Rarely is the mainstream media, especially radio stations, obliging to the indie singer-songwriter. Luckily, popular television shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scrubs have become catalytic in publicizing the work of these talented artists – particularly Joshua Radin. It was a mere two years after his song, “Winter,” was heard on Scrubs that Joshua released his first full-length effort, “We Were Here,” in 2006.
The quintessential troubadour’s debut album, as well as his 2008 release, “Simple Times,” garnered a widespread fan base due to Joshua’s unpretentious yet dynamic lyrics and tender, almost lulling vocals. However, in his most recent record, “The Rock and the Tide,” released in October 2010, Joshua took an entirely different approach - what was once a void behind his acoustic guitar is now filled with booming drums, electric guitars and even a banjo for good measure. On January 28th, he will be bringing this newfound melodic verve to Mr. Small’s Theatre in Millvale.
As if emerging from the shelter of an acoustic cocoon, which nurtured Joshua’s creative growth over the past five years, he appears to have undergone a transfiguration while recording his new album. The result of this metamorphosis is his velvety vocals converging with powerful instrumentation to command the attention of his listeners. “Here We Go” is led by a focal drum backing that coerces the listener through the melody in search of a climactic finish. Perhaps it is telling that Joshua sings of complacency and his willingness to start anew in his lyrics, “Something in the way you looked at me that day, like someone far away that you once knew. I saw it too. I’m starting over, so here we go.”
No matter how far he strays from his distinguishing musical palette throughout the majority of “The Rock and the Tide,” Joshua gives his faithful listeners a dose of what they’ve grown accustomed to in his first two releases with tracks like “You Got What I Need” and “Think I’ll Go Inside.”
The strength in Joshua’s vocals lies in his ability to take relatively uncomplicated and candid lyrics like “Baby, you, you got what I need. Baby, you, you got my sunshine,” and impart a sensation of sincerity that is anything but naive. Like the love ballads of the 50s and 60s, “You Got What I Need” doesn’t hide behind elaborate euphemisms to mask a declaration of adoration and longing.
Joshua’s ethereal vocals will reach the stage at Mr. Small’s Theatre this Friday the 28th at 8 p.m. with support from the playful Anya Marina and the infectious pop sounds of Andrew Allen. Tickets for the all ages event are just $15 and can be purchased at http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3305555 and at ticket outlets such as The Exchange, throughout the city. Joshua’s Myspace page http://www.myspace.com/joshuaradin features music from all three of his albums, and a link for a free download of “Here We Go.”
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