"Cold Roses" - Ryan Adams - A Review...

“I want as many pieces of art to get out to as many people as will have them,” he said. “It’s not about how many people. It’s about how many songs.” -Ryan Adams

Before writing this review, I have to be honest with you. I am a large Ryan Adams fan. Huge. 6'5" and two hundred and ninety pounds worth. I've pretty much loved everything he's ever done from his classis debut "Heartbreaker" to last years "Love is Hell" EP's. I hear many critics speak of how he could really benefit from a producer to whittle down his musical output and help him focus on a shorter album, (all his releases are usually marathons to sit through in the best possible sense). I can understand this criticism, but as a diehard fan I hope he never takes anyone up on this advice. Mr. Adams puts out a lot of music to be sure (this year he's releasing three full length records), but most of it is quality, very little filler. His new release "Cold Roses" continues this trend. "Cold Roses" is a two disc set that was recorded in New York with Ryans new backing band "The Cardinals" consisting of guitarists J.P. Bowersock, pedal steel player Cindy Cashdollar (formerly of Asleep at The Wheel), drummer Brad Pemberton, and bassist Catherine Popper. Cold Roses finds Ryan Adams returning to the sound of his first two records "Heartbreaker" and "Gold" and he really sounds excited to be making this type of music again. It's a welcome return for the listener as well. Mr. Adams strength has always been in his alt-country roots, more like the Jayhawks than say, Wilco. This album is the most listenable he's ever made with such strong melodies and great musicians backing him. You can also hear the lack of overproduction that was the one criticism I had of his album "Gold". None of these songs have been stripped of their character. At times, his voice sounds so tender as if at the verge of cracking, and only adds to the atmosphere of the record. It's as if the songs were recorded on the second or third take at times. While not quite as "live" as last years "Rock & Roll" sounded, it retains that spark. The standout tracks are difficult to pick. It's seriously that good of an album. "Let It Ride" is a great traditional country song with it's theme of a down on his luck rambler/gambler and perfect with it's obligatory pedal steel work, "Mockingbird" sounds epic at times and ebbs and flows as an epic should, "Easy Plateau" is a breezy little tune with great guitar work. There's a great mix of soft acoustic numbers, some rockers, some old fashioned country and generally something for everyone. This is easily the most mature record Ryan Adams has recorded to this point, and I for one can't wait to see what the other two releases hold in store this year. If they're even half as good as this record is, music fans should rejoice. This is his second masterpiece in my opinion, (the other being "Heartbreaker"). 5

1 = Don't purchase in the $1.00 bin at your used record store. Avoid like a plague.
2 = Only if you're desperate for new music. You need it like a hole in the head.
3 = An okay buy, probably just download the tracks you want from I-Tunes.
4 = Buy new the next time you're out and about. A fully satisfying record.
5 = Masterpiece, run and buy today!

Review from MSNBC

MSNBC Review

Official Website

ryan-adams.com