Quick hits: September 20, 2005

In what's already been a relatively successful year, Ryan Adams (pictured above) & The Cardinals aren't quite finished yet...

When the name Ryan Adams comes up, two thoughts generally come to people's minds. On one hand, particularly if you're a fan, you think of the creative genius that's often unfairly portrayed by media and others, and then on the other hand you may see a vastly overrated singer/songwriter who's immature tirades make him an even less intriguing (or likeable) person. While it's hard to argue with those that despise him for those reasons, I think a lot of it has to do with Ryan Adams simply being incredibly driven and passionate to the point that it's hard for him not to take criticism of any kind personally. Either way, one can't help but notice that Ryan Adams with his semi-newly formed band The Cardinals have been on a roll. They released their double album Cold Roses earlier in the year (a full review of that album will be up shortly), and despite it's excessive length, it actually comes together exceptionally well, unlike many other double albums, an opinion shared by many other Adams fans and (shockingly) music critics. As if that wasn't enough, Adams and company have not one, but two more albums coming up, with the greatly anticipated and more country-oriented Jacksonville City Lights coming out next week and then 29 coming out sometime in November. The single for Jacksonville City Lights "The Hardest Part" was released a few weeks ago and is very reminiscent of Adams' earlier work with Whiskeytown, with its bittersweet lyrics and twangy guitar part. It's a return to his roots as it were, seeing that Adams has come full circle in going from country to incorporating an increasing number of rock cues into his work, a trend that appropriately peaked on the rollicking Rock 'N Roll. Since then, Adams has stripped away layers of bravado with his release of Love is Hell and now with the aforementioned Cold Roses and Jacksonville City Lights it seems that Ryan Adams is continuing on this trend. Jacksonville City Lights will also have guest artist Norah Jones on the track "Dear John," which should make for an intimate duet, and is also interesting considering Rachael Yamagata made a guest appearance on the title track and "Let It Ride" on the album Cold Roses. While I love Ryan Adams' appreciation and interpretations on 60's and 70's rock, Adams is such a talented songwriter, especially when it comes to writing introspective and sincere ballads, that it can hardly be seen as a "bad" move.
While tour dates have not been announced in support of the upcoming album, I would guess that there would be one in the works for the winter months, or possibly next year, as the band might still be recuperating from their relatively hectic and taxing summer tour. Either way, with three albums, and lots of press-- positive press at that-- Ryan Adams & The Cardinals are surely going to be one of the more popular names mentioned by the time the year's over.