Ryan Adams

With Ryan Adams' latest album, Easy Tiger, he picks up right where he left off with 2005's Jacksonville City Nights, his second album with The Cardinals, and arguably his best since his solo debut in 2000. Easy Tiger is Ryan and the band at their best, mixing just enough rock, just enough bluegrass / country, and just enough 'average joe' lyricism to put a smile on your face. The album contrasts plugged-in, guitar driven rockers nicely with stripped-down, acoustic melodies. "Haloweenhead" is reminiscent of "Do Miss America" and a few other of the better tracks on Rock N Roll--a textbook rock song, with a crunching riff and a short but tasty guitar solo. "Oh my God, Whatever, Etc," which barely clocks in at over two and a half minutes, is a beautiful arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, and vocals. The song, like many of Ryan's best, is a simple vignette focusing on personal, specific details that carry over easily into out own lives. Adams is still cranking the albums out like ipod Nanos, but luckily quality has not been sacrificed for quality. Easy Tiger doesn't quite match up to Cold Roses or Jacksonville City Nights in terms of the overall mood it creates, but it is one of his strongest releases as well as a pleasant reminder that the Ryan Adams vault is still full (and may even be gaining some interest).

The Report Card
Vocals: A (30%)
Lyrics: B (30%)
Instruments: B+ (30%)
Album art/Packaging: C (10%)
Easy Tiger: B+

Buy Easy Tiger for under 10 bucs

Listen to "Halloweenhead" (4/5)
Listen to "Oh my God, Whatever, Etc." (4/5)