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Show Review
Rachael Yamagata laid down an emotive opening set featuring a cello player and guitarist. Playing a number of songs from her full length debut Happenstance, Yamagata’s husky and soulful voice carried the set through such favorites as “Worn Me Down” and “Reasons Why.” Carrying a resemblance somewhere between PJ Harvey, Carole King and Elton John, Yamagata held the crowd captive with a croon that was soulful, yet earnestly jaded.
Playing a number of new songs off of Cold Roses and Jacksonville, it appears Adams has swept right past his recent rock and roll, new wave phase. The Cardinals, composed of guitarist J.P. Bowersock, drummer Brad Pemberton and bassist Catherine Popper are all clearly schooled in true country rock vein, providing just a backdrop and never daring to overstep their leader’s signals, aside from a few ripping solos from Bowerstock. Instead the band let Adams star in his show and star he did, as he pulled off quite a few belligerent “odd” stunts that in the name of rock and roll were amusing yet awkward including - - Talking to himself between songs and making odd sounds and then apologizing by saying, “sorry, my brain just threw up.” - Giving a “hey” out to the people on the third “tier,” but of course there was no third tier in the building- Blowing his nose without Kleenex by sticking his finger in his nostril and letting his gold fall onto his guitar. After the crowd made a big, “ehhh” he answered by saying “what do you want me to do, I have no Kleenex.” - Admiring his reflection in his bottle of booze in between song slugs- Stopping in mid-song to lecture audience members to stop talking about the “game” while he is singing. - Threatening to kill his lightning guy for not setting the lights as he prefers it- Picking a girl out of the front row and ridiculing her for making a sorry looking face - Talking to himself erratically throughout the show and saying such comments as “he needs therapy” and “I’m just trying to be personable” and “shit, I lost my contact.”
 If Adams shut his mouth and just played his brilliant music we could have gotten four more songs, aside from the “side show.” Highlights included Adams on piano singing in his lonesome drawl a chilling version of “Rescue Blues,” sounding like Elton John in his Tumbleweed Connection days. Wrapping his arms around his “temperamental” guitar, that he explained was the only one he can wrap his wrists around, Adams played a couple of new songs off of Jacksonville – “The End” and “Peaceful Valley.” Next Adams pulled a surprise and played a soggy version of The Grateful Dead’s “Wharf Rat” that solemnly rolled upon its down and out themes and even led into some jammed out territory as he calmly hit the songs crescendo of “I’ll get up and fly away.” What the show lacked in professionalism, it was made up for in raw, live spontaneity. It proved Adams is a rare artist who can get away with letting his mouth run and even throw a few darts at his paying fans. With boundless talent, he’s one of the few that can sell out a show on both shock value and crafty musicianship. But just remember, the next time Ryan Adams abruptly stops a songs to tell you to stop talking during the show, remind him that you’re the one paying the money to hear him ramble. But by all means, never, ever, call him Bryan. |
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As the namesake of one of his songs, Adams is a firecracker waiting to explode. Although both a critic’s darling and bulls-eye, Adams has played a heavy hand in bringing alt-county to the mainstream while proving arrogance and sensitivity in rock can still run side by side. In the early 70’s Gram Parsons and Keith Richards shared some valuable musical bonding time together, which led to many of the honky tonk country flavors on Exile on Main Street. If the two would have raised a pet child, no doubt Ryan Adams would be it – possessing Richards’ over indulgent behavior and bluesy rock and roll standards along with Parson’s dynamic country yearnings. Ever the prolific songwriter himself, Adams has just begun a tour supporting three upcoming record releases: Cold Roses due May 3, Jacksonville City Nights due August 9 and 29, due out Nov. 2. His new band is called The Cardinals, but after his performance at Higher Ground, nobody will be calling him to the Vatican City.
For the headliner, Mr. Adams, there were clearly two shows going on and unfortunately the music took second billing to Adams’ himself. Taking the stage visibly drunk, Adams looked like a blend of Corey Feldman from Stand By Me, Edward Scissorhands and Neil Young circa 1973. With dirty unkept hair flowing in face and hipster black rimmed glases, Adams looked every part the mysterious rock and roller. But when the North Carolina native let his mouth run, it became quite apparent that he made comfy with the bottle during this spring Vermont night.
