|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
09/02/2006 Ryan Adams’ 2005 releases – too much of a good thing?
Last year alt-country darling Ryan Adams released three recordings in the space of six months, all on the Lost Highway label. This release schedule was a bold one, especially for such a prolific performer as Adams. However, now that all three recordings have been out for a while, it is time to ask whether it was the right move. Let’s start by saying that Ryan Adams will probably never be a superstar selling millions of records. There are dozens of reasons for this — none of which have to do with talent: Adams has arguably been one of the brightest songwriters of the past ten years. Still, his type of music and demeanor probably will keep him more of a cult artist than a chart-topper. To decide whether 2005 saw too much of Ryan Adams, one has to look at each recording separately. They were dramatically different, even though the music didn’t stray too much from Ryan’s country rock past. First up is 29, which is a stripped down solo affair, released in December. It sees Adams strictly in singer-songwriter mode. The songs are more notable for their lyrics than the music behind them. The music is mostly quiet and somber, with the exceptions being the title track which is almost a rewrite of the Grateful Dead’s “Truckin” and the Spanish-flavored “The Sadness.” The lyrics tackle dark subjects, not surprising as the CD’s cover art features a Grim Reaper-like figure. Of the three, 29 is the hardest listen. Sure, this has to do with the subject matter. However, few of the songs feature memorable choruses; some sound unfinished. But there are some top quality numbers. The piano-based “Starlite Diner” and “Elizabeth, You Were Born to Play That Part” are haunting, and the lyrics to “Strawberry Wine” are some of Adams’ best. Next up is Jacksonville City Nights, released in September, and featuring Adams backed by his new band, the Cardinals. It’s strictly a country record. It’s not Kenny Chesney pop-country though; think more classic country. It features many slower songs, augmented by impressive steel guitar work. It has more upbeat moments than 29. Of the three albums, Jacksonville is probably the most surprising, especially if you’re not a big fan of country music. The CD’s best songs, “The End” and “Hard Way to Fall”, are near the beginning. The album works well – the songs are well sequenced, giving it a consistent feel throughout. And it features a cover of one of the best songs of all time, in any genre — Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”. Lastly is Cold Roses, released in May and again featuring the Cardinals. This one is, arguably, the best of the three. In fact, it is classic Ryan Adams. It features 19 songs, split perfectly on two discs. The songs are more varied lyrically and musically, thanks to some memorable backing. Of special note is the guitar work by JP Bowerstock and Cindy Cashdollar, giving some of the songs a harder, rockier edge. They are balanced out by some beautiful ballads. Cold Roses is so strong that it made a few critics’ Best of 2005 lists. There are many high points, but the second disc is the stronger of the two. Of special note are its impressive title track and the closing three songs, which blend so well that they seem like one. But was releasing all three albums so close together the right decision? If Cold Roses was the cream of the crop, did the public need Jacksonville or 29? Some say no - combining the best songs of the three onto one release would have been a better move. Or why not phase the release schedule to give listeners time to completely enjoy the merits of each work? Those are interesting arguments. However, remember that each release is different, especially thematically, so, taking a few songs from each wouldn’t have worked. Also, consider that all three recordings were recorded recently: releasing them as they were finished reveals what artistic state of mind Adams was in: it wouldn’t have happened if the recordings had been put in the vaults and released years from now. The most compelling reason for their release so close together, however, is that it enabled his fans to hear as much of his work as possible - they can then decide what they like best. I know people who think the best of the three is 29; others prefer Jacksonville. So, was three albums in a single year too much Ryan Adams? Well, for most general listeners, probably. But if you’re a fan, too much Adams is never enough.
[Previous entry: "Stones at Superbowl 40"] [Next entry: "High praise for Heart of Gold, new Neil Young concert film"] Search entries:
Copyright © Music
for Grown-Ups Ltd. 2005
www.musicforgrownups.co.uk
|
Have you seen
[Archives]
[Previous entry: "Stones at Superbowl 40"] [Next entry: "High praise for Heart of Gold, new Neil Young concert film"]
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Site design by watson press website design & authoring |
