Flashes of Panic

• I wouldn’t have expected the Frames as a double bill with Josh Ritter. For one thing, I wished I’d remembered to bring earplugs during their set, which was quite loud, but I seldom missed them during Josh’s. On the other hand, Josh’s duet with Glen on “Come and Find Me” during the encore was quite good.

• The Somerville Theatre also has movies (generally second-run,) as Josh noted: “It’s so nice to come back and see the marquee reading, ‘Josh Ritter, 40 Year Old Virgin.’ I’m not even 40.”

• Yes, they brought out a tuba for the encore. I just about fell out of my seat.

• The new album should be up to standard. I can’t say I’m in love with “Thin Blue Flame,” the track available for download on his site, but “Idaho” is beautiful and “Wolves” fits in nicely with other uptempo songs like “Harrisburg” and “Me and Jiggs.”

• “Playing new songs live is like taking someone home to your parents. Someone with a record. From Philadelphia.” No kidding, the crowd clearly knew the songs well; I think nearly everyone sang along with “Kathleen.” I told A. on the way home that one of the things I liked about Josh’s concerts is that, in general, the ones he likes and plays often are also the ones I like, so the set list is almost certain to hit everything I want to hear. (The one that didn’t get played was “Wings.”)

• I have chronic obstructed-view issues with Josh’s shows.

Now Playing: Wings from Hello Starling by Josh Ritter