Umbrellas Are For Tourists: Josh is Back

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Josh is Back

Deep breath... at least for the girls... Joshua Radin has landed again. This time he's back with a four song EP called Unclear Sky. I went on iTunes at midnight to buy it, but it wasn't available (Thanks Apple for putting up Simple Plan and not something good) So instead I hopped on this morning and bought it. Here's my initial reaction.

I want to love his new material as deeply as I coveted We Were Here and subsequent live session, but the immediacy of affection wasn't there for Unclear Sky. Granted its only a four song teaser, but I didn't feel the same initial fascination with this release. The first songs "Sky" (featuring indie princess Ingrid Michaelson) and "Lovely Tonight" are more upbeat than I remember his previous tracks. The relaxing atmosphere created by Radin's debut, his simplistic instrumentation and low-key harmonies, are what sparked my initial obsession. The change of pace isn't a bad thing though, even if just for variety's sake. Especially since the electric guitar played on "Lovely Tonight" is done by none other than Ryan Adams!

I am glad to report, however, that the more I listen to Unclear Sky, the more I appreciate it. Especially in terms of Radin's artistic growth. I love "The Fear You Won't Fall," mostly because I've been rocking the live version for months now. The amazing Priscilla Ahn (i.e. "Dream") is responsible for the female vocals. This track is the most similar to his earlier material and has been featured on shows like (the now stupid) Grey's Anatomy.

A mock-up of Josh and Priscilla

My favorite song, even in demo form (or quite possibly because it is bare bones demo form) is the final track, "You've Got Growin Up to Do." A little more folksy than I've heard him before, Radin's heartfelt lyrics and poignant vocals are the star here. Josh says on his MySpace that "this song is going to have a very special female vocal added to it for the record verson but it's a surprise. but i can tell you, i can't believe she said yes. it's been a dream to work with this woman." Who do we think? Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor, Cat Power maybe? Okay the last one was a little stretch. Or was it?

All in all, I'm thoroughly enjoying the teaser; anything from Josh is worth the price tag on reputation alone. It helped me a little to hear Josh promise that he's saving the best songs for his full-length release, out later this summer. I'm loving Unclear Sky more as the day wears on, but just knowing there's a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow puts a smile on my face. And makes me hungry for Lucky Charms.

Joshua Radin - Sky ft. Ingrid Michaelson [mp3]

Joshua Radin - You've Got Growin Up to Do (Demo) [mp3]

Joshua Radin - Everything Will Be Alright (Will's Lullaby) (Live) [mp3]
My favorite from We Were Here

PS. Josh is on The Hotel Cafe Tour right now with Ingrid, Sara Bareilles, Cary Brothers, Eric Hutchinson, meiko, Priscilla Ahn, and many many others. The tour does come to California but Josh doesn't play that night (they have a rotating artist schedule).

Priscilla Ahn - Dream [mp3]

Upcoming Tour Dates for Josh (None in CA = Frown)

Upcoming Shows

( view all )

Feb 13 2008

8:00P

last call with carson daly

television

Feb 18 2008

7:00P

Reynolds Auditorium @ Duke University

Durham, North Carolina