Ryan Adams: “29″ issues & counting
THE CD: “29″
PERFORMER: Ryan Adams
WEBSITE: click here
LISTEN: here
Whenever people ask me what I’m listening to these days, I always have to mention Ryan Adams. Of course, people always look at me strangely and say ‘Bryan Adams?’ to which I say, “No, Ryan!!” And then, they tell me they’ve never heard of him.
Never heard of him — the critically acclaimed, eccentric, rock ‘n roll, folk, and country artist rolled into one? The former Whiskeytown singer who managed to put out three albums this year, barely able to play after falling off stage and breaking his wrist in 2004?
‘Oh, isn’t he that guy that sings Summer of 69?’ No, NO, NO!
Ryan Adams is someone else indeed, and his album “29″ sounds as if it were his first instead of third release for the year. Of course, much of this may have to do with dropping the country sound of the last two albums, “Cold Roses” and “Jacksonville City Nights” and going with more of, well. . . a Ryan Adams sound.
The album starts with “29″, which also happens to be the only up-tempo track on the album. While it does feel a lot like “Truckin,” with lines like I spit in his face, the bastard knocked me out, you know you’re not listening to the Dead.
From there the album goes into Adams’ signature gloomy but inspiring sound. Tracks like “Strawberry Wine,” “Caroline Rain,” and “Starlite Diner” are quiet and stripped down songs, usually with just Adams and a lone guitar or piano.
Just when it seems like he has exhausted every possible way to write a sad song, the seventh song, “The Sadness,” has a Spanish sound mixed with Adams’ favorite themes of loss and personal problems galore: The sadness is mine, it’s why you’re not helping me, he sings in contrast to the somewhat upbeat music or the track.
The last two tracks, “Elizabeth, You Were Born to Play That Part” and “Voice” are strong but down-tempo and depressing as well. Pretty good, though.
While it’s safe to say “29″ is not Adams best album ever, it’s no slacker either. It’s an inspired album that mixes storytelling with personal tales of love and loss. To Ryan Adams fans this is probably a must have, but the new listener may find it way too much. I would definitely go back and pick up “Gold“, “Demolition” or “Love is Hell” — which to many, myself included, are some of his best CDs.
Listening to “29″ first may initially turn many new listeners away. Listening to his previous work and this CD together, however, you will think ‘Wow, this guy really has some issues.’ From then on your friends will say, ‘Who has issues — Bryan Adams?’ Then you can scream “No, Ryan Adams!”
– by Mark Totten
January 9th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
A little background on MarkT:
Growing up in Holley Lawn, I wouldn’t have been exposed tp any rock music if it weren’t for Mark. I picked up the first Rage Against The Machine CD at his house. So many times, his personal CD collection was raided by me, with “I promise I’ll bring these back” stuck in there somewhere to Brandon, explaining my pilfering.
Funny story: I remember being in like 3rd grade at Belle Elementary, and sticking my head out the door to look down the hall, to see MTotten banging his head up against a wall, headbanger style.
He’s a doctor, a lawyer, and a movie star. He’s an astronaut, and oh yeah, he owns that bar.
Name that song. . .
And I’d Lie to you for your love
January 15th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
mmmhmmm
i mean its so cool to have mt on board. we are going to get a hectic schedule real soon, so we hope to keep. .
you want to bring this down? please, we can’t allow that to happen — it is us against everyone. you know who you are