Bobby B's 50 Albums Of The Decade (#20-16)

For ramblings on how I came to compile this list go here. And for commentary on previous selections: [#50-46] [#45-41] [#40-36] [#35-31] [#30-26] [#25-21]

20. Gang Of Losers - The Dears (2006)

The first time I ever saw Murray Lightburn, his band The Dears was opening for Sloan and he was wearing a t-shirt with the words PROGRESSIVE ROCK sprawled across it for all to see. Right away, I knew I'd like the guy! After that, it admittedly took a bit of time, but since then, The Dears blend of epic musical adventure and sweetly downtrodden lyrics have continued to reel me in with each subsequent release. On Gang of Losers, the grandiosity and orchestral flourishes were toned down in favor of tighter arrangements and a little bit more immediacy, but nowhere has the band sounded like they were more in charge of their sound than on here, despite all of the personal turmoil between band members that may have been taking place behind the scenes. Furthermore, the album is just so beautiful, and Murray's vocals really speak to me on this one. Knowing that he and Natalia had just given birth to their child at the time of Ticket To Immortality makes the line "the world is really gonna love you" ever more touching, as I relate it to the birth of my nephews whenever I hear it. And then there's that title track. I think that you have to be deeply and madly in love with your best friend to be touched by that song in a complete sense, and the longer you've been with that person and the more you've accomplished together as a team just makes it all the more powerful. My wife and I have been together for over 13 years now and we've adopted that song as our own (Gang of Losers? so, you think we might have some self-esteem issues?) and lyrics like "you and I are on the outside of almost everything" and "we have the same heart" cause me to well up almost every time because there truly is nothing more precious than being on a team against the world with a perfect soulmate. (OK, you guys gagging a little bit yet? Sorry, professional music journalism shall commence now...) [Myspace: The Dears]

19. The Crane Wife - The Decemberists (2006)

I don't know how Colin Meloy manages to combine pretentiously bookish lyricism with such down-to-earth amicable charm, but I just can't seem to get enough of it. He's the ultimate geek, shamelessly showcasing styles and sounds that are as decidedly uncool as it gets, which was a risky yet admirable move for a band that had just "graduated" to the major labels. From the three part out of sequence title track that is based on a Japanese folk tale to the sprawling 11 minute prog rock opus The Island, a song which would not be out of place if it were a segment of Jethro Tull's Thick As A Brick, the band certainly was not bent on catering to popular opinion and the fact that they do so unapologetically is very compelling. When I listen to this album, it feels as if they're truly into what they're doing and it doesn't come across as alienation for alienation's sake. In fact, to me, the album isn't alienating at all. It's still very easy to listen to and full of hooks and melodies that help make the album simultaneously accessible and challenging. I'm also madly in love with the closing track Sons And Daughters, which boasts a singalong chorus that is pure delight when experienced in a live setting. [Myspace: The Decemberists]

18. I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning - Bright Eyes (2005)

Despite the fact that Bright Eyes places fairly high on my list on two occasions, (yes, you will be seeing them again) I wouldn't necessarily refer to myself as a huge Conor Oberst fan. His early material (circa 95-98) can be incredibly hit and miss, and at times he can be irritating (Digital Ash In A Digital Urn) and downright boring (Cassadaga) but when he gets it right, my goodness, is it ever good! If Oberst could maintain the consistency of this album throughout the course of his career, than the Dylan comparisons would be completely justified, since this album showcases some very poignant lyrics. "In this endless race for property and privilege to be won, we must run" Whew! Also, on some of his other albums, there are moments where his brand of angst seems a tad contrived, whereas on this album, it all comes across as genuine (even if, technically, it may not be.) Lua, for example, is an amazing song, where Oberst tones down his trademark quiver in favor of a subtle hush that sucks you in as you strain your ears not to miss a breath. It's in those moments that, try as I might, I cannot avoid getting the old 'chills down the spine' feel. The same can be said for Landlocked Blues, the duet with Emmylou Harris, who has apparently shared a moment with everyone on my list (see pick #30 and 41). The album ends most triumphantly with Road To Joy, which is certainly not the first song to rip off Beethoven's Ode To Joy, but never has it been done with such swirling guitared, epic sounding bravado. [Myspace: Bright Eyes]

17. Let's Get Out Of This Country - Camera Obscura (2006)

I love the way that this album makes me feel. It is a study in contrasts how the lyricism of Camera Obscura can seem so downtrodden and somber on paper, yet sound so uplifting and inspirational in my headphones. There's something about their Scottish approach to the sounds of twee, coupled with their knack for creating syrupy sweet sounding 60's inspired pop that makes me want to shuffle my feel to their music, even if Tracyanne Campbell is on the verge of crying while these songs are being belted out. This is an example of an album where the band doesn't take too many risks, but the ones that they do take sound as if they were tried and tested first so as to guarantee success. The heavy chamber pop organs, for example, that overtake songs such as Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken and Tears For Affairs would be a bit cheesy in less calculated hands, but here they also add a necessary frivolity to the proceedings. And then there's Dory Previn, its weepy vocal being one of the most subdued, yet beautiful vocals I've ever heard. [Myspace: Camera Obscura]

16. Love Is Hell - Ryan Adams (2004)

It's funny but, although I obviously knew that I loved Ryan Adams, it didn't occur to me just how much I loved him until I started compiling this list. With three albums making the final cut (see #50 & 30) he is easily the one who is represented the most, and I swear that I did not initially plan it that way. However, when an artist releases more albums than anyone else, I suppose the odds are mathematically stacked in his favor, and it works the other way too, in the sense that there's also a handful of Adams albums that had no chance at making the final cut. Still, of all of his works, this one is my favorite and, not surprisingly, this is probably his most solemn release of them all. In fact, at first, Lost Highway didn't even want to release it as it was deemed too dark to be commercially viable, and he offered to release the sub-par Rock 'n Roll album instead. But when the compromising 2 EP's went on to actually be somewhat successful, the label conceded and the album was re-released as a full length. The album is just chock-full of delightfully damaged ditties, the best of which are This House Is Not For Sale, Anybody Want To Take Me Home and English Girls Approximately, all of which highlight some of Adams favorite themes, namely heartbreak and heartache. As far as I'm concerned, this one is a classic that should not be judged based on a brutal Pitchfork review, nor by its throwaway Oasis cover (which, incidentally is still a little bit better than the original.) [Myspace: Ryan Adams]

Tomorrow: Bobby B's 50 Albums Of The Decade (#15-11)

Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#30-26)

For ramblings on how I came to compile this list go here. And for commentary on previous selections: [#50-46] [#45-41] [#40-36] [#35-31]

30. Heartbreaker - Ryan Adams (2000)

The argument that most of the world's greatest art is derived from sadness is one that I've always worked hard to refute, but a guy like Ryan Adams doesn't make it easy for me to do so. It doesn't get much sadder than his solo debut, which apparently was inspired by the ending of a romantic relationship. Obviously this is not exactly uncharted territory in the world of (real) country music, but Adams leaves no misplaced notions that the feelings portrayed here are anything but genuine. I love the album's deceiving opening, where it begins with a hilarious interchange between him and David Rawlings about whether or not Morrissey's Suedehead is on the album Viva Hate (it is), before lunging into an upbeat rockabilly number called To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High). From that point on though, Adams plays some of the most melancholy music I've ever heard. Oh My Sweet Carolina is a homesick ballad featuring the always beautiful vocals of Emmylou Harris. You may be able to remain composed during Bartering Lines or Damn Sam (I Love A Woman That Rains) but by the time Come Pick Me Up comes along on the playlist, you might as well just set aside the foolish machismo for awhile and let the waterworks flow, because this is an artist that was not put in the recording studio for our foolish amusement. [Myspace: Ryan Adams]

29. Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes - TV On The Radio (2004)

TVOTR is a band that has been very consistent throughout this decade as all three of their studio albums were considered quite seriously for inclusion on this list. When I listened to them all through more recently though, it was this 2004 (studio) debut that had to be the winner since it's the original in terms of them solidifying an avant garde sound that is currently beyond comparison. For me, TVOTR is basically a genre unto themselves. When I want to listen to psych rock for example, there are many artists, old and new, that I could go to. The same goes for folk music, and pop music. But when I'm in the mood for TVOTR music, only TVOTR will do. The harmonies and swirling vocalizations of Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone take bizarre doo-wop sonics to another level, while the music itself takes the standard bass, guitars and drum approach and layers it to a point where it becomes a grand looping orchestra. And the acapella groove of Ambulance hits me in a clouds parting, heavens opening sort of way. There's no doubt that they'll continue to be one of my 'purchase without needing to hear first' bands, since their consistency is now an established fact, as far as I'm concerned. [Myspace: TV On The Radio]

28. Cryptograms - Deerhunter (2007)

While last year's Microcastle and subsequent tour established to us all that Bradford Cox has gotten most of the weird out of his system, I'm eternally grateful that he managed to get this psych rock experience out to the masses beforehand. His more streamlined sound of today is still amazing as he continues to break down boundaries with his unique and original vision, but in terms of artistry and special experiences, nothing can compare with the sonic achievement of Cryptograms. I love the album's schizophrenic approach with the songs alternating between heady rockier, almost straightforward numbers and disjointed soundscapes that make the spaces inbetween the songs crucial to the album's overall tone. The fact that the album was recorded at two different sessions actually works in its favor as this enables it to serve as a document of growth from a confused disheveled beginning to a more focused yet eclectic conclusion. [Myspace: Deerhunter]

27. Fox Confessor Brings The Flood - Neko Case (2006)

There are many reasons why Neko's Fox Confessor... album is one the best of the decade. For one, there is the unique structuring of the songs as they deliberately steer clear from anything overly conventional while still borrowing heavily from the pioneers of the past. There is also the strength that is to be found in the lyrical aspect of the album. Lines such as "The night I fell into the lion’s jaws /To my regret /And your delight /Those teeth themselves could not divine /Nor their pressure estimate /The haze I wish to never break /And to never contemplate" are stacked with unusually stark imagery. But let's be honest, the main reason she's here is that voice! That unparalleled, powerfully sultry voice is such that one can't help but be a slave to its charms. Nowhere is this more obvious than when she belts out the title to That Teenage Feeling, where that intoxicating vocal presence of hers takes me back, not to my own teens, but to the pre-adult years of generations past with a classic feel that epitomizes a time that is often categorized as innocent, even though Case's homage makes it clear that such was not always the case. [Myspace: Neko Case]

26. Let It Die - Feist (2004)

And while we're on the topic of unparalleled vocalists, is it any surprise that Leslie Feist has gone on to become the household name that we all knew she should be? Well, I guess the true answer to that question is actually 'yes' since although she's discovered the pot of gold, so to speak, there are many other equally deserving artists who have not. And it's true that her current popularity has spawned a crapload of imitators but even more tragic is the fact that artists who have been doing this longer than she has are now in danger of being accused of imitating her as well, since she has opened a path that many are now free to follow. Wow, what was supposed to be praise for her album is now sounding like a rant, but let me apologize by saying that Let It Die deserves it all. What's interesting is the fact that, although I like the popular Mushaboom song, as well as the popular Bee Gees cover (Inside and Out), one of my favorite songs is actually the cover of Françoise Hardy's L'Amour ne dure pas toujours simply because, for me, that song encapsulates all that I find endearing about Feist's whole persona. She's certainly got an air of mystery about her, that certain twinkle in her eye if you will, but she also seems completely down to Earth and approachable as well, and both of those sides shine throughout the course of this album. [Myspace: Feist]

Tomorrow: Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#25-21)

Bobby B's 50 Albums Of The Decade (#50-46)

After spending several hours and TTC rides with my iPod revisiting literally hundreds of albums spawned from the decade that began at the turn of the century, I managed to whittle down a pretty extensive list to a mere 50 choices. These are not the best albums of the decade, these are simply the ones that have spent the most time in my headphones. And I rambled enough about that here, so let's just get on with the list:

50. Gold - Ryan Adams (2001)

There are many that will argue that Ryan's post Whiskeytown output simply does not measure up, but I think the man's brilliance is unrivaled to the point of actually being a bit freaky. Admittedly, prior to his current hiatus, a strong argument could be made for the fact that the man could use a bit of discretion. He has, after all, released ten albums this decade, and that's not including various EP's and unreleased projects. But the fact that he makes more appearances on my list than anyone else shows that it's very rare that his overindulgence results in throwaway mediocrity. Like most of his albums, Gold may be three or four songs too long, but even the lesser songs may simply be a case of too much all at once, as opposed to actually being not that good. The album is a great example of keeping things relatively varied, sporting some straight ahead rockers and other mellower moments, the best of which is the stunning La Cienega Just Smiled and the epic Nobody Girl, which was co-written with Ethan Johns. [Myspace: Ryan Adams]

49. Everything I've Forgotten To Forget - Amos the Transparent (2007)

Everybody knows by now how much I love this Ottawa band, but you may be surprised to learn that this album did not actually make my top 10 for 2007. Like most great albums, this one is a grower. Many of the tracks are instantly likable, like After All That, It's Come To This (with Amy Millan) and the upbeat pop of It's A Beautiful Life. But to fully gain the greatest benefit from this album, one really needs to experience Amos The Transparent in a live setting. Songs like (Here's To) New Beginnings, The Stale Scent Of Old Beer and Title Track take on a new life after seeing them live, and if given the right exposure, those songs have the potential to be true Canadian anthems. The band is still resting comfortably below the radar, but hopefully the decade ahead will see Amos The Transparent sink into the national consciousness with greater success. [Myspace: Amos The Transparent]

48. Writer's Block - Peter Bjorn And John (2006)

For many in the blogosphere, this decade awakened people to the fact that the Swedes can craft a pretty wicked pop song like nobody else. Peter Bjorn and John's third album saw them putting aside some of the heavier power pop stylings of their first two albums, to make way for songs that are more on the twee side of the fence, and doing so with great success. Their signature song Young Folks, boosted by the sweetly saccharine vocals of Victoria Bergsman, is easily one of the best pop songs that I've ever heard, and, for once, the public actually agreed. Although the song's appearance in various commercials and TV shows made it the runaway hit of '06, it wasn't the only great song on the album. Objects Of My Affection and Let's Call It Off are equally as accessible and toe tapping. [Myspace: Peter Bjorn and John]

47. Never Hear The End Of It - Sloan (2006)

Just barely squeezing into my top 30 of 2006, Sloan's 8th album is one that I've been revisiting on a regular basis over the last couple of years, and I'm actually as surprised as anyone that it made the final cut of this list. Personally I find that the songs on this album do not work as well when played on their own, meaning that the album's brilliance really shines through when played as a whole. The fact is, that it's just such an infectious album and their best since 1996's One Chord To Another. What has understandably scared away some people is that the album contains 30 songs, and some people are afraid of commitment. However, if you put forth just a tiny bit of effort, you'll see that the album flows so seamlessly with an Abbey Road Side Two abandon that it actually contains less filler than their two albums previous and the one that followed it. It also contains one of Chris Murphy's greatest compositions (the McCartney-esque Fading Into Obscurity) one of Andrew Scott's best (I Know You), a whole slew of great Jay Ferguson moments and Patrick Pentland's most punk rock moment ever (HFXNSHC). The Brits may have their fair share of fab four worshipers, but Oasis can only dream of releasing an album as Beatle-esque as this. [Myspace: Sloan]

46. Left And Leaving - The Weakerthans (2000)

Nobody with half a brain would ever question John K Samson's poetic songwriting abilities, but never before has that been more apparent than on this classic release from 2000. Besides containing one of my favorite songs, not just of the decade, but of all time, Aside, the album continues to age extremely well. The line "I'm leaning on this broken fence between past and present tense" is highly appropriate since the album has the ability to speak to me in different ways as each year goes by and circumstances change in my life. While it's true that this album was released at the height of the whole emo thing, Samson's lyrics really stood out in the sense that I never felt he was trying to be overtly preachy, pounding my ears with an iron fist, so to speak. He was also not the sort to wallow in his own self pity, screaming his lungs out at the fact that he's the most misundertood teenager in Winnepeg . No, the music on this CD is simply a poetic declaration of his thoughts, emotions and feelings sounding less like a protest song, and more like a person's highly articulate diary. [Myspace: The Weakerthans]

Tomorrow: Bobby B's 50 Albums of the Decade (#45 - 41)

Andre Ethier- Born Of Blue Fog

Last year my tardiness caused me to miss out on including Andre Ethier's On Blue Fog in my 2007 year end best of, even though it would have definitely been there had I heard the album when I should have. Well wash, rinse and repeat, it look like I've done the same thing again this year. Andre Ethier's sequel to that brilliant album is entitled Born Of Blue Fog and it was released late last year to such little fanfare that I once again heard about it too late. And just like it's predecessor, it definitely would have made my top 10 of 2008 had I been more on the proverbial ball, so to speak.

Born Of Blue Fog takes all of the elements that made the last album so great, namely the grand acoustic versatility of the song arrangements and his highly literate lyrical depth, and just simply makes it better. The Only Wine I Crave opens the album with a classical sound that dips into the progressive pool ever so slightly with its inclusion of mandolin, moog and vibraphone. Andre's voice is dark and brooding on this one, creating an aire of the renaissance. The tenor sax on Easiest Game is a welcome surprise. I used to joke around about the fact that many sax players must of went on unemployment once the 80's ended, but here Ethier shows how to put them to good use on a song that borrows once again from bands like Traffic and Supertramp, but in a way that sounds way cooler than my description would lead you to believe. The string arrangement on By The Stables is chilling, with a sound that is very baroque symphonic and segues nicely into the next blusier number Infant King. Black Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair features only Ethier's emotive bassy vocals and his acoustic guitar. This is a traditional number that is so hauntingly beautiful that it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. Heaven Above You reminds me of classic JJ Cale, with the vocals being nicely accompanied by a classic Wurlitzer sound. Polynesian Branch takes all of the aforementioned elements and combines them together, serving as a tasty appetizer to what follows, the laugh-out-loud funny Cop Killer. Despite the seemingly angry title, this is easily the most upbeat song on the album which sees Andre harnessing his inner Lou Reed and delivering lines about his girl "really knowing her way around a badge" with an effortless coolness. Y'know, the way Lou Reed does. The album ends with Can't Go Back Again, a subtle acoustic number worthy of all of the Dylan comparisons that has been heaped upon Ethier over the last couple of years. This is true both in the lyrical depth and in the mild delivery.

From what I understand, this album is only part two of the trilogy, with a third album already being prepared for public consumption. I'm going to keep my eyes and ears peeled for this one so that I can pick it up on time to be included on whatever list it will undoubtedly deserve to be on.

This album is a must-have, as far as I'm concerned. It is available on the Blue Fog Recording Label which distributes its music through Sonic Unyon.

Myspace: Andre Ethier
Download: By The Stables mp3


Other stuff: Soundscapes has a couple of really cool in-stores coming up. Timber Timbre are there tomorrow, that's January 15th at 7pm and Bruce Peninsula are going to be there on Wednesday February 4th, also at 7pm. [Myspaces: Timber Timbre, Bruce Peninsula]

Hamilton singer-songwriter Jacob Moon just recorded an amazing video for his outstanding cover of Rush's Subdivisions on the rooftop of the Staircase Theatre. It has to be seen to be believed. Outstanding. [Myspace: Jacob Moon]

Danny Michel also has a new video out for his song Feather, Fur and Fin. A good quality video is found on his website, a crappier quality video is on youtube. [Myspace: Danny Michel]

Massive buzz band Fleet Foxes are going to be on Saturday Night Live this weekend, which is being hosted by Rosario Dawson. [Myspace: Fleet Foxes]

The latest episode of the Zygiella podcast features three members of Dinosaur Bones as Tyler and Jen's very special guests. The episode is available for download here. They are playing their one year anniversary show this Saturday at The Horseshoe. Congratulations to Kate for winning the Dinosaur Bones prize pack. [Myspace: Dinosaur Bones]

For those who care about this kind of stuff: Chart Attack has reported that City and Colour's Dallas Green has recently gotten hitched to Much Music's Leah Miller, while Stereogum has reported that Death Cab's Ben Gibbard is now engaged to She and Him's Zooey Deschanel. For me, the first one falls into the "yah, whatever" category while the second one falls into the "what the?" category. [Myspaces: Dallas Green, Death Cab For Cutie, She and Him]

And after only 85 253 albums, Ryan Adams has decided to call it a day. Apparently the blog where Ryan says that he's quitting music has been updated so as to sound a little bit less drastic but exclaim.ca quotes him as saying that health issues and never ending stage fright are just two of the reasons why he's decided to pack it in. This is breaking news so I'm still waiting to hear more about what this actually means. I'm intrigued to say the least. It looks like he's going to concentrate his time on being an author, since he's got three books set to be released sometime in the future. Oh, and I just noticed that Rolling Stone has reported on it as well. [Myspace: Ryan Adams]

At Odds With Even

Last week I received a 3 song demo from a local Toronto band who call themselves At Odds With Even. Upon first listen, I have the impression that this is a trio of music lovers who are up on their musical history. I hear traces of The Minutemen, The Melvins and The Cramps who are all bands that only the most astute music fan could successfully draw inspiration from. On the other hand, it's quite possible that Adam Tiessen, Anthony Randall and Dan Roffey are not familiar with those bands at all and they just simply stumbled into this sound without any preconceived mental prodding whatsoever. Either way, this a band that is worthy of our attention.

The demo was presented in an envelope covered in some very original looking artwork and the CD jacket also offered more of the same which leads me to believe that this band is determined to be noticed. The three songs presented on the demo show a broad range of musical styles. Recognize contains some mind altering psychedelia and Adam's vocals remind me a lot of D. Moon from the aforementioned Minutemen. Plastic Bag is the most immediate of the three songs, boasting a lo-fi garage sound and a chunky guitar breakdown that is not dissimilar to the aforementioned Melvins, as well as perhaps begging some comparisons to Mudhoney or Dinosaur Jr. And On The Corner is the third song, a slowed down reggae beat accompanied by some bassy vocals in the chorus that remind me of, yes, you guessed it, The Cramps. There are other songs on their myspace page that showcase a band that does not want to stay confined by any specific musical niche. It'll be interesting to see which direction the band decides to take in the next year or so, but in the meantime they're still playing the occasional gig throughout the city (and likely looking for more gigs too) so keep your eyes peeled and check them out.

At Odds With Even will be playing The Savannah Room on October 31st. PWYC.

Myspace: At Odds With Even
Download: Plastic Bag mp3


Other stuff: 50 extra tickets were just released right now for The Hold Steady and Drive By Truckers show at The Phoenix on November 11th. They are only available through Ticketmaster so all you Toronto cowboys better get on that quickly!
Myspace: The Hold Steady / Myspace: Drive By Truckers

R.E.M's new video for Until The Day Is Done is up on youtube.
Myspace: R.E.M.

Thanks to Chromewaves for directing me to a really cool article about Sloan at Crawdaddy online magazine.
Myspace: Sloan

Historyjen has put up her personal list of the Top 10 Canadian Bands (just below the radar) for 2008. You can check it out here.

Danny Michel has three shows at The Rivoli coming up with Jenn Grant on December 11th, 12th and 13th. Tix are $18 and you can get them here.
Myspace: Danny Michel / Myspace: Jenn Grant

Band and film submissions for NXNE 2009 are starting as of November 1st and running till the end of January. More info can be found at nxne.com.

Ryan Adams' Cardinology is out today. According to some early reports, the album is being touted as lacklustre, but people were saying that about Easy Tiger too and I really liked that album. So we'll see.
Myspace: Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

Basically, Ryan Adams is a freak. I mean that as a compliment. I really do. He releases way too much material, his albums are all too long, but miraculously, just about everything he does is great. I can literally count on ten fingers anything that I would consider mediocre by the man. Most critics would likely disagree but let me explain. First of all, it should be noted that much of his stuff does take getting used to. Usually when I listen to one of his new releases, I immediately like about a third of the songs and I consider the rest to be filler. The reasons for this however, can simply be chalked up to a simple case of Ryan overload. When listening to all of these songs together, some of them do start to blend in to one another. The A.D.D. kicks in and the mind starts to wander. But then several months later, I'll have the old ipod on shuffle, and one of the "filler" cuts will play. It almost always outshines whatever else I happened to be listening to prior during the day. Yes, Ryan Adams has a gift. He just tends to lack a little discernment, that's all. As of right now, "Easy Tiger," released today, has about 5 or 6 solid cuts on it. I won't run down the whole list, but I will say that it gets better as it plays on. The first two songs do very little for me, but beginning with track three, Adams' impeccable songwriting and melody-making is here in full force. The album has a bit of everything: heavy rockers, classic country, mild Americana, and some stellar singer-songwriter material. One word of caution, this one is being promoted quite heavily, moreso than usual, and the heavily promoted track is the truly boring song "Two", which has Sheryl Crow singing along. It basically sound like, well a Sheryl Crow song. Yawn! Don't judge the whole CD based on this song, because it really is quite good. Like some of his albums, this review is starting to run on way too long. So I'll stop. Now.

Download:
Everybody Knows mp3

Ryan Adams on myspace
Purchase "Easy Tiger" on Amazon.ca