The Americana and roots music authority

Ryan Adams "Ashes and Fire" - Take a first listen

Ryan Adams new record comes out on 10/11. NPR has it streaming here.

Take a listen and let us know what you think in the comments!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tommie Staccato on September 26, 2011 at 10:00am

First of all let me thank you for spreading the word; second : I'm buying , and I hope it'll be available worldwide the same day - this is Berlin writing; than : the Stones don't make 'em like that anymore, stopped many a year ago, Mick's Superheavy is a bore: Ryan and Willie and Keef did * Dead Flowers * some years ago - brilliant; than : Neil seems always to be sitting somewhere near- but that is no harm; and last : Now I'm really looking forward to the next Dylan Leblanc...but while waiting I'll stick to Ryan...!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark W. Lennon on September 26, 2011 at 10:48am

this is good stuff, thanks for the post! Could end up being my favorite since JCN!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by L A Johnson on September 26, 2011 at 2:41pm

Sounds in good voice, songs sound good - a bit wayward over the years but always worth a purchase .

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Craig Young on September 26, 2011 at 3:03pm

Thanks Kyla.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lyndon Norton on September 27, 2011 at 5:26am

I haven't finished the first song, and I already love it! It's a relief after the utter disapointment I felt upon first listen to the previous effort with the Cardinals, 3/4. Which I subsequently haven't listened to again. Did anyone else feel that with the last album? I know it was a stop gap/unreleased material thang, but still. Some of the other unreleased bootleg stuff is excellent! Like Idiots rule the world, that song gets me everytime!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lyndon Norton on September 27, 2011 at 5:41am

Ok had to post again! Thanks for this link! It's bringing tears to my eyes! It's like I've come home again. He's back on form (well the form that I like) with this one!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gretchen Gomolka on September 27, 2011 at 7:11am

Thanks so much Kyla! I am forcing my co-workers to listen with me right now. They always force me to listen to their pop stuff.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tommie Staccato on September 27, 2011 at 7:37am

this record will hit stores in Europe on the 7th of oct - and I have preordered my copy - definitely !!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Todd finch on September 27, 2011 at 12:44pm

Streamed it through 3 times now while at work and I honestly think it may be his best work since Heartbreaker. I'm a Ryan homer, I buy everything he puts out just because I feel compelled. And I suffered through his Dead phase for far too long. But he seems to have really benefitted from some serious editing, and perhaps his ear disease caused him to have to listen to his songs in a different way. I don't know. Also, Benmont Tench should get a double bill on this record because his keys and textures elevate Ryan's songs like nothing before. The keys are really reminiscient of the subtleties Benmont added to Jackopierce's major label debut on A&M back in 93, "Bringing on the Weather." I'm gonna hold off listening to the new Wilco, Dan Mangan, and Blind Pilot records I bought today and stream this one again. Wow.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jim Moulton on September 27, 2011 at 3:43pm

Kyla,

This is a really sweet listen, I loved the songs I listened to, so warm and touching. Sounds a bit retro with all of the reverb, but I really like it. Thanks for the Heads Up.

Jim

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris Mateer on September 28, 2011 at 9:38am

Two words come to mind when I think about Ryan Adams: prolific and inconsistent.

I really respect the fact that he puts it all out there each time, and when he's on- he's a songwriter and performer who deserves the hype. But at other times, it's hard to stay on board (Cardinals 3/4: Ugh...). Through it all, I just have to keep standing by the guy. I really love his work and some of his records are just simply essential alt-country mainstays.

I'm sure some will call this his best player since "Heartbreaker", but along with that record (which is still my favorite of his solo offerings post-Whiskeytown), I still really dig "Cold Roses" and "Jacksonville City Nights". I don't think this one tops "Heartbreaker", but I don't think it's trying to. Just because it's acoustic, comparing it only to "Heartbreaker", while overlooking some of his other work, would be a mistake. He's written some great songs throughout his prolific discography, and for me, "Ashes and Fire" will definitely sit well beside his other albums, and may even be considered another favorite. Wherever you stand on the man's Whiskeytown/ post-"Heartbreaker" records, "Ashes and Fire" is definitely a record worth at least checking out.

I also think checking him out on his solo-acoustic dates will be something special. Having seen Ryan over the years in many different incarnations and stylistic phases, his acoustic shows have always been my favorite. I am really looking forward to seeing him when he comes to the east coast.