.v2digital.net/uk/digital/joshritter_wolves.wmv

Hope you dig it and will spread it around!

Watch a Full Josh Ritter Concert Online!

2006-06-08T00:45:00.000-04:00

June 8, 2006. Folks, so sorry that there haven't been more "News" here on Royal City - the Fansite's News page! But the loss here is joshritter.com's gain... And I've also been keeping Josh's Myspace page up to date, along with the very active message boards. But I WILL be posting fun things here soon as the Fansite readies itself to get new photos, mp3's, video clips and more. Tune in!

Now, the news: Fabchannel.com last Wednesday night broadcast (via webcast) Josh and the band performing in Amsterdam, live to the world. That show is now "archived" there, and you can watch the concert online! It's a great show, with exceptional sound and picture quality. You gotta see it.

To see and hear the show, visit www.joshritter.fabchannel.com.

Hope you enjoy it!

Hear New, Solo Acoustic Set from Josh Online at "Reg's Coffee House"

2006-04-17T23:15:00.000-04:00

April 17, 2006. Now available online for our listening pleasure is a GREAT 6-song set that Josh peformed, solo, for the radio show "Reg's Coffee House."

Josh performs the new songs "Wolves," "Girl in the War," "Best for the Best," and "Thin Blue Flame," along with favorite "Kathleen" and a Neil Young cover called "As Long as We Can Sail Away." Great, great stuff...

To hear, visit www.regscoffeehouse.com, and click Josh's photo on the right side under STUDIO PERFORMANCES. Enjoy!

Listen to the Entire New Album "The Animal Years" - Online!

2006-04-02T15:42:00.000-04:00

April 2, 2006. The latest addition to the new joshritter.com isn't just an addition to the website; it's an amazing addition to the entire world wide web, and for music fans everywhere.

The "Audio Player" on joshritter.com is actually an "eCard" that lets internet surfers stream the ENTIRE new album, "The Animal Years," for our listening pleasure! Not just "clips." No songs omitted. It's the new record folks, from start to finish.

Please pass on this link to anyone and everyone, in emails, on message boards, in your own blog... It's ours to pass around and spread the music. You can launch the eCard by clicking on the image (above, right). And be sure to pass this link to music fans:

http://www.flashenhanced.com/joshritter/

Hope you love The Animal Years as much as we all do. And if you like what you hear, pick up your copy today (those of you overseas) and on April 11th here in the U.S.!

European, U.S. West Coast Tour Dates...

2006-03-27T10:45:00.000-05:00

Mar. 27, 2006. If you're keeping score at home, Josh's tour schedule is really filling up. In the last several days, concert dates for Europe in May and the West Coast U.S. in June have been confirmed. They are listed below, but go to the new joshritter.com tour page for more info.

We're hoping that some news to come will include more radio broadcasts, press features, and hopefully a tv appearance...

MAY
20 - Paris, France (Cafe de la Danse)
23 - Cologne, Germany (MTC)
24 - Berlin, Germany (Club 103)
26 - Copenhagen, Denmark (Little Vega)
27 - Stockholm, Sweden (Berns)
28 - Oslo, Norway (Bla)
29 - Hamburg, Germany (Stage Club)
30 - Brussels, Belgium (AB Box)
31 - Amsterdam, Netherlands (Paradiso)

June
03 - Seattle, WA (Triple Door)
04 - Seattle, WA (Triple Door)
05 - Portland, OR (Doug Fir)
07 - San Francisco, CA (Great American Music Hall)
09 - Los Angeles, CA (El Rey)

Spread the word about these shows! And contact me if you're able to promote through Josh's Street Team. Thanks.

TWO WEEKS til "The Animal Years" hits the U.S...

The New JoshRitter.com Launches

2006-03-16T14:21:00.000-05:00

March 16, 2006. Everyone here on the JoshRitter.com team are thrilled to bring a brand new joshritter.com to the world wide web.

It launched yesterday, on Wednesday March 15th. While it retains the wonderfully simple navigation of the old site, the new joshritter.com is infused with the beautiful artwork that graces Josh's new album "The Animal Years," and an overall art concept that really reflects the world that Josh's music creates, and inhabits.

New features include:
- a blog-like news page (which means this will be updated much more often).
- An "Audio Player," which is not yet activated (keep checking in), but will soon let you listen to Josh tunes as you surf the web.
- A Gallery page, which features many photos and videos - both from concerts and from behind-the-scenes.
- A Music page that, in conjunction with the Fansite, houses more mp3's to download from Josh's discography, all in one place.
- A Bio & Press page that has all the latest articles about Josh, reviews, and more.

And did I mention the beautiful artwork?

www.joshritter.com

Hope everyone digs the new "digs."

May UK Shows Officially Announced

2006-03-10T12:44:00.000-05:00

Mar. 10, 2006. Head's up England, Scotland, and even Northern Ireland...

Josh and the band will be playing the following shows:

May 09 - Birmingham - "Glee Club" 0870 241 5093 www.glee.co.uk
May 10 - Manchester - "Academy 2" 0161 832 1111 www.ticketline.co.uk
May 14 - Belfast - "Empire" 0870 243 4455 www.ticketmaster.ie
May 15 - Glasgow - "Oran Mor" 0870 169 0100 www.gigsinscotland.com
May 17 - Bristol - "Fiddlers" 0870 444 4400
May 18 - Brighton - "Gardener Centre" 01273 685861 www.gardnerarts.co.uk
May 19 - London - "Shepherd's Bush Empire" 0870 771 2000 / 020 7287 0932 / 020 7734 8932

Have a blast, and let's start spreading the word about these (I'm looking at you especially, Street Team)!

Help Promote Josh's Upcoming Concerts in US, Canada

2006-03-07T01:16:00.000-05:00

March 7, 2006. The new album has hit Ireland...it will hit the UK in a couple weeks...and will land in the US and Canada in a month's time. So what's left? TOURING!

We here on the Josh Ritter Street Team are calling on our members - as well as new, potential members - to help us promote Josh's US & Canada concerts in April and early May (see the list below).

Visit the home of The Josh Ritter Street Team on the Fansite to learn more and download flyers...

Thanks, everyone!
Doug (The Josh Ritter Street Team)

-------------------
APRIL
06 thu Kingston, ON - The Elixir
07 fri Montreal, QC - Cabaret
08 sat Toronto, ON - Mod Club
10 mon Wakefield, QC - Black Sheep Inn (Note Date Change!)
11 tue Halifax, NS - Stage Nine
13 thu Clinton, NY - Hamilton College
19 wed Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
20 thu Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
21 fri Chicago, IL - Double Door
22 sat Indianapolis, IN - Birdy's
23 sun Newport, KY (Cinci) - Southgate House
25 tue Annapolis, MD - Ram's Head
26 wed Alexandria, VA - Birchmere
27 thu Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
28 fri Providence, RI - Narrow's Arts Center
29 sat Boston, MA - Avalon

MAY
04 thu New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
05 fri New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
06 sat Shelburne Falls, MA - Memorial Hall

New Album on Shelves, in the Mail

2006-03-03T09:20:00.000-05:00

March 3, 2006. Folks, the long awaited and much anticipated new album from Josh Ritter is here. Well, for some of you.

"The Animal Years" was released today in beautiful Ireland, and put into the mail to many of you around the world. We - the fans and the band alike - are so excited that this record is starting to get out there. Go pick up or order your copy today! And if you're hearing the album this week, please let everyone know what you think - on the message boards, to friends, and elsewhere...

Remember, you can download the album's stunning opening track "Girl in the War" here, and its 9 1/2 minute long centerpiece (or should I say masterpiece) here.

"The Animal Years" gets released in the UK/Europe on March 20, in Canada on April 4, and in the USA on April 11.

Cheers!

Hear Extensive Josh Interview - Plus Live Acoustic Versions of Songs from "The Animal Years!"

2006-03-01T01:17:00.000-05:00

March 1, 2006. The wonderful folks at Paste Magazine have brought us an awesome treat. Writer Josh Jackson sat down with Josh in his Idaho home and asked him questions - about everything. Josh had a guitar nearby. An engineer was nearby to capture it professionally...

The result is a two part interview - available to hear now - that is almost an hour and a half long. It is a very candid, very revealing interview from Josh. And the best part is: it is sprinkled with a handful of live solo acoustic versions of songs from Harrisburg to Thin Blue Flame. Also included are fantastic versions of "Good Man" and "Wolves," Doug's personal faves from The Animal Years ;-) .

Go HERE to subscribe or just listen to Part I. Part II can be found in that page's right hand column, under "Recent Episodes."

ENJOY!

Getting Wristbands for HMV In-Store Show in Dublin

2006-02-27T01:55:00.000-05:00

Feb. 27, 2006. The wristbands (for admission to Josh's HMV in-store performance in Dublin on March 3rd) that were available to fans by emailing me are now ALL GONE. Sorry to those of you who missed this initial handout, and congratulations to about 125 of you who did successfully secure wristbands. They went very quickly!

Please keep in mind that the HMV will be handing out another 125 wristbands on the day of the show, starting at 8:30 a.m. and on a first-come first-served basis. Hope you can make it. It's going to be a fun, fun evening there on Grafton Street...

"Luck of the Irish"? No Kidding...

2006-02-21T11:21:00.000-05:00

Feb. 21, 2006. Exciting news for those of you in Ireland - and even for the rest of us who get to listen in, as if we were there...

- Free Dublin In-Store Show. On March 3rd, Josh and the band will perform at the HMV store in Dublin (on Grafton Street) at 5 p.m. The show is FREE. Space is limited, however. To go, please email me (doug@joshritter.com) and request a wristband for admission. At the time of this post's publishing here on Royal City, there are still many wristbands left. You may request 1 or 2 wristbands (2 is the maximum). Drop me a note!

- Galway Show Added. On March 6th, the day after the Black Box show, Josh and the band will perform a short set at Roisin Dubh. This will be a live radio broadcast on Tom Dunne's "Pet Sounds" show! Tickets are limited, and you need to be signed up on Roisin Dubh's mailing list (quick and easy) to purchase tix. You can do that here.

- Listen Online - Live - to Josh and Band. While Josh and the band perform at Roisin Dubh (above), the rest of us can listen to the show, live. Just tune in over at www.todayfm.com. Enjoy the show!

"Cheers."

New (and Old) Songs to Download

2006-02-21T11:12:00.000-05:00

Feb. 21, 2006. If you've been over to the Fansite recently, you may have realized that there are some new features. Among them is an "Audio" page that offers up the full mp3 downloads that Josh Ritter has made available online from his discography. The two new ones from "The Animal Years" are there, as is 'Kathleen' from "Hello Starling" (with another likely to come), two mp3's from "Golden Age of Radio," and JUST ADDED are two full mp3's from Josh's first album, the self-titled and self-released "Josh Ritter."

These are free downloads that are perfect for new fans to get their feet wet with Josh's music, so be sure to point potential fans here...

"Girl in the War," Opening Track from New Album: Now Available as MP3 Download!

2006-02-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

Feb. 10, 2006. Many fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of Josh's new album, "The Animal Years." While that release is still a handful of weeks away, this should hold many of you over for now...

"Girl in the War," one of Josh's most beloved songs over the past couple years in concert, is also the opening track on "The Animal Years." And it is now available for free mp3 download! Pitchforkmedia.com has the exclusive release of this song, along with a short "track review" from one of their writers. You can read the review and more importantly download the song HERE.

Folks, I personally have heard this song performed in countless ways in concert, during radio broadcasts, solo, with band, faster, slower... This rendition, as captured for "The Animal Years," is a STUNNER. Go grab it, enjoy it, and pass it along!

OTHER NEWS:

- Fansite Look. The Fansite has a slightly new look; it was time for a change and to give it a feel more appropriate for it's origins: directly from the frontlines in pubs, theaters, and even backstage. Hope you dig it (the Fansite is still a very modest little creation by yours truly).

- "Thin Blue Flame" Lyrics. I've seen many transcriptions online of this beautiful, anthemic masterpiece of lyricism. However, I've not yet seen a fully accurate one, and I personally think the meaning of the words should be interpreted - not the words. So I've put up Josh's official, copyrighted lyrics - which are included in the notes on "The Animal Years" cd. See them HERE.

Right on!
Doug

U.S. Tour Dates Announced; Josh Talks to Billboard.com

2006-02-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Feb. 7, 2006. The dates/venues for Josh's Spring "US Tour I" have been officially announced ("US Tour II" will happen in June and consist of some midwest and west coast dates), through Billboard.com. They feature a couple familiar places, a few new ones, and for people in the New York area: an exciting two-night stand at the awesome Bowery Ballroom...

Spring U.S. "Tour I":
April 20: Detroit (Magic Stick)
April 21: Chicago (Double Door)
April 22: Indianapolis (Birdy's)
April 23: Cincinnati (Southgate House)
April 25: Annapolis, Md. (Ram's Head)
April 26: Washington, D.C. (Birchmere)
April 27: Philadelphia (World Cafe Live)
April 28: Providence, R.I. (Narrows Center)
April 29: Boston (Avalon)
May 2-3: New York (Tirbeca Film Festival)
May 4-5: New York (Bowery Ballroom)
May 6: Shelburn Falls, Mass. (Memorial Hall)

Josh Ritter Street Team: we will be very actively promoting these shows! So keep checking in, and I will surely be in touch...

Billboard.com Article: Along with these dates, Billboard.com has talked to Josh about the new album, and I must say - Josh is very candid about the tone and creative origins of this remarkable record "The Animal Years."

Check it out here: Billboard.com Article

More very exciting news in the days to come!

The Far Reach of Josh Ritter's Music, and its Fan Community

2006-02-06T02:26:00.000-05:00

Feb. 6, 2006. Hi folks, just a real quick post while we await an exciting upcoming week, which will include among other things the US Tour Dates and another mp3 download (the opening track of The Animal Years!)...

This site, "Royal City," is a new venture of the Josh Ritter Fansite; it has taken the place of the standard "News and Notes" page on my site - and already it has proven to be an easier and better way to get news about Josh's music, the fan community, the websites, and more. But what is really amazing about "Royal City" also says a LOT about Josh's music and the growing fan community. Using a basic site-traffic meter, I am able to view the general locations of the visitors here. In the past few weeks, fans of Josh Ritter have checked in from:

USA, UK, Ireland, Canada - of course, but how about: Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Japan, Italy, Czech Republic, Egypt, Serbia, and Chile?

Isn't it awesome, how far and wide Josh's music is reaching... I think so.

More news coming this week. And THANK YOU, to those of you visiting here, supporting Josh's music, and spreading the word about it (wherever you are, around the world).

Peter and Paul (and Peter) to be Heard, Available Shortly

2006-01-23T22:54:00.000-05:00

Jan. 23, 2006. Just as we're still digesting the anthemic "Thin Blue Flame," Josh Ritter and Co. will be releasing another song from the record online (as an mp3 download, keep checking in for when!), as well as coupling it with a special "b-side" from The Animal Years recording sessions.

"Girl in the War" is the song that has been featured in Josh's live performances for some time now, and is arguably the most anticipated song from the new album. Folks, no matter how many times or different versions you've heard of this song, you've never heard it like this, as it has been recorded for The Animal Years: it is a STUNNING, jaw-dropping beauty of production, arrangement, and performance. It opens the new record, and a better opening there could not be.

Along with this song being made available online, it will be coupled on a 7" record release soon with a song recorded during The Animal Years sessions: "Peter Killed the Dragon." Only a few audiences have heard this Dylan-esqe finger-picker (think a more serious "You Don't Make it Easy, Babe"), which is a short, but oh-so-pretty ballad that truly lets characters and themes inhabiting this world inside The Animal Years live on.

Also -- Stay tuned for MUCH more news, including US tour dates, special small performances, and possible tv and radio appearances...!

The Animal Years are Coming - on Shelves and Live on Stages

2006-01-18T23:58:00.000-05:00

Jan. 18, 2006. They're here. Well, the DATES I mean: release dates, concert dates, and even a touring outlook for the Spring and early Summer.

The amazing record "The Animal Years" is scheduled to be released by V2 Records and Independent Records (Ireland) on these dates:

March 3rd: Ireland / March 20th: UK and Europe
April 11th: USA and Canada / Australia and Japan to follow.

Ireland Shows. Josh will also be touring Ireland in early March, hitting Galway, Letterkenney, Limerick, Dingle, Dublin, and Cork this time around. There may be a few nice little treats sprinkled in during this time (stay tuned). Check the tour page of joshritter.com for details on these shows here.

Touring Outlook. Just to give you all an idea of what to expect, Josh will be playing the famous South By Southwest ("SXSW") festival in Austin, TX during the week of March 13 - 19. April and May find Josh and the band playing shows in the USA (midwest and east coast) and Canada; in May and June it'll be the UK and Europe; June is back in the USA (midwest and west coast) and Canada. And this is just to start...!

And excitingly, keep checking back on news that another song from The Animal Years will be released online and available for download before the album's release. You DON'T want to miss this one, folks.

More news coming soon...

Berlin, Germany Next Stop for Josh After London

2006-01-16T01:35:00.000-05:00

Jan. 16, 2006. Several days after the special London show, Josh will make his way over to Berlin, Germany for a solo acoustic show. For those of you nearby, or who have friends there, or who are just keeping score at home, the details are as follows: January 22nd at "Quasimodo" (Kantstr. 12a / 10623 Berlin / ph +49-30-3128086).

Showtime is 10 p.m., and tix are only availabe the night of the show. So spread the word...!

(More news about the album and tour coming shortly. Promise.)

Josh to Play Special Solo London Show - Next Week!

2006-01-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

Jan. 10, 2006. Next week, on January 19th, Josh will perform a special, solo acoustic show at the Boogaloo Club in London.

There aren't many tickets to be had, so be sure to jet over to Ticketweb to get yours!

News about "The Animal Years" and more concert dates are on their way -- so keep checking back...

Another Welcomed "Guest"...Before Animal Years News

2006-01-08T13:58:00.000-05:00

Jan. 8, 2006. Okay, I think we all know that "Royal City" is here...Now I can bring some news and updates. Often. I promise to update things here frequently - whether it's just a random quick thought or big announcements from headquarters about the upcoming album and tours. And there's plenty of that coming!

In the meantime, "The Doubtful Guest" continues to get some recognition they deserve - from us Josh fans. The Doubtful Guest are a few loyal Josh Ritter supporters in the UK, led by frontman Andy Hill. Their song "Moment of the Year" is an awesome song showcasing the band's talents, and they've been so pleased to hear from Josh's fans who have emailed and posted on the message boards that they've released a song EXCLUSIVELY to dougrice.net. It's a world premiere, and it's by popular demand; they'd like us to hear it first. And I'll speak for many of us when I say: we're honored. Because it's a beautiful, beautiful acoustic ballad where Hill's voice and songwriting shine through once again.

Stop over to the updated "Jukebox" page to listen to the song. Thank you, fellow music lovers. And thank you, Doubtful Guest... (Updated Jukebox >)

Welcome to "Royal City" - A New Place for Josh Fansite News and Information

2006-01-01T22:55:00.000-05:00

Jan. 1, 2006. Well (raises a pint), here's to trying to start '06 off on the right foot - a fresh foot, in anticipation of "The Animal Years" and a whole lot more for Josh Ritter this year.

As you can tell, the "News & Notes" page of the Fansite has a whole new look. Hell, it's a whole other website. But I realized that at least this "News" page of my site needed a change; it had to be easier on the eyes to read my ramblings, easier for me to update (I'm hoping to do more of that), and a fresh new look for the new year. The solution I found was a BLOG. I still don't really know what they are exactly, but I think it's working here. But I don't know - you tell me!

So welcome to the Royal City, the new home of Josh Ritter news and announcements from the Fansite. It will function exactly as the old "News and Notes" page, but just with the new look. And new attitude...

Happy Holidays & New Year from the Josh Ritter Fansite

2006-01-01T22:41:00.000-05:00

Dec. 20, 2005. Cheers to the everyone who visit this site and support not just the music of Josh Ritter, but this Fansite as well. Here's hoping for health and happiness this holiday season, and that it carries ya through 2006! You have no idea how excited we all are about the new year and what it will surely bring in Josh Ritter Land.

Some Christmas spirit: we all love traditional holiday songs, and of course we all love rock 'n roll (duh). So to further get you into the spirit of things, I'm offering - for a limited time here - an mp3 of one of Christmas time's all-time greatest carols, as performed by Rock 'N Roll's all time greatest. Turn it up, and get in the mood. Happy Holidays to you all...

"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" as performed by Bruce Springsteen

Doug Surrenders to the MySpace Allure

2006-01-01T22:27:00.000-05:00

Dec. 5, 2005. Just a small note about the popular "myspace" website... I, finally, have joined many others in officially "surrendering" and setting up a personal page for myself, but much of it will be part Fansite (with Josh stuff to hear and videos to see). It IS a very resourceful site for discovering other musicians and connecting with other fans.

My page on myspace is here. And remember - Josh also has a page added recently, here. You know, for those of you addicted to that myspace thang, stop over...

New, Exciting Artist in the Fansite "Jukebox"

2006-01-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

Nov. 28, 2005. If you regularly check in on my mp3 "Jukebox" that offers up soundclips and mp3's of other artists I'm excited about, then you know that M. Ward has been in there for a looooong time. We'll, because he's that goooood. But it is time for a change, and I'm thrilled to hopefully introduce my fellow Josh Ritter fans to a very underexposed - and unsigned - band in England.

Check out the Jukebox. You won't regret meeting The Doubtful Guest.

Tons of New Videos, Live Mp3's (a complete show!), Professional Concert Photos, and More...

2006-01-01T22:13:00.000-05:00

Nov. 1, 2005. Well, Josh and the band may be taking a little break from the road, but there is no rest for the Fansite; this may be the largest single update since the Fansite was created.

First, thanks SO much to the Street Team and the rest of the fans here in the States who helped us make Josh's tour with The Frames a huuuuge success, ending with sold-out shows in NYC, Boston, and Chicago. I loved hearing from so many of you who sent comments, pics, and more, and really enjoyed meeting some of you at a couple of th e shows...

And now, the Fansite additions, for easy navigating:

+ New Concert Photo Collections. A page-full from yours truly and another from Boston photographer Mike Ritter, containing awesome pics from Josh's shows in NYC and Boston (respectively). Check 'em out in the Featured Photo Collections section on the photos page here.

+ New Video Clips. I'm psyched to be able to bring a handful of new video clips (12 to be exact) to my fellow die-hard fans. Three of them are great quality vids that come from Josh's old record label Signature Sounds, who donated Josh's performance at their Anniversary show last year. The rest are from fans, who have captured - from their seats - Josh and the band performing at recent shows. See 'em all on the video page.

+ Updated Concert Pics from Fans. Several fans have sent in their photos of Josh and the band performing at concerts from this recent tour with The Frames. See 'em here on the Concert Photos page here.

+ Live MP3's: a complete concert! The "Live Mp3's" page, for the first time, has an entire show available for download. It is the great, year-ending show at The Paradise in Boston last December. Enjoy live Josh here.

And there are several little changes here and there, scattered about. Hope you dig the new stuff...

Fall Tour with The Frames

2006-01-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

Sept. 28, 2005. Tonight, Josh and the band start a 18-show run across the U.S. (along with a couple over the border in Canada) with the amazing Irish rock band The Frames. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to get yours and be there for what is going to be an absolute treat for Josh fans, Frames fans, and anyone who digs artists at the top of their musical game. Dates and info can be found on the joshritter.com Concerts page.

And be sure to spread the word about the shows - whether you're on the Street Team or you do it in your own way! There are downloadable flyers and handbills for each show, available HERE. Thanks!

Song from New Album Available as Mp3 Download!

2006-01-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

Sept. 26, 2005. The new album is here! Well, a large piece of it, anyway. A centerpiece. Of the new songs to be released on the new record ("The Animal Years," coming in Spring 2006) that Josh has played in concert this summer, no song has caused such a stir as "Thin Blue Flame" has. It's a nearly 10 minute long, epic entry into Josh's catalogue - even a departure - and is now available as an mp3 download online! This is not a live bootleg, but an actual cut from the upcoming album.

Click HERE to download the song.

"Thin Blue Flame" will also be available on cd - along with Josh's cover of the Modest Mouse song "Blame it on the Tetons" - at shows and perhaps online. Pick one up at a show...

New Videos, Mp3's, Photos, Reviews and More from Recent Tour!

2006-01-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

Aug. 15, 2005. Whoa, I'm blurry eyed... After a lot of typing and editing and clicking and dragging and more, there's been a bunch of great additions to the Fansite. This is all in preparation of a busy Fall, when Josh and the band embark on some extensive touring. What an exciting time....

+ June Shows Section! It started with the historic "Southpaw" show when Josh plugged in for the first time, and ended at the world's biggest music festival, Bonnaroo. See my reviews, photos (50+), and even mp3's - in "The June 2005 Shows" Section, here.

+ New Videos. Two new videos have been addes: a clip of Josh singing a duet with Kathleen Edwards and a quickie of Josh and band at Oxegen - from the stage! Video page is here.

+ New Concert Photos. Two great fans up in Canada have sent in their photos of Josh and band performing at Hillside Festival in Ontario. Check 'em out here.