by Dave Franklin

Created on: January 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Ryan Adams would probably have no problem with me describing him as "the bastard son of Gram Parsons". Not only does the whole alt-country scene owe a great debt to the country rock pioneers of those days, but Adams seems to be living the same troubled life that led parsons to death at such a young age. Starting in punk bands, as anyone of a similar age seems to have done, he first found recognition with Whiskeytown, a raw aged country-rock hybrid that suffered from an ever-changing line up due to Adams own difficult nature. It was probably obvious to all concerned that Adams would find a better place as a solo musician, reducing the need for diplomacy and compromise that have never been his strong point, but which are skills that are required to hold a band together.

In 2000 his first solo album Heartbreaker was recorded and the seal of approval was given when Emmylou Harris, Parsons backing vocalist back in his heyday, sang on the track "Oh My Sweet Carolina". Critics loved the album though sales were low, but it was not long before this prolific artist returned with another set of songs and 2001's Gold proved to be not only his best selling album to date but opens with the song that he is probably best known for.

"New York, New York" is one of those lucky breaks for all the wrong reasons. Don't get me wrong it's a cracking song and deserves the status that it obtained; from the moment that the up tempo rhythms of a lone acoustic guitar kick in closely followed by single emphasising power chords and funky percussive beats, you know that something great is happening. By the time the full drum kit is driving the song along and Adams is narrating this bittersweet love affair with his adopted home, you will be dancing around uncontrollably. A Hammond organ gives it that slightly fashionable retro sound, but its fresh tempo and clean spacey style places it very much in the twenty first century. Like I say, a great song, but it was the video that did all of the work. On the 9th of September Adams recorded a simple one-man performance video on the Brooklyn waterfront to go with the first release from the album, the twin towers looming large over his shoulder. 48 hours later they were gone and Adams single became the anthem of the people of New York during those dark times.

The second track "Firecracker" is another infectious number, this time harmonica dominates and a piano cements the guitar to the back beat and the harmonies twist round the music and really add a

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