While not much was heard from the notoriously prolific Ryan Adams in the year following his flurry of 2003 releases (ROCK N ROLL and the two LOVE IS HELL EPs), 2005's COLD ROSES indicates that the singer/songwriter was plenty busy. This double album finds Adams working with a new band, the Cardinals. Fans of Adams's former group Whiskeytown will welcome the sound of COLD ROSES, which roots itself in Neil Young-influenced folk-rock, and easy-going country-rock on the order of the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Eagles.
Like most of Adams's efforts, this album is polished, assured, and pleasurable, with strong songwriting at the fore throughout. The opener, "Magnolia Mountain," sets the tone--a warm, back-porch vibe tinged with melancholy and buoyed by Adams's emotive warble. Sometimes Adams downshifts to straight folk ("Rosebud"); at other times, he is more pop-minded ("Cherry Lane"), while mixing in simple, swaying melodies ("When Will You Come Back Home") and the occasional blues-based rocker ("Beautiful Sorta"). Despite the stylistic variations, COLD ROSES is extremely cohesive, and represents a welcome return to Adams's early sound.
Ryan Adams: Ryan Adams; Brad Pemberton (vocals, drums); J.P. Bowersock (guitar); Catherine Popper (bass guitar); Cindy Cashdollar.
Recording information: Loho Studios, New York, NY.
2cds. Guest:Rachel Yamagata. Single "Let It Ride"
Additional personnel: Rachael Yamagata.Rolling Stone (No. 975, p.74) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "At its best, COLD ROSES lives between the twin blooms of the Rolling Stone's "Dead Flowers" and the Grateful Dead's AMERICAN BEAUTY..." Spin (pp.102-105) - "Adams' tune-smithing has never been sweeter." - Grade: B+ Uncut (p.105) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[F]ull of encouraging hints the 30-year-old is feeling more comfortable in his own skin..." Mojo (Publisher) (p.102) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[T]he 18 songs here boast plenty of twanging harmonies and pedal steel whine, and the marked influence of his recent infatuation with the Grateful Dead."
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-Courtney Robinson Submitted by trout1975 (Ballston Spa, NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Ryan Adams' Return to Basics. After two albums and two E.P.'s of musical exploration where Ryan Adams sought to expand his musical lexicon, especially on his last full length album Rock and Roll, Adams' has returned to from whence he came. On Cold Roses Adam's returns to the straight up Alt-Country of his solo debut Heartbreaker.
This time around, gone is the brash and edgy, Country-punk of hid mid-twenties, and in is a wiser, more mature and refined musician. Musically, Adams' gives nods to artists such as The Allman Brothers Band and Steve Earle. The tunes are not as catchy as on Heartbreaker nor as accesible as Gold, but they are solid. The more you listen, the more you discover.
There is a bit of filler and, the truth be told, the album could have been edited down to just a single, exceptional disc. That is why I give it only 3 out of 5. But, the strong material warrants a 4 on its own. Submitted by bduhamel (Woodside, Queens, NY.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
alt-country at its best? I can't seem to get enough of this CD (these CD's). On the way to work, while I'm at work, on the way home, and throughout the rest of the day this latest Ryan Adams release is constantly spinning in my player. This could possibly be my personal pick for CD of the year.
Cold Roses has replaced Demolition as my favorite Ryan Adams record. For anyone who has heard of Ryan Adams and has mixed feelings about his music, I believe Cold Roses will change your mind for the better. Just get it. Today. Submitted by Tigerspy (Detroit, MI. USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Damn first song I just got this album and I can't make it past the first song. Not that the others are not excellent pieces, but Magnolia Mountain gets put on repeat in my CD player. I can't get it out of my head. Submitted by DM (Cincy, OH) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
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alt-country at its best?
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