Ryan Adams "Gold" (2001)
I have to admit that my earlier prejudice against Adams (as per my
write-up for "Heartbreaker", day 902) was definitely unfounded. This
is another good album, this time in an alt-country vibe with more than a
few nods to the rootsy folky rock of The Band.
Adams had wanted to make it a double album but his record company cut
the last few songs and offered them up as a bonus disc on some versions
of the album. They would later refuse to release albums Adams had
recorded and tore 3-4 potential albums to pieces in order to put together the next album
they released... so much for artistic freedom.
"Gold" is at least a collection of songs that Adams wanted to present together. It opens with the peppy "New York, New York"
which got a lot of airplay after the September 11 attacks (which occurred just a few
days after Adams filmed his music video in front of the NY skyline).
"Answering Bell" sounded familiar to me, and "When the Stars go Blue"
is just lovely.
The last track "Goodnight, Hollywood Boulevard" seems
an appropriate closer with its piano and strings putting forward an 'end of night'
feel.
