More Christmas Goodies

It's no coincidence that my other favorite gift is a recording from an artist also on my 11 Albums of 2006 list. Although I didn't numerically rank them, The Animal Years, by Josh Ritter, would most definitely have medaled in the the top three. That being said, when I opened up In the Dark - Live at Vicar Street 2006 on Christmas morning, I was just as excited (if not more so) than my 2 year old daughter reading the note Santa left for her next to the plate where she had placed a cookie for him.

This album, available only in Ireland or via mail-order, is actually a two disc set. This is what Josh's website has to say about it:

Recorded over two sold-out nights at the Vicar Street theater earlier this year, IN THE DARK is Josh's first full-length live album and accompanying DVD. The set features nearly 20 songs from the shows, from the crowd sing-alongs "Kathleen" and "Me & Jiggs" to the snowflake-intimacy of "One More Mouth" and (the rather epic) "Thin Blue Flame."

Directed by Dennis Fitzgerald, the film is just that: a film, not just a live document. It features several performances from the shows, as well as interview footage and a selection of backstage and soundcheck performances (including several songs *not* included on the live CD.)

The CD+DVD set features deluxe gatefold packaging and exclusive photos by Dave Hingerty. (This is one we feel you'll want to own, not just burn to the iPod).

Unless you're planning a jaunt over to Ireland sometime soon, order In the Dark from Road Records. While you're waiting for yours to arrive, enjoy the following:

Josh Ritter - Best For the Best (live) : In the Dark- Live at Vicar Street 2006

Visit his website, his label V2, and become his friend on MySpace.
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