Josh Ritter is an American singer-songwriter known for his folk and Americana style of music. His unique blend of storytelling and melody has gained him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Ritter's career began in the late 1990s when he self-released his first album, "Josh Ritter." It wasn't until his third album, "The Animal Years," that he gained widespread recognition for his songwriting abilities. The album received high praise from critics and established Ritter as a rising star in the folk music scene. Over the years, Ritter has continued to release albums that showcase his growth as an artist.
The mummy in “The Curse” serves as a symbol for the human desire for fame, fortune, and power. It represents the darker side of these desires, the potential for danger and chaos that comes with them.
When she asks that question a second time in the song, he has already started to move beyond the cocoon of their initial bond to bask in the attention of the wider world. If this were merely a short story, I m not sure it would work so beautifully it might get weighted down and clunky, but five minutes of music lets this love affair spin itself out.
Over the years, Ritter has continued to release albums that showcase his growth as an artist. With each new release, he explores different musical styles and pushes the boundaries of his songwriting. His lyrics often tackle deep themes and personal experiences, making his music relatable to a wide range of listeners.
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“The Curse” // Josh Ritter // So Runs the World Away
We’re moving into So Runs the World Away now. If The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter was like a giant comic book, So Runs is more like a series of huge historical woven tapestries, or like “they were painted in oil on large canvasses,” in Josh’s own words. It’s large, it’s expansive, and it takes its time so much more than the last album, running 54 minutes long. It’s longer and there’s more room to breathe and move around, like that hollow feeling you get when you do a yoga stretch. And perhaps there is no song more representative of this shift than “The Curse.”
If you’ve never heard this song before, you’re in for a real treat. Also: watch the video. Don’t just leave it hanging out in the background. The video makes this a zillion times more heartbreaking, and it’s already really sad.
This song is one of Josh’s most well-known songs and, my God, what a story. The bare-bones of the plot is a mummy falls in love with an archaeologist. Yet this song is more than just a simple love story. I think it fits the medium well. If this were merely a short story, I’m not sure it would work so beautifully: it might get weighted down and clunky, but five minutes of music lets this love affair spin itself out. The melody is pretty simple, allowing the lyrics to shine. I mean, just look at the second verse:
He holds back a sigh as she touches his arm
She dusts off the bed where till now he’s been sleeping
Under miles of stone, the dried fig of his heart
Under scarab and bone starts back to its beating
“The dried fig of his heart.” I love that. What laser-precise language; you can picture it immediately and know what it feels like to wake up after thousands of years, even though you’ve never been a mummy yourself. (If you have, I’ve been making gross assumptions, and I do apologize.) This is Next Level Storytelling, to be honest. Anyone can make you cry by making you grow attached to characters for fifteen pages, only to have their love meet a tragic end. Josh accomplishes the same effect over the course of five minutes, only to make you gasp when that last verse comes in. (Really, the video also deserves credit here, too—I forget how sad this song is until I see those marionettes twirling around.) I only wish I could do that with my own writing.
Ritter explained what he was trying to do with the song in an interview with UK Spinner. “For a song like that, the goal was to try and tell a full story,” he said. “You try to leave something to the imagination but you can only leave so much. It was really important to get the character just right. The narrative was simple but I really wanted the character to have a serious interaction. The fact that he was a mummy was the funniest part.”
One of Ritter's most popular songs is "The Curse" from his 2010 album, "So Runs the World Away." The haunting melody and poetic lyrics are an excellent example of Ritter's ability to captivate his audience. The song tells the story of an archaeologist who falls in love with a mummy he discovers during an excavation. It's a tale of forbidden love and the consequences that arise from it. In addition to his solo work, Ritter has collaborated with other musicians and artists, further expanding his musical repertoire. He has shared the stage with legends such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, further solidifying his place in the music industry. Overall, Josh Ritter is a talented singer-songwriter who continues to evolve and inspire with his unique blend of storytelling and melody. His music resonates with listeners of all ages, and his dedication to his craft is evident in every note he sings. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his music, there's no denying the impact that Josh Ritter has had on the folk music landscape..
Reviews for "The Modern Folk Revival: Josh Ritter's Role in the Movement"
1. Mary - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Josh Ritter: The Curve". The storyline was weak and I found it difficult to connect with the main character. The pacing was also off, with some scenes dragging on for too long and others being rushed. Additionally, I didn't feel like the music added anything to the overall experience. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this film to others.
2. John - 1 star - "Josh Ritter: The Curve" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow what was happening. The acting was subpar, with the characters lacking depth and believability. I also found the music to be intrusive and unnecessary, taking away from the already weak storyline. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this film.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Josh Ritter: The Curve", but I was let down. The story lacked originality and felt cliché. The characters were one-dimensional and I had a hard time empathizing with them. The music was forgettable and didn't enhance the overall experience. Unfortunately, this film left me feeling underwhelmed and uninspired.
4. Mike - 1 star - "Josh Ritter: The Curve" was a complete disaster. The plot was convoluted and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The lackluster performances from the actors made it difficult to be engaged in the story. The music was forgettable and didn't add any emotional depth. I was left feeling unimpressed and regretful of wasting my time on this film. Do yourself a favor and avoid it at all costs.