2008 Woodie Awards
My take on the tune
A music review
Kevin Eagan
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: A&E
n the music industry, it always seems like there are those musicians who operate as mythic characters, creating a "style" that seems even larger than the music itself. Ryan Adams, for example, has always operated as the lovable slacker who may need some guidance, but otherwise does whatever he wants.
Despite the persona created of Ryan Adams, his music always shines. And because of his excellent music, he has become the icon for a style often termed as alternative country. Although Adams' sound is so unique, it's hard to term him as anything other than just Ryan Adams.
Adams released his ninth studio album, titled "Easy Tiger," earlier this year, and it was easily his most complete studio album since 2001's "Gold," the album that sparked the commercial success of his career.
Coming off of the critical success of "Easy Tiger," Adams has spent most of 2007 touring with his backing band, The Cardinals, and all indications show Adams has finally found his creative edge. And in the middle of it all, Adams comes out with the "Follow the Lights" EP, a small collection of songs that really only introduces two new songs, but is nonetheless an excellent collection of music for both fans and those new to Adams' signature sound.
Clocking in at barely 30 minutes, "Follow the Lights" is a collection of songs fans have heard before in Adams' live concerts or on previous releases. But "Follow the Lights" is the second album released as Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, a distinction that purposely includes the band that has backed up Adams for several years now. Their last album, 2005's double disc "Stone Roses," was a much more complete work of music.
The fact that Adams has added The Cardinals to the album's artist title shows he is trying to distinguish these songs from his solo career, a distinction we may see more often from now on.
The first two tracks on "Follow the Lights" ("Follow the Lights" and "My Love For You is Real") are the two songs which stand out the most, since they are the two original songs on the album. That said, Adams does not disappoint on the other songs. In fact, the music is strong enough as is, and is perfect for fans who aren't as avid about collecting b-sides and rare tracks.
Despite the persona created of Ryan Adams, his music always shines. And because of his excellent music, he has become the icon for a style often termed as alternative country. Although Adams' sound is so unique, it's hard to term him as anything other than just Ryan Adams.
Adams released his ninth studio album, titled "Easy Tiger," earlier this year, and it was easily his most complete studio album since 2001's "Gold," the album that sparked the commercial success of his career.
Coming off of the critical success of "Easy Tiger," Adams has spent most of 2007 touring with his backing band, The Cardinals, and all indications show Adams has finally found his creative edge. And in the middle of it all, Adams comes out with the "Follow the Lights" EP, a small collection of songs that really only introduces two new songs, but is nonetheless an excellent collection of music for both fans and those new to Adams' signature sound.
Clocking in at barely 30 minutes, "Follow the Lights" is a collection of songs fans have heard before in Adams' live concerts or on previous releases. But "Follow the Lights" is the second album released as Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, a distinction that purposely includes the band that has backed up Adams for several years now. Their last album, 2005's double disc "Stone Roses," was a much more complete work of music.
The fact that Adams has added The Cardinals to the album's artist title shows he is trying to distinguish these songs from his solo career, a distinction we may see more often from now on.
The first two tracks on "Follow the Lights" ("Follow the Lights" and "My Love For You is Real") are the two songs which stand out the most, since they are the two original songs on the album. That said, Adams does not disappoint on the other songs. In fact, the music is strong enough as is, and is perfect for fans who aren't as avid about collecting b-sides and rare tracks.
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