Review: Ryan Adams

In a night that covered more than two hours and comprised 21 songs, including hits, rarities and fan favorites, the most memorable song may have been the one that didn’t even exist when the concert began.

Mistakenly hearing a fan’s song request as “My Badger,” singer/songwriter Ryan Adams immediately composed a song about his new pet badger “Admiral.” Containing references to the USS Enterprise, Mariah Carey and “Glitter” and the perils of domesticating wild animals, it was the “Iliad” of improvisation. The song contained four verses, a chorus and whistled bridge. It probably would have featured a drum solo if Adams weren’t the only performer onstage.

“My Badger” wasn’t the only spontaneous song during Wednesday’s performance at the Kansas City Music Hall. The off-the-cuff material provided a nice contrast to Adam’s less-than-uplifting lyrics and allowed the singer to poke fun of himself as well. g.”

In the past, detours like those could have easily turned into wormholes that derailed the performance. This current solo/acoustic tour is an artistic showcase. Everything in the carefully crafted song arrangements and selections is designed to display Adams’ songwriting abilities. While Adams is a divisive performer and personality, there’s no question he has chops. A beautiful “Oh My Sweet Carolina” set the mood perfectly. Later, Adams gave a stripped down reading of his post-9/11 hit “New York, New York” on the piano, placing the familiar song in a new context. 

For most of the evening, Adams was seated on a chair in the center of the stage with two red, white and blue Buck Owens-style acoustic guitars within arm’s reach. A notebook of song lyrics lay on a monitor at his feet. The low red lighting kept most of Adams face in shadows as he bent over his guitar, delicately finger-picking and strumming.

The setlist contained as many songs from Adam’s first solo album, 1999’s “Heartbreaker,” as his most recent, last year’s “Ashes and Fire.” In a way, the night had the same flaw as the album. Taken individually, every song was exquisite, but together they started sounding similar.

Varying tempos would have helped, but even upbeat numbers like “Firecracker” were slowed down. The songs that best fit the mood were the gentle “Please Do Not Let Me Go” and haunting reinterpretation of Oasis’ “Wonderwall.” The sole number from Adams’ days in Whiskeytown, “16 Days,” was another standout.

Although stacking mid-tempo numbers created a steady stream of fans in and out of the theater, those who remained were pin-drop quiet during each song. Between numbers they shouted requests and egged on the singer’s eccentricities. There was nothing that would have converted an undecided listener, but after experiencing two frustrating concerts previously at the Uptown Theater over the years, the devoted finally got what they came for. And then some.

Setlist: Oh My Sweet Carolina; Ashes and Fire; If I Am A Stranger; Dirty Rain; My Winding Wheel; Sweet Lil’ Gal (23rd/1st); Invisible Riverside; Everbody Knows; Firecracker; Let It Ride; Rescue Blues; Please Do Not Let Me Go; English Girls Approximately; Two; Lucky Now; Wonderwall (Oasis cover); New York, New York; 16 Days; Come Pick Me Up. Encore: When Will You Come Back Home?; Sweet Illusions.

| Joel Francis, Special to The Star

Comments

[Mike A]

NY/NY was actually pre 9/11. He tweeted a seemingly genuine thanks to KC. Maybe he is maturing as a person. Glad to hear folks got what they paid for.

[Megan]

It was almost as if the Ryan Adams who performed 2-3 years ago at the Uptown and the Ryan Adams we saw last night were two different (but equally talented) people. Thoroughly enjoyed the set/banter/improv.

[ReverbTank]

Great review, great match of venue and artist. The most peaceful and comfortable Adams I've seen. Only would have preferred Jason Isbell as opener and guest (played up through STL show Tues. night).

[Randy]

People pay good money to go see him and he does not even play his hit songs? where was summer of 69?

What is with this artist thinking they are too good to play the songs that made them famous?

""He tweeted a seemingly genuine thanks to KC""

The secret to success in the music business is being seen as genuine, when you can fake that, you have it made.

[Darrell]

Great show. Glad to have been there. The attentive audience really made a difference.

[Megan]

Randy, "Summer of '69" is a BRYAN (not Ryan) Adams song. Please do your homework before making ignorant comments.

[Randy]

HEY LITTLE MISSY!!! That is beside (or is it besides?)anyways(or is it anyway?) the point!!! He should have played it anyway!! Who does he think he is?!

[Penny]

Good review, Joel. I think he genuinely liked the KC crowd and gave us some extra entertainment. The guy next to us saw him in St. Louis the night before and said the set was basically the same, but not near as much interaction with the crowd. I enjoyed seeing him for the first time...

[Please don't leave, Ryan!]

I've never seen an audience that resemebled a battered spouse more than I have at 3 ryan adams concerts. When the guy shouted "You're putting me to sleep Ryan" I heard a collective and reflexive "GASP!" And in response to ryan asking "What did you say?" Some girl offered up a whimpered...nothing.

I love the guy's music. But he's a primadonna in the first degree.

[Remedy4me]

Yeah, the guy has his issues but I almost look at this tour as the "kiss and make up" tour. He isn't letting the comments bother him, at least not on the outside, and I think he is genuinely trying to deliver the best show he can. You never know with Ryan, the next show in KC will probably be a huge disappointment but for now it was a great show and one that the fans deserved.

[MarkV]

Well reviewed Joel and that was indeed an intereting dynamic with the audience that grew into a remarkable interplay both musically and conversationally, he was hilarious and unapologetically himself. Among the many songs there were some real jewels, Lucky Now while
breathtaking could not elevate the energy beyond that hauntingly beautiful mood. There was not for a me a transcendent moment in this show though I enjoyed it all but in the banter came his own self parody of "existential angst"... Great show for the improvisational space he created out nothingness.

[J.G.]

Dude has talent but could he be any more over-hyped?

[anon]

Ryan was warm and witty. The show was mellow. Too mellow for me. Some high points (Sweet Carolina, My Winding Wheel, NY NY, Lucky Now, Come Pick Me Up--great songs, well done). But lots of eh (everything from My Winding Wheel to English Girls). And I say that despite loving (really) almost all of those songs.

Please has it right--some were on eggshells, hoping not to piss him off. Not necessary.

I was told after his last show by those reliably informed that health issues drove the early end, and obviously there's been a lot more clarity on what those issues were since then. Putting the last show and this one together would have been great, but sometimes the world doesn't let that happen. I'd be a little surprised to see him tour with a full band again.

[Venkman]

I wanted to mention the surprise/unannounced opening set by Butch Walker. The guy is terrific and put together a nice little set himself last night.

Would have loved to see Ryan with a full band, but last night was quite enjoyable in itself.

[Dave]

Why is it acceptable for a person at a show in the Music Hall to heckle the artist with the "you're putting me to sleep" comment? Of course the audience reacted negatively to the comment because it was a classless thing to yell. Obviously this show was at the Music Hall because it was meant to be acoustic and quiet without people talking over the music and kicking beer bottles around. The dude that yelled the comment was trying to provoke Adams into a tantrum and instead he made a joke out of it and moved on. Not every show has to be uptempo to be good. It was mellow and beautiful and most people appreciated it for what it was - a show that highlighted his songwriting, voice, guitar playing, and personality. Quit yelling requests and stupid comments at shows.

[Dave]

And just for the record, he improvised songs called "Oh F--- Me, It's Raining," "My Badger," and "Robert Plant's Bush." It was hardly a solemn, sleepy event. He was self-deprecating and offered many sincere words of thanks to the KC crowd. He did, though, need someone to tune that piano.

[Paul J]

Well said, Dave.

[Country Jesus]

Megan, you fell for the oldest trick in the book. Unless Randy is Megan and is just talking to himself. It would have been cool to hear him do Summer of '69 though. Even better if Tina Turner stepped out and they dueted It's Only Love. Randy, wish you'd have been there to yell out "Freebird" - coupled w/It's Only Love & Robert Plant's Bush would have made it one of the best shows of the year.

I was lucky to have missed the notorious Uptown shows. I saw him at the Lied Center 8 years ago??? Right around his 30th B-Day and he put on a fine show. Last night was just as good. The Music Hall was the perfect venue for this event. Nice review Joel.

[Jeff]

Megan, I think Randy was ribbing us/Ryan. Google Ryan Adamas and Summer of '69. There is some history. At least the sleeping heckler was quiet during songs. The crowd was very respectful of each other. I don't view it as being respectful to Ryan. My enjoyment of the show was partially due to the crowd allowing the crowd to listen attentively to the hushed beauty of the show. I enjoyed the banter as the break between songs. Didn't need to have an uptempo song to break the melancholy songs. Sorry, I didn't appreciate the opening act. Some won't agree nor care. But as a parent I need to plan accordingly for babysitting. When no opening act is noted nor announced, it fouled things up. Ryan coming on at 9:20 vs 8:00 forced us to have to leave early.
I know, I know. Who cares? Grouchy old f***. It is possible to be passionate about live music and responsible at the same time.

[DT]

Hey you old geeezers... wanna smile?
I saw this online last night, and thought Id share, it aint the summer summer of 69... it was the summer of 78... aka "the good ole days"

I was there, were you?

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac342/wycovintage7/3-15-11/7471USE.jpg

It was the first time I saw Van Halen live

[Mr. Bulbous]

I agree that he is definitely different than the guy we saw the last time in KC. Marriage, sobriety, and getting a little older has a way of putting things into perspective.

Butch Walker had a great set. I am a huge fan was pleasantly surprise when he was added.

[Skal]

Isn't anyone else going to raise a glass and toast Jeff for being an old married/with children (who need babay sitters)(did you pay a ticketmaster fee for her too;) dude.... AND YET HE STILL makes sure to get out and see live music.

I will... Cheers Jeff...
Good for you for getting out...
even if you have to leave early...
Cheers man!!!! SKAL!!!

And also cheers to you for having a sense of humor, and understanding why Adams didnt play summer of 69.

[wadkc]

Screw a Ryan Adams review. BUTCH WALKER was there! The same guy who I have on my license plate on the front of my car. (his product, not a vanity) Dang, his last album was the his best since Marvelous 3. Wish I would have known....

[LMAO]

LOL, you have the guys plate on your car, but you dont bother to keep track of his touring? LMAO

[Megan]

I'm well aware of the history behind the "Summer of '69" comment, but apparently I'm not very good at picking up sarcasm in online comments. My bad.

[wadkc]

I didn't say I wanted to have his baby. The way he get's in and out of projects, who knows where he'll be. I'm not a stalker.