Ryan Adams Changes Name, Game

I haven’t been following the career of this fine fan of country, roots, pop and rock, because I figured he was doing just fine, thanks. I’ve been seeing his name everywhere, so he’s been getting love, and it’s almost always positive news.

That streak will probably continue after Ryan Adams loses his name and is absorbed into his capable rhythm section The Cardinals, who have helped turned in a sweet homage to ’70s folk, funk and blues called Cardinology. I listened in, liked what I heard and reported for Metromix.

Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Cardinology
[Scott Thill, Metromix]
Like Neil Young and Crazy Horse, who underwent similar name changes, Ryan and the Cardinals traffic in rootsy rock, country, blues and pop. Softly stirring lullabyes like “Born Into a Light” scratch a countrified itch, while crunchy stomps like “Magick” sound as though they emerged fully formed from the Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers.” Airy, acoustic ballads like “Sink Ships” stretch toward conventional crossover, while slow-burning torches like “Fix It” spark into fires as romantic as they are refreshing. Good stuff. MORE @ METROMIX