RYAN ADAMS - EASY TIGER

I was introduced to Ryan by a friend in Las Vegas. He loved Whiskeytown (Ryan's first band), and through his appreciation, I developed a fascination with this talented and prolific songwriter. Though he's not one of those classically trained vocalists... there's a sincerity to his sound that reaches right into your soul. He's real and his voice often relaxes my heart when I'm feeling stressed or upset.

There's a thousand reasons why I bought this disc. One of which is the studio version of 'These Girls'. Previously thought to be titled, 'Hey There, Mrs. Lovely', this track circulated among collectors on various live recordings. I hate to admit it, but I find the original live takes far superior to the studio version. The lyrics seem to flow better.

Of course I intend to get all of Ryan's stuff at some point. I'm just working my way there. Most of what I own I've purchased used, but this one I bought brand new.

The first song, 'Goodnight Rose' is somewhat out of place with the rest of the disc. It's my least favorite cut. However, 'Two' comes in right after and restores my faith in Ryan's talents. "It takes two when it used to take one..." Such amazing lyrics. 'Halloweenhead' is awesome and fits perfectly after 'Everybody Knows'. I love the track. What an interesting idea. I could easily go through this entire disc and discuss the songs one by one, but there's too much to say. For an artist as prolific as Ryan (his output rivals even Prince), it's amazing how many songs are excellent quality.

My stand out favorites are 'Two', 'Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.', 'The Sun Also Sets', 'Rip Off', 'Two Hearts' and 'These Girls'. In the end you have another Ryan Adams classic release.

If you've never heard of him or listened to other alternative country artists, do yourself a huge favor and look him up. Whether you're listening to him sitting on a covered porch smoking weed in a rainstorm, or driving down the interstate through Las Vegas in a pickup truck he'll have you tapping your feet and singing along at the top of your lungs. It's all about connecting to something real; and this American songwriter is all about writing what's real. My final word: SATISFYING.

RYAN ADAMS - EASY TIGER
01. Goodnight Rose
02. Two
03. Everybody Knows
04. Halloweenhead
05. Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
06. Tears Of Gold
07. The Sun Also Sets
08. Off Broadway
09. Pearls On A String
10. Rip Off
11. Two Hearts
12. These Girls
13. I Taught Myself How To Grow Old