As I type this, Joshua Radin's brand new album Simple Times is sitting pretty in the #1 spot on the iTunes album chart. I didn't even have to write about how good the album was for it to get the notoriety it deserves. Assuming little ol' me even has that kind of pull.
I first heard of Joshua Radin a few years ago courtesy of Zach Braff. I've been a fan ever since. His first album We Were Here was a great debut and he followed it up with the beautiful duet "Paperweight" with Schuyler Fisk (Remember that name. She is amazing.) on soundtrack to Zach Braff's The Last Kiss.
Here we are a couple years later with Simple Times. No sign of "sophomore slump" here. This album is even better that his debut. Simple Times is one of those albums you want to toss on the car stereo and just ride along with. The kind where you can be hanging out or traveling with friends and just let the music fill that comfortable silence. It speaks enough for everyone.
He seems to have improved in every aspect here. Lyrically, musically, vocally, everything shifts up a notch from his previous album. From the fantastic duet with my all time favorite singer Patty Griffin (You Got Growin' Up To Do) to the upbeat and chipper "Vegetable Car" (how no one has used the phrase 'Lisa Loeb Glasses' before is beyond me) Simple Times is gorgeous record.
I can't find a single flaw in the record. It delivers everything I want to hear from Joshua Radin. Sweet harmonies, especially those that feature Schuyler Fisk (who simply cannot release her record soon enough), touching and poignant lyrics, all delivered with the utmost of respect for his art. You can feel the energy and love that goes into the music he is making and it is infectious.
Simple Times doesn't hit stores until September 30, but it is available now on iTunes so I'd get to clicking over there.
So far this year I've heard brilliant albums by Jay Brannan, Joshua Radin, Matt Bauer, and more. If this keeps up I'm going to have a rough time making a top album of 2008 list!
For more information on Joshua Radin head over to his website or MySpace Profile.
Article comments
1 - Leah
I completely agree - this album is fantastic. However, just need to clear up one thing. Schuyler Fisk didn't contribute her lovely voice to this album.
2 - Garon
Are you sure?? I could have sworn I heard her on harmony.
3 - Garon
hmmm. I may have made a mistake. I think it may be Meiko singing with him on They Bring Me To You and not Schuyler Fisk as I originally believed. Meiko is another great singer well worth checking out.
4 - Leah
It may be Meiko, but I can't find any notes about it and I thought they would put a "featuring Meiko" like they did for Sky. He does have a new back-up singer (a la Priscilla Ahn before she went solo), so maybe it's her.
And yes, Meiko is fabulous. She was one of the artists at the Hotel Cafe Tour stop I went to, and she was great. Such a pretty voice.
5 - Francesca
It's definitely Meiko on the duet of "Sky." She RULES!!!
6 - Nicole
This new album is nothing short of brilliant. I love everything about it and can not stop listening to it. Joshua Radin is pure talent. His songs are artistic and emotional. Seriously, listen!
7 - emily
1. I miss Priscilla's harmonies...but her solo stuff blows me away.
2. The harmonies on "Sky" are Ingrid Michaelson.
3. The backup vocals are mostly done by Laura Jansen (on tour with the Radin band).
8 - Lindsie
I'm 99.9% sure Laura Jansen's not on the album at all. Let's break it down . . .
Sky was sung with Ingrid Michaelson on the EP, Meiko did the album version.
You've Got Growing Up To Do is with Patti Griffin
They Bring Me to You was with Erin McCarley. This came straight from Josh's mouth. We were talking after one of his shows and I mentioned the song. This was before the album was released and Josh said Erin McCarly sings back up on the track. :)
As far as I can tell, those are the only songs with female back up . . .