Gold - Ryan Adams

In order to keep Timmy happy I'm opting for a more mainstream artist. In fact I don't believe 'Gold' is his best album but it's the album that brought him mainstream. Adams in my opinion the most talented singer songwriter in the last 15 years and certainly the most prolific (producing 3 albums in 2005). Came to prominence via an obscure alt country band called Whiskeytown who produced a beautiful record 'Stranger's Almanac' circa 98. 
Gold was released in 2001 with the single 'New York, New York' gaining widespread publicity as the music video featured Adams performing in front of the city's skyline four days before the Sept 11 attacks. The album had some great tunes that have subsequently featured in many American soaps and Rom Coms. The 'b' sides are even terrific but apart from 'Heartbreaker' released in 2000 which is his 'Blood on the Tracks' he failed to deliver a complete album. Without getting too philosophical, a album needs to have a consistent themes and deliver a story from start to finish. Adams more often than not delivered snippets littered throughout his albums. It's a shame he didn't sit back and think about the finished product in sayng that he's argue with the itunes generation you can make your own Ryan Adams album from his widespread catalog.
I've seen him many times, even back in Dublin. I think it was Vicar Street with the 'Good Wife'. Small crowd and it was pretty intimate. I was drinking Jack back then and brought a naggin in under my jacket. I sure Adams would approve :) Adams with his typical chip on his shoulder was having a go at Yoko Ono. Saw his again in Sydney and dragged Niamh and Chalks to the gig. He was two hours late, everyone was getting impatient. He arrived and started to hand out free beer to the audience. He played a rip roaring session only to be interrupted by a member of the audience asking him to play the 'summer of 1969'. Oh Ryan was not happy...well he should have used his given name 'David'. Such a nice name as well :)

Out today for a 10k tempo today. Ran with Tom, Enda & Barts. Body felt fine. I think the average pace was 3.33. Tom's blog will have more detail.

I've put two tunes up...New York, New York & Answering Bell