Ryan Adams: A Retrospective

In anticipation of his new album Ashes and Fire, I want to take a look back at some of my favorite records from the greatest songwriter of this generation, Ryan Adams.  After leaving Whiskeytown, his seminal alt-country band, Adams released his first solo record, Heartbreaker, a boozy take on love and heartbreak that signaled his immense talent as a songwriter.  After Heartbreaker, Adams released his best selling album, Gold.   Gold was a progression of styles and included two of my favorite Adams' tracks, "Answering Bell" and "La Cienega Just Smiled."

Another favorite record is Adams' first effort with his backing band The Cardinals, the double album Cold Roses.  Adams' work with The Cardinals is some of the finest of his career and this album is a great introduction to their work together.  Favorite tracks on this record include "How Do You Keep Love Alive,"  "Let It Ride," and "If I am a Stranger."

In 2007, Adams released his first solo effort since 2004 with Easy Tiger.  This album was a welcomed success and his most focused and complete record since Gold.  Standouts include "Halloweenhead,"  "Two," and "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old."

Check back in a couple of weeks when I will do an in depth review of Ryan Adams' new album Ashes and Fire.