Music Monday! Joshua Radin

Quite some time ago, when I used to watch Grey's Anatomy religiously with my darling sister, I discovered one of my favorite artists of all time: Joshua Radin.

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Mr. Radin initially wanted to be a different kind of artist, a painter. He studied at Northwestern University. But he later he picked up a guitar and taught himself to play. His folk music has been part of many television soundtracks, my life's soundtrack and many weddings too: Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi's wedding, my BFF's and, in the near future, mine as well! 

His music is smooth and easy to listen to, along the same lines as the early Ray LaMontagne, but clean shaven, and a little poppier than Damien Rice, but I would never hold it against him. There is something in his voice that makes my heart palpitate, and his looks too. It is the kind of music that links songs to your memories, and when you hear it again, it takes you back.

I picked up his first album, We Were Here, in 2006 at The Record Exchange and listened to it until it wouldn't play anymore. Well, that isn't entirely true, if it were a cassette tape that may have been the case. I absolutely love that album. Simple Times (2008) was equally delish.

Just this weekend I just picked up his new album The Rock and The Tide (2010) and, although some of the songs are very similar to his first two his albums, there are a few songs that are so far off from the Joshua Radin I have grown to know and love. It is an entirely new sound and personality. The first word that comes to mind is... "Electric," and the second is "Mature." Although, I am not sure if I am explaining it correctly. His voice sounds more mature (deeper maybe)... and I say electric because the songs are more up-beat than ever before. The first track on the album, "Road to Ride On" definitely sets the tone for the change that Joshua Radin fans need to prepare for. It almost seems like he is announcing the change through his lyrics.

"I'm always the last one
never ready for the fast ones,
well it's time to change
so we make our plans,
set our sites on a new land
one that's kind of strange."

I am sure the album will grow on me, as albums often do.

You can check out some of his music on his website, but I suggest picking some up and listening to it while you are preparing for a barbecue with friends this summer. You won't regret it.

In the mean time enjoy my favorite song by him...