All Over Albany

My Exit: Ritch Harrigan

It's Monday, which means WEXT is running another My Exit show -- where the listeners get to pick their own playlists.

Here's a look at what's coming up tonight:

Who?
Ritch Harrigan. I live in Schenectady with my wonderful wife, Elissa (a classically trained soprano) and our dog, Morrison (not trained classically or otherwise). My life is enriched by the fact that I have the opportunity to pursue both of my passions: I teach history and play guitar with the local original rock group, Gordon St.

How would you describe your taste in music?
Between my wife and I we have an insanely eclectic music collection. Everything from opera to jazz and Grateful Dead boxed sets. My real love though is rock and roll, which to me is just a name for music with few rules and a lot of heart.

A few songs from Ritch's My Exit:

"W.S. Walcott Medicine Show" - The Band
This was chosen in tribute to the late, great Levon Helm. In his autobiography Levon recalled going to big tent shows similar to the one described in this song that later formed the inspiration for his own Midnight Rambles. Plus you've gotta love the Allen Toussaint arranged horn parts! While "The Last Waltz" is the best known live record from The Band, this is my favorite.

"Ghost" - Phish
I first heard this song performed live at SPAC in 2004 and it made me a Phan for life. With mysterious lyrics over a dark and funky groove, the song is in of itself a haunting ghost story. It's one of those rare jam vehicles that's also an amazing song. I had debated including a live version, but they range anywhere in length from 15 minutes to a full half hour! Even still, if you like this song, seek out a concert recording!

"Wave" - Super 400
The best word to describe this song is "epic". Its chord progression just knocks you down with its power. Lyrically it reminds me of the power of love to pull us through the rough times and continually inspire you. Musically it goes everywhere you want it to go, to my ears it just sounds perfect.

"Tomorrow the Green Grass" - The Jayhawks
A forgotten B-Side from the album of the same name. It's fun and bouncy and makes me think of a beautiful early summer day. The killer harmonies on the chorus with Gary Louris and Mark Olson joined by Karen Grotberg get me every time. I would love to ask the band why it wasn't included on the record because it fits so well with the rest of the songs.

"Homeless Romantic" - Gordon St
Yeah, I'm that guy who puts not just one, but two of their band's songs on their playlist. It's cliché, but we make a point of writing and playing music that we want to listen to. Admittedly, I'm a terrible lyricist but I love great lyrics. Although I may be a little biased, Gordon St's singer/bassist, Dan Noonan is one of my favorite songwriters. He has this ability to tell stories full of humor and charm and that's perhaps the reason people tell me our music is "fun". This particular song is the story of a homeless guy falling in love with a woman trying to convince her that he's the one for her.

You can hear Ritch's My Exit show Monday night at 8 pm on 97.7 or at exit977.org.

Here's how to schedule your own My Exit show on WEXT.