The Useless Critic 2.0

Josh Ritter is such a gifted lyricist, which is why I'm such a fan. seriously- the first time I heard like "Kathleen"- "all the other girls here are stars, you are the northern lights"- I was hooked. He just released a new album that I'm sure you've heard if you have made the mistake of meandering into Starbucks lately, So Runs the World Away . This guy started playing guitar after buying one at K-Mart, inspired by Townes Van Zandt and Gillian Welch. This guy is like- seriously, the closest thing we have to a Bob Dylan these days. And I say that as a hardcore Ryan Adams fan. So, so good. "The Curse" is absolutely a gorgeous song. I only had to hear it once and swoon! I was done. and what's it about? a mummy falling in love with an archaeologist. see here: swoon so put away your Jack Johnson and seriously listen to Josh Ritter. this guy is nearly a legend now.

All this Oscar nonsense will be out of my system with this post. although I commend Al (see below) for stirring the pot in my computerless state! the Crazy Heart soundtrack has been playing NONSTOP at Border's these past few days. and I have to say, as a non-fan of most country music, I've been genuinely impressed by it. this film (as well as Up in the Air and The Hurt Locker ) is one of the few this year I've really wanted to see. it includes the late, great TOWNES VAN ZANDT (!!!) who is one of the performers I've listened to after one take and been really moved by. the man was a genius. his song on it: so talented, holy shit. anyway, I love the soundtrack for this film. and Maggie looked pissed during the ceremony. did anyone else pick up on that? God bless that emotive bitch. did you see Crazy Heart ? is it good? great? etc? THE SOUNDTRACK IS.

In case you haven't heard, Vic Chestnutt, an acclaimed singer-songwriter who was discovered by Michael Stipe of R.E.M., died yesterday. He was 45. I'm not going to claim to have listened to him before, because I never really did. but he was obviously very talented and I'm listening to him right now- there's a very Americana, Townes Van Zandt vibe to his music. worth a listen. http://www.last.fm/music/Vic+Chesnutt/+charts?rangetype=week&subtype=tracks (some streamable tracks here) RIP.