I first heard Joshua Radin in the background of a Grey's Anatomy episode in 2006. I was never much of a fan of the show, but holy tornado did they have some tremendous soundtracks. Seems to me that most prime time series' on major networks have the same formula: shit drama that manages to suck you in and incredibly good, new music that adds significant weight to the dramatic moments.
A good friend of mine, KKC, asked me to recommend some musicians that were similar to Alexi Murdoch (new album just came out, post coming soon) to her a few weeks back, so I replied with a boatload. A few days later she sent me a message explaining her new burning love for Joshua Radin, especially his song "No Envy, No Fear." I'd heard all or nearly all of Radin's first two albums, and liked most of the tracks, but somehow missed the final track on his second release, Simple Times. So, I sat down to youtube during a break from thesis work and found three clips of Radin at PASTE, all of which are below. But the first listen of "No Envy, No Fear" was an absolutely sledgehammer to my chest. I mean it sat me right down and took hold of me for a good hour. The idea behind the song and the fact that it was inspired by Bob Dylan only gives the song more weight.
The third video is "Winter," the song that launched his career when Zack Braff included it on Scrubs in 2004.
Radin's third album, The Rock and the Tide, came out in October of last year, one in which he left the somber, solo approach at home, brought in a full band, and attacked the space with a new, upbeat sound. It's not hard, it's just faster paced and has more depth. The last video is the first track and also my favorite song off the album, called "Road To Ride On."
No Envy, No Fear
You've Got Growin' Up To Do
Winter
Road to Ride On
it saves.
