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HEARTBREAKER
Ryan Adams
(Bloodshot)
Opening a record with an argument about Morrissey's back-catalogue might not seem like the best way to rope in listeners, but it works like a charm on this solo debut from Whiskeytown frontman Ryan Adams.
Actually, the studio snippet in question, featuring Adams and guitarist David Rawlings debating whether Moz's Suedehead was first featured on Viva Hate or Bona Drag, gets heated enough that the pair agree to a $5 bet.
Five bucks richer, Adams then ambles off on a 50-minute mood swing that is equal parts The Smiths and Steve Earle.
To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High) echoes the brash tunefulness of The Stones circa High Tide And Green Grass, all bright hooks and bad attitude, but the disc ultimately gives way to darker spaces. As with Whiskeytown, behind Adams' impish charm is an almost paralyzing sense of fear and loathing, and the two elements are most effective when cast in the same song (Come Pick Me Up, Why Do They Leave, the stunning lump-in-throat lilt of Sweet Lil Gal). Listen for turns by Emmylou Harris and singer-songwriter Gillian Welch.
Adams plays the Horseshoe Tuesday night.
Track Listing
1.(Argument With David Rawlings Concerning Morrissey)
02.To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)
03.My Winding Wheel
04.Amy
05.Oh My Sweet Carolina
06.Bartering Lines
07.Call Me On Your Way Back Home
08.Damn, Sam (I Love A Woman That Rains)
09.Come Pick Me Up
10.To Be The One
11.Why Do They Leave?
12.Shakedown On 9th Street
13.Don't Ask For The Water
14.In My Time Of Need
15.Sweet Lil Gal (23rd/1st)