Just a quick thought from me about Ryan’s gig in York on Friday, something which I think might interest those who haven’t been able to see him recently - maybe even since he split with the Cardinals. 

I’ve seen Ryan five times now - three times with the Cardinals and twice by himself. I honestly think that Friday’s gig was the first time that Ryan has looked relaxed and happy, and not like he was about to leave music forever. 

The first time, in Manchester, June 2007, Ryan had broken his arm, and remained seated throughout. He barely spoke to the crowd. The second time, in November 2007, also in Manchester, Ryan, in retrospect, seemed ill and unhappy. The third time, (Leeds October 2008), while musically one of the best gigs I’ve ever seen, there was a definite schism between Ryan and the rest of his band. Of course, shortly after they parted ways, and also, we heard details of Ryan’s illness, something which, looking back, was more and more evident. 

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed all three gigs, especially the Leeds one, which was a huge turning point for me personally for a number of reasons. But there was always a sense of the band and Ryan careering towards imminent break up, and you were never quite sure whether you would ever get to see them again. When Ryan announced he was taking a break from music, I was sad but thought how lucky I’d been to see such a great band three times. 

In June, Ryan played Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. It was good, but Ryan seemed nervous and overly anxious about it. This wasn’t helped by the two very drunk people who kept shouting obnoxious things at him (one of them was eventually removed from the hall - thank god). I felt like Ryan was only just getting used to being solo again. 

But on Friday, Ryan seemed to have found his groove. He didn’t seem nervous, he laughed and joked and sang stupid songs about the audience, and he wandered around the stage completely owning it. He had three tiers of a sold out Opera House eating out of his hand. He could have played for twice as long as his 2 1/4 hour set, and we would have all still being sitting there waiting for more. 

I honestly think that Ryan will continue to play by himself, happy and relaxed and showcasing his talent. I think it’s great, because I did think we’d lost him live, but after Friday I hope that he will keep playing and touring - and if he does, please do go - he’ll be great. 

01. Oh My Sweet Carolina
02. Ashes & Fire
03. Now That You’re Gone
04. Dirty Rain
05. Winding Wheel
06. Sweet Lil Gal (23rd/1st)
07. Firecracker
08. Invisible Riverside
09. Evergreen
10. Everybody Knows
11. Lucky Now
12. Two
13. Crossed Out Name
14. Please Do Not Let Me Go
15. Do I Wait
16. New York, New York
17. The End
18. Chains Of Love

Encore
19. Withering Heights
20. When Will You Come Back Home
21. Avenues
22. 16 Days
23. Jacksonville Skyline
24. Come Pick Me Up

rockingliketwoolddrunkards: SA400289.JPG (by paulcapewell)

The article on the right is about Edith Piaf if you’re wondering. The lyrics on here are from Halloween, which I definitely remember hearing then for the first time and liking. 

My journal page from after the gig. The lyrics on the purple paper are from Starlite Diner. 

So it occurred to me that yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of Sam and I meeting in person, and since it was at a Ryan gig I thought I’d write about it. We were talking about it just this past weekend, actually. We saw Ryan & Cards three times - June 2007, November 2007 and October 2008. My favourite was 2008 I think. In June 2007 Ryan had broken his arm and was the King of Emo as far as I recall. He just sat on a stool and glowered. At that point I wasn’t familiar enough with Cardinals for them to make up for it, either. But it was a good gig (for me, even a bad Ryan gig is better than 90% of other gigs). Sam and I can both be quite shy and we didn’t say much to each other. Mr Rebs asked me the following day if I liked her and I said “Yeah, but I don’t think we’ll see each other again”. Them’s famous last words. She’s family now. 

Sam might have a setlist kicking about somewhere - I know she took it down for at least one of the gigs we were at. 

Ryan brings lots of good things into my life, but top of the list is Sam, beautiful lovely funny sarcastic Sam. Second on the list is Laura, who is who started the Ryan love off in the first place… 

Neal signed my book after the gig in Manchester last week. I said, “I hope you’re not sick of signing these” and he said, “No, it’s great, they’ve only been out a couple months!”, and then I said “We [being me and Sam] were so sorry to hear about Chris… I hope you’re not sick of hearing that…?” and he said “Definitely not! It’s good to hear that, it’s so appreciated, I’ll never get sick of hearing that!” which is very sweet. He’s a lovely, lovely person. 

Wooo! Sam and I already have tickets to see Neal in Manchester but I just saw on Facebook that Jon will be joining him! Awesome!

It’s here, but it mostly says this:

Folks “over there” (UK and Europe), I’m doing a bunch of shows with a couple of old and dear friends. If you’re nearby, please come, have a listen, buy some records and don’t forget to say hi!

First up, I’ll be jamming some pedal steel and maybe a little acoustic guitar with Harper Simon who I’ve know for like, ever. And as an extra bonus, I get a chance to play the songs on Harper’s self-titled album… which I’m completely in obsessed with. The lovely and talented Chapin Sisters will also be there!

http://harpersimon.com
http://www.myspace.com/harpersimon

Then I leave the pedal steel behind, grab my acoustic guitar and hightail it back to the UK to hook up with Neal Casal; songbird, bandmate, surferdude, and one of my best pals in the whole wide world… can ya dig it?

http://www.nealcasal.com
http://www.myspace.com/nealcasal

Do check Neal out if you have the chance, he plays very sweet and mellow music. 

girlb:

Still, life in the back seat

Wales, 2008

Ryan Adams, Austin City Limits (2004) (via saboteur1804)

Ryan Adams @ Battery Park (4/7/2003) (via MARC IS MY HERO!)