Josh Ritter [ tickets ], over the course of five albums and near constant touring, has set himself up as one of the chief, serious, singer/songwriters of his generation. A true American musical export in the vein of Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and-- on a smaller scale--Bob Dylan, Ritter's lyrics and delivery have only improved with each release.

After studying music as an undergrad, Ritter cut his self-titled debut, and, in the time honored ways of the troubadour, began honing his craft playing traditional folk venues in and around the Northeast, selling his self-released albums at shows. This grassroots approach garnered a significant fan base, which caught notice of the label Signature Sounds who, in 2002, re-released his second LP, "The Golden Age of Radio."

Fast forward five years to the present, and Ritter's new LP, "The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter," encapsulates everything the artist has touched on thus far in his career. Continuing lyrically where 2006's "Animal Years" left off, "Historical Conquests" employs a full band expanding on, and in contrast to, the stripped down arrangements of "Animal Years." While echoes of the artist's influences run throughout the album, never do they delve into imitation. "Historical Conquests" is its own invention, and quite possibly a neo classic.