Josh Ritter Report: A Mind Of Its Own

Due to a lack of funds, I haven't been to many shows recently, but thankfully summertime brings with it massively corporate-sponsored free shows, like last night's Josh Ritter concert. I really wanted to write a post-concert review or report of some kind, but how to keep with the blog's theme of a pomo/homo spin? Ritter's straightforward, emotionally direct songwriting style doesn't leave a lot of room for deconstruction or queer ambiguation.

No, just about the only postmodern theme from last night's performance is that one day, at its current rate of growth, bassist Zack Hickman's moustache will one day take over Hickman's entire face, and possibly the entire band. (The pics on his website do not show the full Wild Western-ness Hickman has now.) It doesn't even look possible or authentic, it's like a simulacrum of a moustache. It quietly asks other moustaches to leave the saloon if they know what's good for 'em. I've never seen Hickman wear a cowboy hat during a Ritter gig before -- did the moustache make him wear it? Did the moustache steal the suit Ritter used to wear at all of his shows? Is it singing Hickman's harmony parts? What next will it demand???

Photos from Jessie Gladin-Kramer: